I’ve had my fair share of snake plant drama over the years. These supposedly “indestructible” plants sure know how to throw a fit sometimes!
Snake plants are supposed to be pretty relaxed and easy to care for. But when those leaves start curling they’re showing you something is definitely wrong.
I remember bringing home my first snake plant. It looked perfect for about three weeks then suddenly the leaves started curling up. And of course I panicked.
But don’t worry if you’re facing the same issue. The leaves curling on a snake plant is fairly common and easy to fix in most cases.
So I’m going to go through the reasons why your snake planes leaves might be curling up and, more importantly, how to fix whatever is going on.
1. Underwatering
Even snake plants that can don’t mind a lack of water have a limit. They’re well known for putting up with a lot of neglect sadly they can’t live on air alone.
When they don’t get enough water their leaves curl inward as a defense mechanism to stop water loss. It’s a bit like how we curl up to try and stay warm and not lose heat. It’s the same idea only for moisture.
How to fix it:
- First check how dry the soil is. Just put your finger into the soil and see how it feels. If it’s dry then water it.
- Water until the drains from the bottom of the pot (yes, your pot should have drainage holes!)
- If your plant is very dehydrated you might need to bottom water. You can do this by putting the pot in a tray of water and leaving it for about 20 to 30 minutes
Don’t go overboard though! Just water your snake plant when the soil is completely dry. No more than that.
How often that is will come down to your home and here you love (how humid and hot it gets). I try to make a note of when I water on my calendar because I’m forgetful like that.
2. Overwatering
I know, it’s a bit of an irony that underwater and overwatering cause problems. But actually overwatering is probably the biggest killer of snake plants. They really don’t like it.
Snake plants store water in their leaves (they’re actually succulents), so they don’t need to be watered very often. When you give them too much the roots can’t breathe and will start to rot. The leaves react by curling and quite often turn yellow and soft too.
How to fix it:
- Stop watering and let the soil dry out
- If the soil stays wet for more than a week you might need to repot it
- Check for root rot. If the roots are healthy they will be firm and white, not brown and mushy
- Trim any roots that have rotted before you repot
I once killed a snake plant by giving it too much with water. I try to only water when I know they need it now, and they seem a lot happier.
So remember: snake plants only need watering when the soil is completely dry, which might mean just once a month in winter!
3. Wrong Light Conditions
Snake plants are good at adapting to lots of different conditions but they do have preferences when it comes to light. They can survive in low light (which makes them great office plants) but they really like medium to bright indirect light.
If your snake plant gets either too much or too little light then the leaves might curl as a response. I’ve seen this happen when I moved mine from a spot that got very little light to a south facing window without any time to let it get used to the new conditions. It wasn’t happy!
Too little light:
Leaves may become thin and curl outward as they stretch towards the light.
Too much direct light:
Leaves often curl inward and can develop brown edges or spots from sunburn.
How to fix it:
- If your plant hasn’t been getting enough light then gradually move it to a brighter spot
- If the plant ie sunburnt then pull them back from direct sunlight
- The sweet spot is bright, indirect light – near a window with sheer curtains is often perfect
Fun fact: Snake plants can actually adapt to fluorescent lights found it offices. But they won’t grow as well as those given proper light. For me they do best near an east facing window where they get morning sun.
4. Temperature Extremes
Snake plants might look tough (and they are, especially when compared to some other plants), but they’re a tropical plant first and foremost. They like the temperature to be about 65-85°F (18-29°C).
When it drops below 50°F (10°C) or they’re hit by cold drafts the leaves can curl inward when reacting to the stress. Too much heat can also cause curling as the plant tries to stop from losing water.
How to fix it:
- Keep snake plants away from windows and doors that get drafts as well as radiators and air conditioners
- If the temperature outdoors drops below 50°F (10°C), bring any of your potted snake plants inside
- During the winter move your plants a few inches away from cold windows
- In the summer make sure they’re not in the hot, direct sun
Just because snake plants can survive a different types of conditions doesn’t mean they’ll do well. They might be able to grow in them but they won’t be happy about it or give you their best.
5. Pest Infestations
Snake plants don’t get too many pests but it does happen. The most common are spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects. They sap the leaves and cause them to curl, turn yellow and just look bad.
Spider mites in particular are very sneaky. As they’re so tiny you might not notice them until you see some webbing between the leaves or what looks like dust.
How to identify pest problems:
- Look for tiny bugs, webbing or substance that looks like cotton all on leaves
- Also check for sticky stuff on the leaves or under the plant (a sign of honeydew from insects that suck the sap)
- Look at new growth and the undersides of leaves as that’s where pests like to hide
How to fix it:
- Isolate any plants that have been affected straightaway so they have no chance to spread
- Wipe the leaves with a cloth to remove the pests
- Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
- For bad infestations you might need to repeat any treatments every week for 3 to 4 weeks
I had a problem with spider mites on my snake plant for months and didn’t realize what the tiny specks were. You’re much better working to prevent your plants from getting pests instead of having to cure them. I now wipe my snake plant leaves on a regular basis with a cloth to keep them clean and free of pests.
6. Poor Soil Drainage
Snake plants need soil that drains well. Period. If you use regular potting soil it’s a recipe for disaster as it holds on to too much moisture.
When the roots have to sit in wet soil they can’t get the oxygen they need and essentially suffocate. The roots becoming stressed like this is shown by leaf curling, usually with yellow or brown spots.
How to fix it:
- Repot using soil mix for cacti or succulents – these are better for drainage
- Create your own mix by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or pumice (about 50/50)
- Always use pots with drainage holes
- You can add some gravel at the bottom of the pot (though opinions vary on whether this actually helps)
I’ve tried quite a few different soil mixes for my snake plants and my current favorite is 60% cactus soil, 30% perlite, and 10% orchid bark. It drains really well but still holds on to enough moisture for the roots in between waterings.
Some snake plants that have been grown in proper soil can live for decades. There are been some specimens in botanical gardens that are over 70 years old!
7. Root Bound
Snake plants don’t mind being a little snug in their pots (they actually bloom more when they’re slightly root bound), but not too much.
When a snake plant becomes badly root bound the roots grow in circles and compete with each other for nutrients and water. This stress can cause the leaves to curl as the plant struggles to support itself.
Signs your snake plant is root bound:
- Roots growing in circles around the inside of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes
- Water running straight through the pot without being absorbed
- Plant is unstable
- Growth has slowed or stopped completely
How to fix it:
- Repot into a pot that’s about 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter
- Loosen the roots and untangle them before you replant.
- Trim sway the very long or damaged roots
- Use fresh soil when you repot
Don’t go mad with pot size though. One that’s too big will hold on to too much moisture which can lead to root rot. I think it’s best to size up slowly – never more than 2 inches larger in diameter.
8. Chemical Damage
This one can be sneaky because it happens so gradually. Your tap water could contain fluoride, chlorine or salts that build up in the soil over time. Overfertilizing can also cause the chemicals to burn your snake plant.
All of which can cause the leaves to curl, get brown tips on the leaves or turn yellow.
How to fix it:
- Use filtered, distilled or rainwater instead of tap water if you can
- If you have to use tap water let it sit out overnight so the chlorine evaporates
- Fertilize only 1 or 2 times per year with half strength fertilizer
- If you think your plant may have salt buildup then run water through it for several minutes
I only fertilize my spider plants once in the spring and once in the summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
9. Recent Transplant Shock
Sometimes the problem isn’t anything to do with how you’re care for your plant but a recent change in where it lives. Snake plants don’t like being moved or repotted and they can show they’re unhappy about it through curling leaves.
Transplant shock happens when a plant is getting used to its new conditions. The roots need time to recover and during this period the plant might not be able to take up water well even if the soil is moist.
How to fix it:
- Be patient! Give your plant time to get used to its new home – that could take a few weeks
- Put the repotted plant in a spot with conditions similar to where it originally has been
- Don’t fertilize until you see new growth
- Water a little but consistently
After I repotted my snake plant last year I panicked when the leaves started curling a little. I didn’t water or fertilize it but instead just gave it time. Within a month though it had settled in and was looking good again.
FAQ About Snake Plant Leaf Curling
Can curled snake plant leaves ever uncurl?
Yes, but it depends on what caused it and how bad it is. New growth will usually be normal once you address whatever the underlying problem is. But if the damage is very bad the leaves might never recover. I’ve had mild curling reverse themselves after fixing some watering issues but sadly the really badly curled leaves stayed that way even after the plant was healthy again.
Should I cut off curling snake plant leaves?
Only cut the leaves that are badly damaged, diseased or dead. Mildly curled leaves still photosynthesize and give the plant energy. If a leaf is brown or soft then you can trim it at the base. I only remove leaves as a last resort as they give the plant the energy it needs.
Why are my snake plant leaves soft and curling?
Soft, curling leaves are usually because of overwatering or root rot. Check how moist the soil is and let it dry out completely. You may need to check the roots to make sure they aren’t rotting and repot it if so. I’ve saved overwatered snake plants by letting them dry out completely for 2 to 3 weeks before watering them again.
How often should I really water my snake plant?
It really depends on your conditions. For the most part you should water when the soil is completely dry. This might mean:
- Summer: Every 2-3 weeks
- Winter: Every 4-8 weeks
- Low light conditions: Less frequently
- High light conditions: More frequently
Can too much fertilizer cause snake plant leaves to curl?
Absolutely! Snake plants don’t need much fertilizer. Too much causes salts to buildup and also can cause burning from the chemicals, which will also cause the leaves to curl and brown tips. Only fertilize 1 to 2 times a year with diluted fertilizer (half the recommended strength).
Final Thoughts
Seeing your snake plant’s leaves curling can be frustrating,. But don’t get too upset as the plant can often be saved.
The most common reasons are down to watering – either too much or too little. Start by checking there then work through the other possible causes.
Plants tell you how they’re feeling with their appearance. Curling leaves are just your snake plant’s way of saying something’s not quite right. Listen to what it’s telling you, make changes and you’ll likely see improvements.
Thankfully snake plants are very tough. I’ve seen them bounce back from some some awful situations once the underlying cause is fixed. Be patient, keep any eye on your plant and try not to overthink it. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one.