Why are my snake plant leaves bending in half?

Answered by John Hunt

I’ve had a snake plant for a few years now, and I’ve definitely experienced the issue of the leaves bending or falling over. It can be frustrating, but I’ve learned a few things that might help explain why this happens.

One common cause of snake plant leaves bending is overwatering. Snake plants are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves. If you water them too frequently or give them too much water at once, the leaves can become heavy and start to bend. It’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings and not to water too much. I’ve found that watering my snake plant once every two to three weeks is sufficient.

Another factor that can cause snake plant leaves to bend is lighting issues. Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light. If they are placed in an area with too much direct sunlight, the leaves can become stressed and start to bend or droop. On the other hand, if they are kept in low light conditions for a prolonged period of time, the leaves may also start to bend as they try to reach for more light. Finding the right balance of light for your snake plant is crucial to prevent bending leaves. I’ve experimented with different locations in my home and found that my snake plant does best in a spot with bright, indirect light.

Lastly, incorrect repotting practices can also cause snake plant leaves to bend. When repotting a snake plant, it’s important not to bury the leaves too deeply in the soil. The plant should be planted at the same depth it was in its previous pot. If the leaves are buried too deeply, they can become crowded and start to bend. Additionally, using a well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent overwatering and root rot, which can also lead to bending leaves.

Snake plant leaves can bend or fall over due to overwatering, lighting issues, or incorrect repotting practices. By avoiding these common mistakes and providing the right care, you can help your snake plant thrive and prevent bending leaves.