If you’ve noticed your snake plant leaves curling, you’re in the right place to fix it. This common issue is usually a sign your plant is trying to tell you something about its care.
Snake plants, or Sansevieria, are famously tough. But even these resilient plants can have problems. Curling leaves are a clear visual cue that something in their environment needs adjusting. The good news is that with a few simple checks, you can usually identify and solve the problem quickly.
Let’s look at the main reasons why this happens and how to get your plant back to its healthy, upright glory.
Snake Plant Leaves Curling
This specific symptom can point to a few different causes. The direction and type of curl—whether inward, outward, or sideways—often gives you the first clue. Most often, it’s related to water, light, or pests.
Primary Causes and Immediate Fixes
Here are the most frequent reasons for curling leaves, listed from most to least common.
1. Improper Watering (The Usual Suspect)
This is the number one cause. Snake plants store water in their thick leaves. Problems occur when they get too much or too little.
* Overwatering: This is the most common mistake. Soggy soil leads to root rot, which damages the roots so they can’t absorb water or nutrients. Ironically, this causes the leaves to curl, wrinkle, and feel soft or mushy.
* Fix: Stop watering immediately. Check the soil. If it’s wet, remove the plant from its pot. Trim away any black, mushy roots with sterile scissors. Repot into fresh, well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Wait at least a week or two before watering again.
* Underwatering: While drought-tolerant, they still need water. Severely dehydrated leaves will curl inward, feel dry and brittle, and may have brown tips.
* Fix: Give your plant a thorough, deep watering. Let water run through the drainage holes. Then, return to a consistent schedule: water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry.
2. Lighting Stress
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate low light. However, extremes cause stress.
* Too Much Direct Sun: Intense, hot sun can scorch leaves, causing them to curl, yellow, and develop bleached spots.
* Fix: Move the plant to a spot with bright but filtered light. A few feet back from a south or west window is ideal.
* Too Little Light: In very dim conditions, leaves may curl weakly as they stretch and reach for a light source. Growth will be slow.
* Fix: Gradually move the plant to a brighter location. Avoid sudden shifts to prevent shock.
3. Pest Infestations
Sap-sucking pests can cause leaves to curl and distort.
* Common Culprits: Spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Look for fine webbing, cottony masses, or tiny moving specks.
* Fix: Isolate the plant. Wipe leaves with a cloth dipped in soapy water (use mild dish soap). For persistent issues, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied weekly.
4. Temperature Extremes and Drafts
Snake plants enjoy stable, warm temperatures similar to what people prefer.
* Cold Drafts: Being near a drafty window, air conditioner, or heating vent can cause leaves to curl and droop.
* Fix: Relocate your plant to a spot with stable temperatures, away from sudden air flows. Keep them away from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
5. Pot-Bound Roots
While they like being snug, severely crowded roots have no room to grow or absorb nutrients properly. This can lead to curling and general decline.
* Fix: If you see roots circling the pot or growing out the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches wider in diameter.
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Follow these steps to pinpoint your plant’s issue.
1. Feel the Soil. Is it bone dry for weeks, or is it constantly damp? This answers the watering question first.
2. Inspect the Leaves. Look closely at both sides for pests, discoloration, or unusual textures. Feel the leaf—is it firm or soft?
3. Check the Roots. If watering seems off, gently tip the plant out. Healthy roots are firm and orange-white. Rotten roots are brown/black and mushy.
4. Review the Environment. Has the plant been moved recently? Is it near a new heat source or cold draft? How has the seasonal light changed?
5. Consider Last Fertilization. Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup that burns roots, leading to curling. When did you last feed it?
How to Correct and Prevent Future Curling
Once you’ve identified the cause, use these ongoing care tips to prevent the problem from returning.
Perfect Your Watering Technique
Mastering watering is 90% of snake plant success.
* The Finger Test is Your Best Friend: Always check the soil before watering. Stick your finger 2-3 inches down. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
* Water Deeply, Then Dry Out: When you water, do so thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Then, empty the saucer so the pot doesn’t sit in water.
* Seasonal Adjustments: Water much less frequently in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. The soil will take longer to dry.
Provide the Ideal Light and Temperature
* Aim for a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window, or a spot back from a south/west window, is perfect.
* Maintain room temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) and avoid sudden drops.
Use the Right Soil and Pot
* Soil: Always use a fast-draining mix. A cactus/succulent potting mix is excellent. You can add extra perlite for even better drainage.
* Pot: A pot with drainage holes is non-negotiable. Terracotta pots are great because they allow soil to dry more quickly.
Fertilize Sparingly
Snake plants are light feeders. Overdoing it causes more harm than good.
* Fertilize only during the growing season (spring and summer).
* Use a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer at half-strength, no more than once a month.
FAQ: Common Questions About Curling Leaves
Q: Can curled leaves go back to normal?
A: If the curling is due to underwatering, the leaves may plump back up partially. However, severe curling or damage from rot, pests, or scarring is often permanent. The plant will focus energy on new, healthy growth.
Q: Should I cut off the curled leaves?
A: You don’t have to if only the edge is curled. But if a leaf is extensively curled, yellow, or mushy from rot, it’s best to remove it. Use clean shears to cut it off at the soil line. This helps the plant look better and prevents potential disease spread.
Q: Why are only the new leaves on my snake plant curling?
A: New growth is most sensitive. This often points to a recent change—like a shift in watering, a new light source, or a recent pest issue. Review care changes in the last few months.
Q: Is leaf curling always a bad sign?
A: Some very slight inward curving can be natural, especially on taller leaves. But pronounced curling, especially when combined with color changes or texture changes, is a definite sign of stress that needs attention.
Q: How often should I really water my snake plant?
A: There’s no universal schedule. It depends on your home’s light, humidity, and pot size. Always, always use the soil dryness test instead of the calendar. In many homes, watering every 3-6 weeks is sufficient.
Remember, snake plants are survivors. Seeing snake plant leaves curling is an early warning sign that allows you to correct course. By observing your plant closely and adjusting its care, you can stop the curling and enjoy this low-maintenance beauty for years to come. Start with the simplest fix—check your watering habits—and you’ll likely be on the path to a solution.