The snake plant, a.k.a. Sansevieria, is a popular indoor plant with attractive, sword-like leaves in various shades of green, yellow, and silver.
Besides being easy to care for, snake plants have been found to have air-purifying properties that can improve indoor air quality.
However, one problem that we owners may encounter is snake plant leaves splitting, where the leaves develop cracks, splits, or holes.
A variety of factors can cause leaf splitting. They include overwatering, physical damage, and fungal or bacterial infections. It’s important to address leaf splitting promptly to maintain the health and appearance of the plant.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes of snake plant leaves splitting and provide helpful tips on how to fix and prevent it.
Table of Contents
9 Causes of Snake Plant Leaves Splitting with Fixes
Snake plants are known for their resilience and ease of care but can still be susceptible to leaf splitting. Understanding the causes and symptoms of leaf splitting is crucial to preventing and treating the issue.
In this next section, we’ll look at 9 of the most common causes of snake plant leaves splitting. We’ll also cover each of their symptoms and offer some pro tips on how to avoid the issues from occurring:
Overwatering
Overwatering can cause snake plant leaves to split, leading to root rot. It is a condition where the roots become so waterlogged that the roots cannot absorb oxygen properly.
When the roots cannot breathe, the plant’s overall health and vitality decline, and the leaves may show signs of stress, such as yellowing or browning.
Over time, the excess moisture can cause the leaves to split or develop holes. In severe cases, the plant may even die.
Symptoms
Dry and crunchy leaves, curled leaves, soil pulling away from the sides of the pot and piling around the edges
Pro tips to avoid overwatering
- Water the plant thoroughly until the water drains out of the pot’s bottom
- Increase the frequency of watering during warmer months.
- Ensure that the soil and container are well draining.
Underwatering
Underwatering can cause snake plant leaves to split, leading to dehydration and stress. When the plant does not receive enough water, the leaves lose their turgor pressure and become dry and brittle. This can make them more susceptible to cracking or splitting.
Underwatering can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakening the plant’s overall structure and making it more vulnerable to damage. The nutrients need water to break them down and make them useable. Otherwise, they will build up around the plant and burn them.
Symptoms of underwatering
Dry, crunchy, and curled up leaves, soil pushing up to the edges of the pot, away from the plant.
Pro tips to avoid underwatering
- Give the plant good water without drawing it. Do so until water drains out of the pot’s bottom
- Increase the frequency of watering during warmer months.
- Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage.
Extreme temperature changes
Extreme temperature changes can cause snake plant leaves to split because they can stress the plant and disrupt its growth processes.
When the temperature fluctuates too rapidly or drastically, it can cause the leaves to develop brown or black edges, a soft and mushy appearance, and stunted growth.
These symptoms can make the leaves more vulnerable to splitting or cracking, especially if the plant is weakened or stressed.
Symptoms of extreme temperature changes
Brown or black edges on the leaves with a soft and mushy appearance. You may also notice signs of stunted growth.
Pro tips to protect the snake plant from temperature changes
- Avoid placing the plant near drafty doors or windows
- Protect it from cold drafts and full direct sun
- Maintain a stable temperature range of 60-85°F (15-29°C)
Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Fungal or bacterial infections can cause snake plant leaves to split because they weaken the plant’s structure and reduce its overall health and vitality.
When a snake plant is infected with a fungus or bacteria, it can develop yellow or brown streaks on the leaves, soft and mushy spots on the leaves, and black spots on the leaves.
These symptoms can weaken the leaves and make them more susceptible to splitting or cracking. In severe cases, the infection can spread throughout the plant and even lead to its death.
Symptoms of infections
Yellow or brown streaks on the leaves, soft and mushy spots on the leaves, and black spots on the leaves.
Pro tips to prevent and treat infections
- Use sterile soil and containers
- Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering
- Treat any infections with a fungicide.
Lack of Micronutrients
A lack of micronutrients can cause snake plant leaves to split because they are essential for the plant’s growth and development. Micronutrients are nutrients that the plant needs in small quantities, but they play a crucial role in the plant’s overall health and vitality.
When a snake plant lacks essential micronutrients, such as boron, it can develop yellow or brown tips on the leaves, slow growth, and smaller leaves. These symptoms can make the leaves more susceptible to splitting or cracking, especially if the plant is weakened or stressed.
Boron Deficiency Issue
Yellow or brown tips on the leaves, slow growth, and smaller leaves.
Tips to fix that
- Provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months
- Ensure that it receives adequate sunlight.
High Traffic Location Issue
High-traffic (a.k.a. foot traffic) location issues can cause snake plant leaves to split because they can damage the plant’s structure and create stress.
When a snake plant is located in an area with high foot traffic, it can experience soil compaction and damage to its leaves from being brushed against or stepped on. This can cause the leaves to bend, break, or split, making them more vulnerable to further damage.
Symptoms of high traffic location problem
Bent or broken leaves and soil compaction due to excessive foot traffic.
Pro tips to protect
- Place the plant in a low-traffic area
- Use a sturdy pot that won’t easily tip over
- Provide support for the leaves with stakes or a trellis.
Physical Damage
Physical damage can cause snake plant leaves to split because the force of the physicality can create tears, holes, or other damage to the leaf’s surface. This damage can make the leaf more vulnerable to further damage and can weaken the plant’s structure.
When a snake plant experiences physical damage, it can develop brown or black spots on the leaves, splits or holes in the leaves, and a distorted leaf shape.
These symptoms can make them more susceptible to splitting or cracking, especially if the plant is weakened or stressed.
Symptoms of physical damage
Brown or black spots may cover the leaves and splits and/or holes on the leaves themselves. You may also notice that the shape of the leaves becomes distorted.
Pro tips to prevent that
- Handle the plant with care
- Keep it out of reach of pets and children
- Protect it from accidental damage, including simply brushing by excess winds.
Low Humidity/Dry Air
Low humidity or dry air can cause snake plant leaves to split by drying out their leaves, making them brittle. When the air is too dry, it can cause the plant to lose water more quickly than it can replace it.
As a result, the leaves are dry and are prone to splitting or cracking. Also, low humidity can make the plant more susceptible to pest infestations or disease, weakening the leaves and making them more vulnerable to damage.
Symptoms of dry air or low humidity
Dry and crunchy leaves, brown or black edges on the leaves, and curling leaves.
Pro tips to avoid that
- Either make use of an air humidifier or sit a shallow tray of water in the vicinity of the plant
- Mist the leaves with water
- Avoid placing the plant near heating or cooling vents.
Improper handling
Improper handling can cause snake plant leaves to split because it can damage the leaves or the plant’s structure.
When a snake plant is mishandled, it can become bent, twisted, or damaged, weakening the leaves and making them more susceptible to splitting or cracking.
Also, improper handling can cause the plant to become stressed or diseased, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Symptoms of improper handling
Broken or ripped leaves, leaf splitting, and a distorted leaf shape.
Pro tips to avoid that
- Handle the plant gently
- Use clean and sharp tools when pruning
- Avoid over-stressing the plant.
Understanding and addressing the causes of leaf splitting is crucial to maintaining the health and appearance of the snake plant. Following these pro tips, you can prevent and treat leaf splitting and enjoy a healthy, vibrant plant.
How to Treat Split Snake Plant Leaves?
If your snake plant leaves have split, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage and ensure the plant’s health and appearance stay sleek and clean. Here are some steps you can follow to treat split leaves:
- Inspect the affected leaves: Look for signs of damage or disease, such as brown or black spots, soft or mushy areas, or discoloration.
- Prune the affected leaves: Use a sterilized pair of gardening scissors or pruning shears to remove damaged or diseased leaves. Cut the leaf as close to the base as possible to avoid leaving any stubs that could become infected.
- Clean the affected area: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove debris or residue from the cut area. This will help prevent the spread of disease or infection.
- Treat the plant with fungicide: If the plant shows signs of disease or infection, apply a fungicide appropriate to the specific diseases. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can help prevent further damage and promote healing.
- Provide proper care and maintenance: After treating the plant, make sure to provide it with adequate light, water, and nutrients to help it recover. Avoid overwatering, underwatering, or exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, as these can stress the plant and make it more vulnerable to damage while they heal.
Pro tips for proper treatment:
- Always use sterilized tools to avoid introducing infection to the plant.
- Use a fungicide that is appropriate for the disease and, of course, snake plants.
- Keep an eye on the plant and continue to monitor for signs of stress or damage. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent the future splitting or cracking of the leaves.
Additional tips for preventing leaf splitting
To maintain the health and appearance of your snake plant and prevent leaf splitting, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
Proper lighting
Snake plants require around 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily to thrive. They can tolerate some shade, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage. Ideally, you should place your snake plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight, such as a north or east-facing window.
If you don’t have access to a window with adequate light, you can supplement it with artificial grow lights. Just be sure to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight or high-intensity light, as this can cause harm to the leaves.
Ideal humidity level
The ideal humidity level for a snake plant is around 40-50% relative humidity. This humidity level is sufficient to keep the leaves healthy and prevent them from becoming too dry or brittle, making them more prone to splitting or cracking.
It’s important to maintain a moderate humidity level around the plant but not overdo it, as excessive moisture can also cause problems like root rot. You can monitor the humidity level in your home using a hygrometer and adjust the humidity as needed using methods like a humidifier or pebble tray.
Avoiding overcrowding or stress
Overcrowding or stress can weaken your snake plant and make it more vulnerable to splitting or cracking. When the plant is crowded, it faces competition for water and nutrients. It can also make it difficult for air to circulate through the plants.
This leads to a buildup of moisture around the leaves, making them more susceptible to fungal or bacterial infections. Similarly, when stressed, the plant can produce weaker leaves that are more likely to split or crack.
To avoid overcrowding:
- Ensure your snake plant has enough space to grow and spread out.
- If the plant is becoming too large for its current pot, consider repotting it in a larger container.
- You can also trim the leaves and remove any dead or damaged foliage to help improve airflow and reduce the risk of infection.
To avoid stress :
- Keep the plant stable with consistent lighting, temperature, and humidity levels.
- Avoid moving the plant unnecessarily or exposing it to extreme temperatures or drafts, as these can cause stress and make it more vulnerable to damage.
Providing your snake plant with a stable, stress-free environment can help it maintain its health and appearance and avoid common issues like leaf splitting or yellowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I water my snake plant?
Snake plants prefer to dry out between waterings, so it’s best to water them when the soil is dry to the touch. This is generally around every 2-4 weeks.
Can I still save my snake plant if most leaves have split?
It depends on the severity of the damage. If the plant still has healthy leaves and roots, you can usually remove the damaged leaves and provide proper care to encourage new growth.
Do snake plants need sunlight?
Yes, snake plants require 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily to thrive. They can tolerate some shade; however, being exposed to too much direct sunlight can and will scorch the leaves and often cause irreversible damage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, snake plant leaves splitting can be caused by various factors, including overwatering, underwatering, extreme temperature changes, fungal or bacterial infections, and physical damage.
However, there are several things you can do to prevent and treat this issue, such as providing proper care, maintaining appropriate humidity and lighting levels, and avoiding stress and overcrowding.
Following these tips can help your snake plant stay healthy and avoid common issues like leaf splitting or yellowing. We hope that this guide has been helpful.
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