9 Reasons Why My Snake Plant Is Not Growing?

Snake plant is a prominent indoor plant that complements diverse décor styles with its long, straight foliage.

It is one of the least demanding and easy-to-grow houseplants that forgives common gardening mistakes.

Snake plants are slow growers, but if you notice stunted growth with yellow leaves, then there is something that needs your attention.

Overwatering and root rotting are among the common reasons why a snake plant is not growing. Apart from this, it can be due to low light, humidity, lack of essential nutrients, pests, and choosing the wrong potting medium.

Snake plants are all forgiving, but this doesn’t mean you should ignore warning signs like yellowing and stunted growth. As a plant owner, carry routine care and look for the underlying cause of stunted growth.

Before dwelling on the reasons, let’s first understand the growth rate of snake plants.

How Fast Do Snake Plants Grow?

If you’re committed to providing an adequate amount of light, enough water, and the required amount of essential nutrients, then the baby snake plant grows rapidly.

But, once the houseplant reaches maturity, growth slows down but continues to grow.

Sunlight, nutrients in the soil, temperature, and humidity all influence the growth of snake plants.

Under suitable conditions, the snake plant grows 3-6 feet annually.

If your snake plant isn’t growing at a regular pace, then ensure to provide proper care, which includes enough light, water, and regular pruning.

How to Know My Snake Plant Is Not Healthy?

Also known as Sansevieria or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the snake plant is considered one of the most resilient houseplants.

But, when you ignore the plant for a longer time, then the snake plant does show signs of stress or illness.

This is why regular inspection of plants is needed to identify early signs of stress.

• Yellow leaves are the first signs your snake plant may not be healthy if the leaves start to turn yellow. This could be due to overwatering, which is a common issue with snake plants.
• Brown tips on the leaves are often a sign that your snake plant is getting too much direct sunlight or not enough water.
• Drooping leaves indicate that your snake plant is experiencing extreme temperatures.
• Black spots on snake plants are a sign of a fungal infection, often caused by too much moisture on the leaves.
• Stunted growth can be a sign of poor light conditions and lack of nutrients, or it could be root-bound.

9 Reasons Why Your Snake Plant is Not Growing

Without a proper understanding of the mere cause of stunted growth, it is impossible to revive your snake plants.

Of all the reasons, overwatering is regarded as the most common blunder among container gardeners.

Choosing the right pot and potting soil will not help if you repeatedly water the indoor plant.

Plants grown indoors are obviously less exposed to sunlight compared to those in garden soil. As the amount of moisture evaporation into the atmosphere is less, you must regulate watering frequency.

If you’re watering perfectly correctly, then you must check other common reasons why your snake plant might not be growing.

1. Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes with snake plants is overwatering. These plants are native to arid regions and store water in their leaves, so they don’t need frequent watering. Too much water can lead to root rot, which stunts growth and can eventually kill the plant.

Always let the soil dry out ultimately between watering, and make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

2. Sunlight

Snake plants thrive in indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. However, if your plant is not getting enough light, it may not grow as quickly or at all.

On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to slowed growth. To encourage healthy growth, place your snake plant in a spot where it gets bright, indirect sunlight for a few hours a day.

3. Choosing the Wrong Potting Soil

The type of soil you use is crucial for the health of your snake plant. If the soil retains too much moisture, it can lead to root rot, while soil that doesn’t retain enough moisture can dry out the roots too quickly.

The best soil for snake plants is a well-draining potting mix, often labeled for cacti or succulents. Adding perlite or sand can also improve drainage.

4. Lack of Nutrients

While snake plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, they do need some nutrients to grow. If your plant hasn’t been growing, it might be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil.

Fertilize your snake plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer).

Avoid fertilizing in the winter, as this is when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

5. Humidity

Snake plants prefer low to moderate humidity levels. If the air is too humid, it can encourage fungal diseases that can stunt growth.

On the other hand, arid air can cause the leaf tips to brown and dry out, affecting the plant’s overall health.

If you live in a particularly humid area, consider using a dehumidifier or placing the plant in a room with better air circulation.

6. Temperature

Snake plants are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They prefer a range between 70F and 90F. If the temperature drops below 50F, your snake plant may stop growing and could even suffer damage.

Keep your plant away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, and heaters to maintain a stable temperature.

7. Transplant Shock

If you’ve recently repotted your snake plant, it might be experiencing transplant shock. This can cause the plant to stop growing temporarily as it adjusts to its new environment.

To minimize transplant shock, be gentle when handling the roots, and make sure to use a pot that’s only slightly larger than the previous one. After repotting, give your plant some time to recover before expecting new growth.

8. Pests and Diseases

Although snake plants are generally resistant to pests, they can sometimes fall victim to infestations such as spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids.

These pests can weaken the plant and stunt its growth. Additionally, fungal infections can cause root rot or leaf spots, further inhibiting growth.

Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests or disease, and treat any issues promptly with insecticidal soap or a fungicide.

9. Environmental Stress

Environmental factors such as sudden changes in light, temperature, or humidity can stress your snake plant and slow its growth.

Moving the plant to a new location, exposure to drafts, or even a change in watering habits can cause environmental stress.

Try to keep your snake plant’s environment as consistent as possible, and if you do need to move it, do so gradually to help the plant acclimate.

How to Make My Snake Plant Grow Faster?

Light plays a vital role in growing snake plants taller and faster.

If you want your snake plant to thrive, then commit to providing essential growing requirements like proper sunlight, the required amount of water, fertilizing 2 to 3 times a year, and pruning.

To help your snake plant grow taller, ensure it has enough space. When the plant is crowded, it tends to spread out rather than grow upwards.

Removing damaged or old leaves allows the plant to shift its food resources to new plant leaves.

Use sharp gardening scissors to trim yellow and old leaves.

• Snake plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. While they can tolerate low light, placing your plant in a spot where it gets a few hours of indirect light each day will encourage faster growth. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Watering your snake plant properly is crucial for its growth. Let the soil dry out completely between watering to avoid root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently, but always ensure that the pot has good drainage.
• Using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can give your snake plant the nutrients it needs to grow faster. Feed your plant every 2-3 months during the growing season, but avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.
• Snake plants prefer warm temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C) and moderate humidity levels. Keeping your plant in a stable, warm environment with consistent humidity will promote healthy, rapid growth. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or in rooms with fluctuating temperatures.

Note: In winter, most houseplants, including snake plant growth, slow down due to lack of light.

Conclusion

Sunlight and the required amount of moisture are crucial elements to grow snake plants faster.

Though nutrients are essential, most potting soil mixed is filled with primary and secondary nutrients that boost plant growth.

On the other side, overwatering and not getting enough light exposure are two significant causes of stunted plant growth.

To know your snake plant is overwatered, check its discolored leaves and rotting smell from its roots.

Inspecting the plant is essential to conclude the cause of stunted snake plant growth.