Root Rot in Snake Plant
The snake plant (formerly Sansevieria) is practically indestructible
Snake Plant care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to root rot in Snake Plant. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Snake Plant
Mushy, brown-to-black roots and rhizomes, a foul smell from the soil, and leaves that go soft, yellow, or collapse at the base despite the plant's usual drought tolerance.
Common causes in Snake Plant
Snake Plant's succulent-type roots and rhizomes store water and rot easily if kept moist — this is almost always caused by watering more often than the recommended every 2–6 weeks, or using a heavy, slow-draining potting mix instead of a cactus/succulent blend.
How to diagnose root rot in Snake Plant
Remove plant from pot. Healthy roots are white/tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown/black and mushy.
How to treat root rot in Snake Plant
Remove the plant from its pot, cut away all mushy roots and rhizome sections with a sterilised blade, and let the remaining healthy rhizome dry out for a day before repotting into fresh cactus or succulent mix. Don't water again for at least a week after repotting.
Preventing root rot in Snake Plant
Use a cactus or succulent mix with excellent drainage, and only water every 2–6 weeks once the soil has dried out completely.