What To Do If Snake Plant Has Root Rot

What To Do If Snake Plant Has Root Rot

If your snake plant has root rot, the first thing to do is act quickly and remove the plant from its pot.
 
Snake plant root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, but it can be reversed if caught early.
 
When you notice a snake plant has root rot, you need to inspect the roots and trim away any mushy, dark, or smelly parts.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly what to do if snake plant has root rot, how to save the healthy parts, and how to prevent it from happening again.
 
Let’s get your snake plant back on track.
 

What To Do If Snake Plant Has Root Rot: Step-by-Step

The first thing to do if snake plant has root rot is to remove it from its pot and assess the damage.
 
Here’s the full process to treat root rot in snake plants:
 

1. Remove the Snake Plant and Clean the Roots

Gently take the snake plant out of its pot and brush away as much soil as possible.
 
You want to see the entire root system clearly so you can tell which roots are healthy and which are affected by root rot.
 
Rinse the roots under lukewarm water to wash off remaining soil and make the rot easier to spot.
 

2. Trim All Rotten Roots and Leaves

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut away every root that is brown, mushy, or has a foul smell.
 
If the snake plant root rot has spread to the base of the leaves, trim those leaves off as well because they won’t recover.
 
Healthy roots will be firm and white or light tan.
 
Make sure you only keep the parts of the plant that show no signs of rot.
 

3. Treat the Remaining Roots With a Fungicide or Hydrogen Peroxide

After trimming, you can treat root rot in snake plants by soaking the healthy roots in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water at a 1:3 ratio).
 
This kills any remaining fungal spores that could cause the rot to come back.
 
Let the roots air dry for a few hours before repotting.
 

4. Repot in Fresh, Well-Draining Soil

Use a new pot with drainage holes and fill it with a succulent or cactus potting mix.
 
Do not reuse the old soil because it may still contain fungi that cause snake plant root rot.
 
Place the snake plant in the new pot and gently cover the roots with the fresh soil.
 
Wait at least a week before watering again to give the roots time to heal.
 

5. Adjust Your Watering Routine

The most common reason snake plant has root rot is watering too often.
 
Only water your snake plant when the soil is completely dry all the way through.
 
During winter, you might only need to water once a month.
 
If you stick to a dry-period schedule, you can treat root rot in snake plants and keep it from coming back.
 

How To Prevent Snake Plant Root Rot From Returning

Once you know what to do if snake plant has root rot, prevention is just as important.
 
Here are the best ways to avoid root rot in snake plants going forward:
 

Use a Pot With Drainage Holes

Plastic pots without drainage trap water and create the perfect environment for snake plant root rot.
 
Terracotta pots are ideal because they wick away moisture from the soil.
 

Choose the Right Soil Mix

Regular potting soil holds too much water for snake plants.
 
Mix in perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage and prevent root rot in snake plants.
 

Water Only When the Soil Is Bone Dry

Stick your finger two inches into the soil.
 
If it feels damp at all, wait a few more days before watering.
 
Overwatering is the number one cause of snake plant root rot.
 

Common Mistakes When Treating Snake Plant Root Rot

Even when you know what to do if snake plant has root rot, some mistakes can undo your progress.
 
Avoid these pitfalls:
 

Not Cutting Enough Rotten Roots

It’s tempting to leave borderline roots, but any rot left behind will spread.
 
Be aggressive when trimming so the remaining plant has the best chance to recover.
 

Watering Too Soon After Repotting

After you treat root rot in snake plants, the roots are vulnerable.
 
Watering right away can re-introduce moisture and cause new rot.
 
Wait at least seven days before the first watering.
 

Ignoring the Leaves

If leaves show yellowing, wilting, or black spots, they are often connected to snake plant root rot.
 
Cut those leaves off too, even if they look partially healthy, because they will drain energy from the plant.
 

So, What To Do If Snake Plant Has Root Rot?

If your snake plant has root rot, the first thing to do is act quickly and remove the plant from its pot.
 
Snake plant root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, but it can be reversed if caught early.
 
By trimming all rotten roots, treating with hydrogen peroxide, repotting in dry soil, and adjusting your watering habits, you can save your plant.
 
We hope this guide on what to do if snake plant has root rot helps you bring your snake plant back to health.
 
Your snake plant can thrive again with the right care.