It is frustrating to watch your snake plant refuse to grow after doing everything in your power to ensure its growth. Trust me, I have been there and it doesn’t feel so good.
Weeks turned into months and NOTHING happened. I tried everything possible, but it didn’t work.
Eventually, I had to seek help and engage in extensive research. In this article, I won’t just be talking about the 7 reasons why snake plants won’t grow but also help you fix them!
Understanding Snake Plant Growth: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Before I discuss the reason why your snake plant is not growing, the first question I need to ask you is “Are you sure your snake plant is stagnant or taking its time?”
You need to understand that snake plants are naturally slow growers. During their growing season, you will see new shoots emerging or leaves slightly lengthening.
However, as the cooler months roll in, this might slow down a bit. If this is what has happened to your snake plant, then it is perfectly normal.
Now, what are the abnormal signs you need to look out for?
7 Reasons Why Your Snake Plant Isn’t Growing (& What To Do)
1) Not Getting Enough Light
As we all know, snake plants are famous for their low maintenance. However, they need light to thrive. Rather than give them low light, find a location that has medium to bright indirect light.
What to do: This is quite simple. Move your plant to a brighter spot, such as near a window with filtered (not direct) sunlight.
2) Improper Watering
Overwatering and Underwatering aren’t good for your snake plant. They lead to stunted and abnormal growth. I usually water mine once a month.
What to do: Check the soil before watering. If it is completely dry a couple of inches down, then, it is time to water. Also, ensure you use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
3) Relatively High or Low Humidity
Because snake plants are durable, it’s not enough excuse to leave them to chance. High humidity can lead to fungal issues and low humidity can dry out the leaves. You should watch out for that.
What to do: Maintain average room humidity. If your home is too humid, try to improve airflow around the plant. Now, if you have a dry environment, use a pebble tray with water near the plant. This adds some moisture to the air.
4) Repotting Again and Again
When you constantly uproot your snake plants to larger pots, it can disrupt their growth rhythm.
What to do: Only repot every 2-3 years. Also, when the roots are visibly outgrowing the pot, then it is a sign to repot as well. The new pot should be one size larger than the current one.
5) Nutrient Deficiency
Improper fertilization leads to nutrient deficiency in your snake plant. This leads to stunted or abnormal growth.
What to do: Feed your snake plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer during its growing season. I do this ONCE A MONTH. Don’t overfertilize. It can damage the roots of your snake plants.
6) Pests or Diseases
They will sap your snake plant’s energy and this leads to stunted growth. Be on the lookout for pests like spider mites. Also, once you observe slight discoloration in your snake plant’s leaves, it is a sign of a disease.
What to do: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat the infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. For fungal issues, ensure proper airflow and avoid overwatering.
7) Incorrect Temperature
Exposing your snake plant to harsh temperatures will affect its growth.
What to do: Keep the temperature between 60 – 85 degrees (F). Don’t place your snake plant near an air conditioner, heater, or drafty windows.
Final Thoughts
With the information from this article, your snake plants will grow. Snake plants are durable and low-maintenance. But you must always be on the lookout for certain strange signs as explained in this article.
On the other hand, patience is key. If none of the abnormal signs are visible, it means you need to let your snake plants grow with time.
