Yellow snake plant are a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant. However, they aren’t indestructible and can sometimes start to yellow. The good news is that it’s usually easy to save your snake plant if you figure out the cause of its yellowing and correct it. The most common causes of yellowing snake plants are overwatering, nutrient deficiency, cold damage or bacterial soft rot. You can often fix these issues by adjusting the watering frequency, using the right pot and removing any damaged leaves from the plant.
How do I know if my snake plant needs water?
Native to arid climates, snake plants aren’t accustomed to being soggy. It’s best to water them sparingly and allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings.
Nutrient Deficiency
Deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can lead to yellowing of snake plant leaves. Adding a liquid fertilizer to the soil once per month can help to keep these nutrients in balance.
Over Fertilizer
Over-fertilizing your snake plant can also cause it to turn yellow. If this is the case, reduce your feeding schedule and flush the soil to eliminate any salts that may have built up.
Cold Damage
A common cause of snake plant yellowing is when the temperature in your home drops below the optimal temperature for your plant. If this is the case, move your plant to a warmer area and ensure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Bacterial Soft Rot
Although it is rare, bacterial soft rot can turn the leaves of your snake plant yellow. This is caused by a fungal infection that restricts the oxygen to the roots of your snake plant. If this is the case, your snake plant will likely die without treatment.