Sansevieria trifasciata, or snake plant, is easily characterized by its long, sword-like leaves. Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is tough and can tolerate just about any type of neglect. In fact, this is one of the most favorite houseplants for beginner gardeners. But even tough plants have their limits, and sometimes snake plants will start to lean. What should you do if your snake plant is falling over?
What’s the cause of a leaning snake plant, and how can you fix it?
Snake Plant Falling Over: Common Causes
Panic, fear, and anxiety sets in when you see your snake plant falling over. But don’t worry – in most cases, a leaning snake plant is not a sign of impending doom. More often than not, your snake plant is just telling you that it needs a little help.
There are several reasons why your snake plant may be falling over:
It is a Top-Heavy Succulent
Snake plants are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves. This means that its leaves are heavier than most other houseplants. Its upright growth habit makes it top-heavy, so when the leaves get too big or too heavy, the plant will start to lean.
This doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s part of its nature and nothing to be concerned about.
The Soil is Too Loose
If the potting mix is too loose, it will not provide enough support for the plant. The roots will have a hard time anchoring the plant in place, causing it to lean or fall over.
To fix this, you can gently remove the plant from its pot and replant it in a pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
The Soil is Too Wet
Snake plants like well-draining soil, but they can tolerate some drought. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot, and the plant will start to lean. This is especially true if the pot doesn’t have drainage holes.
The Plant is Rootbound
What does this mean? It means that the plant’s roots have filled up the pot, and they’re looking for more space. When a plant is rootbound, it will start to lean because the roots are constricted and can’t support the plant.
The Plant is Growing Too Fast
Again, this has something to do with the weight of the leaves. If the plant grows too fast, the leaves will be too big and heavy for the stem, causing it to lean. This is usually a problem with young snake plants that are still adjusting to their new pot or environment.
What Can You Do About a Snake Plant Falling Over?
As you can see, most of the reasons why your snake plant is leaning can be fixed. They’re not too serious, but once you’ve noticed that your snake plant is leaning, immediate action is necessary.
Here are some things you can do to fix a leaning snake plant:
Stake It Up
There’s nothing much you can do about its leaves being too heavy. Instead, you can support its leaves. Use a bamboo stake or any other type of garden stake that’s tall enough to support the plant. Place it in the pot next to the plant, and tie the leaves to the stake.
Choose a Pot with a Wider Base
A pot with a wider base will provide more support for the plant. If it’s growing too fast or if you’ve noticed that the leaves are getting too big, it’s time to repot your snake plant.
This will also help resolve rootbound issues. When you repot, make sure to choose a pot that’s only one size bigger than the current pot. The larger the pot, the more soil there is and the more water it will retain.
Prune the Leaves
If your snake plant is falling over, pruning the leaves will help reduce their weight. If you have larger and taller leaves, you can cut these individual leaves. Don’t worry – you have smaller and younger leaves that are still growing.
You may use these leaves to start new plants. Just cut them into smaller pieces and pot them up.
Give It a Good Drink
If you think the reason why your snake plant is leaning is that the soil is too dry, give it a good drink. Water the plant thoroughly, and make sure the water drains out of the pot.
Don’t forget to empty the saucer or drip tray underneath the pot.
Snake Plant Falling Over: Final Thoughts
Don’t worry too much if you see your snake plants leaves starts to lean over. Most often than not, its leaves are getting too big and can be easily resolved by transferring to a pot with a wider base, pruning the leaves, or supporting it with a stake. The key here is to do something about it as soon as you notice it so that your snake plant can continue to grow healthy and upright.