9 Secret Fixes for Curling Snake Plant Leaves

Everyone loves snake plants for their hardy nature and striking architectural leaves.

They’re the perfect green companion for any home, thriving with minimal care and adding a touch of elegance to your space.

But when those beautiful leaves start to curl, it can be a cause for concern.

Are you frustrated with your snake plant's curled leaves? You're not alone.

Many plant lovers face this issue, and it can be disheartening to see your usually resilient plant showing signs of distress.

Don't worry—help is here! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to diagnose and treat curled leaves in your snake plant.

We’ll cover the most common causes, from watering issues to pest infestations, and provide you with actionable tips to restore your plant to its full glory.

Are Curled Leaves Always a Problem?

Not always! While curling leaves can indicate issues, some snake plants naturally have curled or wavy leaves. Understanding the difference can help you determine if there’s an actual problem or if your plant is simply exhibiting its natural growth pattern.

Naturally Curly or Wavy Snake Plants

Certain varieties of snake plants have naturally curly or wavy leaves. These are some common types:

1. Sansevieria ‘Twist’

   • Features twisting, curly leaves that are green with yellow variegation.
   • It is a popular decorative plant due to its unique leaf structure.

2. Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’ (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

   • Has shorter, rosette-forming leaves that can curl slightly inward, giving it a nest-like appearance.
   • It’s a compact variety, ideal for small spaces.

3. Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’

   • Often has slightly wavy leaves with a silvery-green hue.
   • Known for its unique coloration and subtle curves.

Did you know? There's a type of snake plant that's so twisted you can braid it!

More on that after our discussion of curled snake plant leaves.

How to Differentiate Between Natural Curves and Problematic Curling

Understanding the plant variety is key. If your snake plant has always had curly or wavy leaves and is growing well, it’s likely a characteristic of the plant.

Table: Naturally Curly vs. Problematic Curling

Feature	Naturally Curly Leaves	Problematic Curling Leaves
Leaf Growth	Consistently wavy or curly	Recently started curling
Overall Plant Health	Healthy, robust growth	Signs of distress (yellowing, spots)
Soil and Water Conditions	Optimal, no signs of over/underwatering	Indications of watering issues
Pests and Diseases	None visible	Presence of pests or disease signs

1. Identify the Symptoms of Curled Leaves

Look closely at your snake plant's leaves. Do they curl inward, outward, twist, or bend? These signs can indicate different problems.

Check if the tips of the leaves are turning brown or yellow. Discoloration or spots are also important to note.

By observing these details, you can better understand what's wrong with your plant and how to fix it.

2. Diagnose Watering Issues to Prevent Overwatering and Underwatering

Watering issues are common causes of curled leaves in snake plants.

Overwatering

Overwatering leads to root rot. When the roots are rotten, they can't absorb nutrients or moisture. This makes the leaves curl because the plant is stressed.

Check the soil moisture. If the soil is wet and stays wet, reduce watering. Let the soil dry out before watering again.

Underwatering

Underwatering dehydrates the plant. The leaves become brittle and curl because the plant isn't getting enough water.

Check the soil moisture. If the soil is dry, water more frequently. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.

To keep your watering on track, use a moisture meter.

Table: Signs of Overwatering vs. Underwatering

Signs	Overwatering	Underwatering
Soil	Consistently wet	Dry
Leaves	Curling, yellowing	Curling, browning
Roots	Rotting, mushy	Dry, brittle

3. Recognize and Treat Common Pests to Protect Your Snake Plant

Pests can cause significant damage to your snake plant, including curled leaves.

Common Pests

Spider mites and thrips are the usual suspects. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap, causing stress and leading to curled leaves.

Inspect your plant closely. Look for tiny insects, webbing, or discoloration on the leaves.

Treatment

Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat pest infestations. Apply these treatments as directed to remove pests and prevent further damage.

Regular leaf cleaning can help prevent infestations. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep pests at bay.

See this insecticidal soap on Amazon.

4. Adjust Environmental Conditions for Optimal Growth

Snake plants thrive in specific environmental conditions. Extreme temperatures and improper light can cause leaves to curl.

Temperature

Snake plants prefer temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause the leaves to curl and turn brown.

Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows, heating vents, or air conditioners.

Light

Snake plants need indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause them to become weak and curl.

Place your snake plant in a location with bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light.

See more: Do Snake Plants Need Grow Lights?

Table: Ideal Environmental Conditions

Factor	Optimal Condition
Temperature	70°F - 90°F
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Humidity	Moderate, avoid dryness

5. Implement Proper Watering Practices for Healthy Leaves

Establishing a consistent watering routine is key to maintaining healthy leaves.

Watering Schedule

Water your snake plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot.

Seasonal Adjustments

In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.

Pot and Soil

Choose pots with good drainage. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil. To improve drainage, consider adding perlite or sand to your soil mix.

See more: What’s The Best Pot For A Snake Plant?

6. Control Pests and Diseases Effectively

If your snake plant shows signs of pests or diseases, take immediate action to control the issue.

Pests

Manually remove pests using a damp cloth. For more severe infestations, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases

For diseases like root rot, prune affected leaves and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowded conditions to keep your plant healthy.

See more: What’s The Best Neem Oil For Indoor Plants?

7. Repot Your Snake Plant to Address Root Bound Issues

Snake plants can become root-bound, leading to stress and curled leaves.

Signs of Root Bound

If you notice roots growing out of the pot or the plant seems too crowded, it's time to repot.

Repotting Process

Choose a pot that is one size larger and has good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil. This gives the roots more space to grow and improves overall plant health.

See more: The Ultimate Guide To Repotting Your Snake Plant: When And How

8. Use Fertilizer Wisely to Avoid Overfertilization

While snake plants don’t need frequent fertilization, occasional feeding can promote growth.

Fertilizer Type

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause leaf burn and curling.

Application

Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it once a month. Skip fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

9. Take Preventive Measures to Maintain Plant Health

Preventive care is key to keeping your snake plant healthy.

Regular Maintenance

Dust the leaves regularly to allow for better light absorption. Monitor for early signs of stress or pests and address them promptly.

Environmental Stability

Maintain a stable environment with proper light, temperature, and humidity levels. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth.

Routine Checks

Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of trouble. Early detection and intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

When Twisting and Curling Isn’t a Bug – It’s a Feature!

Not all curling or twisting in snake plants is a cause for concern. In fact, some varieties naturally exhibit these characteristics, making them unique and beautiful additions to any plant collection.

Twisted Sansevieria Cylindrica (African Spear)

The Twisted Sansevieria Cylindrica, also known as the African spear or cylindrical snake plant, is a fascinating variety with cylindrical, spear-like leaves that naturally twist as they grow.

Here’s why this plant is special:

• Unique Appearance: The cylindrical leaves grow in a fan shape and often twist, giving the plant a sculptural look. This natural twisting is a characteristic feature and not a sign of distress.
• Easy Care: Like other snake plants, the Cylindrica variety is easy to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It requires infrequent watering, making it a low-maintenance option.
• Decorative Uses: The leaves of the Sansevieria Cylindrica can be braided or twisted into different shapes, adding an artistic element to your home decor. This variety is often used in modern interior designs due to its unique structure.

Caring for Twisted Sansevieria Cylindrica

• Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can adapt to low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
• Watering Needs: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Soil and Potting: Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. A cactus or succulent soil mix works well.
• Temperature and Humidity: Thrives in average room temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It does well in typical household humidity levels.

Table: Quick Care Guide for Twisted Sansevieria Cylindrica

Care Aspect	Requirement
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Watering	Sparingly, allow soil to dry
Soil	Well-draining, cactus/succulent mix
Temperature	60°F - 85°F
Humidity	Average household levels

Understanding that some snake plants are naturally twisted or curly can help you appreciate their unique beauty and ensure you provide the best care.

The Twisted Sansevieria Cylindrica is a perfect example of how these natural features can add charm and interest to your plant collection.

Final Thoughts: Restoring Your Snake Plant’s Health

If your snake plant's leaves are curling, it’s natural to feel worried. But with the right knowledge and care, you can restore your plant to its full, vibrant health.

Recap of Key Tips

• Identify Symptoms: Look for curling, discoloration, and spots.
• Check Watering: Ensure you’re not overwatering or underwatering.
• Inspect for Pests: Regularly check and treat for pests like spider mites and thrips.
• Optimize Environment: Provide stable temperatures and indirect light.
• Proper Watering Practices: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Effective Pest Control: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Repot When Necessary: Give your plant room to grow.
• Use Fertilizer Wisely: Avoid overfertilization.
• Preventive Care: Maintain regular maintenance and environmental stability.

By following these steps, you can ensure your snake plant thrives and continues to enhance your home with its beauty.

Share Your Success

Have you successfully treated curled leaves in your snake plant? Or maybe you have additional tips and experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Happy gardening, and thank you for being part of our plant-loving community!