What To Do If Your Snake Plant Has Mushy Leaves

Snake plants are generally very easy to care for. They rarely need water, don't fuss over sunlight, and are just low-maintenance overall. But they are not invincible. Take mushy leaves, for instance. It is a common issue with snake plants that needs immediate attention. Mushy leaves often mean that you are overwatering your snake plants and it can be a sign of root rot, among other problems. Confirming if you are overwatering your snake plant is really easy, though! Just check the soil; if it feels soggy or waterlogged, you are overwatering. 

However, sometimes the soil might not feel wet or soaked. In that case, you can look for discolored or soft roots, which are often accompanied by a foul odor coming from the root ball. Once confirmed, immediately stop watering and inspect the roots and other parts of your snake plant. To do this, gently lift the plant from its container. Make sure all the roots and rhizomes are exposed so you can observe for signs of damage. You must trim away all the rotten tissue, including all the water-soaked leaves, necrotic rhizomes, and rotten or mushy roots, which will appear dark-brown or black. 

Next, sanitize the pot with a horticultural disinfectant or a dilute bleach solution. Discard the soggy soil as well and let the roots dry in the air for a while to evaporate excess moisture. Then repot your snake plant in a cactus or succulent mix. And, if you want to avoid waterlogging issues in the future, select a pot or container with drainage holes and mix coarse perlite or grit in the soil or potting mix.

After fixing the immediate concern, the next thing you want to do is avoid the mushy leaf issue in the first place. You need to water your snake plants deeply but infrequently. Let the top inch of the soil dry between waterings, and when the water cools down, adjust accordingly. It is actually always a good idea to do a finger test to measure moisture depth before watering. Also, beware of the hidden dangers of using a pot that's too big for your plant that can hold excess moisture, and ensure your plants are positioned in bright, indirect sunlight.  If the mushy leaves appear again, along with signs of root rot, you'll want to prune your plant as mentioned and disinfect your gardening tools afterwards. 

If the problem seems to be a recurring one, you might also want to look into propagation, especially if the remaining root mass on your existing plant is minimal or rot has reached the crown. You can propagate your snake plants using healthy rhizomes and clean leaf cuttings from unblemished sections. Keep your cuttings separate from other plants and let them grow in a bright and ventilated area in isolation. Once established, you can return them to their usual spot and return to normal care.