Snake Plant Disease - Ask Extension
Hello,
I’m trying to identify and treat this problem in my snake plant. I’ve had it for several years without problem and the entire plant looks...
Knowledgebase
Snake Plant Disease #861775
Asked March 17, 2024, 8:36 PM EDT
Hello,
I’m trying to identify and treat this problem in my snake plant. I’ve had it for several years without problem and the entire plant looks healthy except this isolated leaf.
It was close to a set of succulents I recently received from California. Despite quarantining the new plants for several weeks and spraying with neem oil spray from the garden center, I question whether or not the new plants caused this. I did spray the snake plant with the neem spray when I first noticed a spot forming, and continued watering as normal. When the damage progressed significantly I removed said leaf to protect the rest of the plant.
If you zoom in there are focal circle patches covered in tiny black dots.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello!
Thank you for writing. I'm sorry that your plant is having issues.
This appears to be leaf rot. Leaf rot is caused by a bacterial infection that is damaging the plant. Bacteria from the environment infect a plant part through any wound in the leaf. Once inside the tissue the bacteria will break down healthy leaves.
Since the rest of the plant looks good, this appears to be a mild case. Removing the affected leaves and applying a bactericide should help. Use gloves and trim off the affected leaves. Dispose of the leaves off-site. Be sure to clean your cutting utensil after trimming to avoid transferring the disease to another plant. Use a copper-based bactericide on the rest of the leaves. Be sure to follow directions - start with a mild solution. Your local nursery should be able to help you find the correct bactericide.
Root rot can also be an issue. Over watering leads to root rot and is the most common disease of houseplants. This is not necessarily signs of root rot, but the progression of the disease is a sign that the growing medium may have been wet for a long time. This gives pathogens the opportunity to attack the already weak root system due to being suffocated by water. Over time, these factors cause tree roots to gradually die.
Check the roots. If they are soggy (or smell bad) you will want repot it, using fresh potting soil.
To avoid issues in the future, limit your watering....it should only be watered when the soil is dry two inches down from the top.
I don't believe that this was caused from your new plants.
Best of luck! I hope this helps!
Thank you for writing. I'm sorry that your plant is having issues.
This appears to be leaf rot. Leaf rot is caused by a bacterial infection that is damaging the plant. Bacteria from the environment infect a plant part through any wound in the leaf. Once inside the tissue the bacteria will break down healthy leaves.
Since the rest of the plant looks good, this appears to be a mild case. Removing the affected leaves and applying a bactericide should help. Use gloves and trim off the affected leaves. Dispose of the leaves off-site. Be sure to clean your cutting utensil after trimming to avoid transferring the disease to another plant. Use a copper-based bactericide on the rest of the leaves. Be sure to follow directions - start with a mild solution. Your local nursery should be able to help you find the correct bactericide.
Root rot can also be an issue. Over watering leads to root rot and is the most common disease of houseplants. This is not necessarily signs of root rot, but the progression of the disease is a sign that the growing medium may have been wet for a long time. This gives pathogens the opportunity to attack the already weak root system due to being suffocated by water. Over time, these factors cause tree roots to gradually die.
Check the roots. If they are soggy (or smell bad) you will want repot it, using fresh potting soil.
To avoid issues in the future, limit your watering....it should only be watered when the soil is dry two inches down from the top.
I don't believe that this was caused from your new plants.
Best of luck! I hope this helps!
