If your snake plant leaves are turning yellow it’s a sign that the plants are not getting enough water. A healthy snake plant is dark green in color, and if the leaves are yellow they have not received enough water. This can be a result of overwatering or it could be that the soil is not draining properly.

If the soil is not snake plant turning yellow well, it can lead to root rot and a buildup of excess mineral salts in the root zone. The best way to determine if this is the issue is to stick your finger in the potting mix and feel for moisture. If you feel no moisture the potting mix is too dry and needs to be watered. When you do water the snake plant, pour distilled or natural rainwater slowly over the top of the potting mix and stop when you no longer feel moisture on the surface of the soil.

Troubleshooting and Saving Your Yellowing Snake Plant

Too much sunlight can also cause a yellowing of the snake plant leaves. This usually happens when the plant is first moved from a dark shaded area to a bright sunny spot. This can scorch the leaves and leave them a pale yellow or even brown in color. The snake plant will eventually recover if it is placed in a shadier area.

Nutrient deficiencies are another common reason for the snake plant to turn yellow. These can include a deficiency in nitrogen or magnesium, and if the nutrient imbalance is severe enough it can lead to chlorosis. This is a fungal disease that typically affects older leaves, and the yellowing appears as small yellow spots on the leaf margins or inside of the leaf. It is important to remove the affected leaves as soon as you notice them to help prevent the spread of the disease.