Snake plant roots

by Rija abid K
(Pakistan)

Snake plant roots

I was propagating a snake plant and its roots were white a month go however now its roots he turned red and im concerned i planted it back into the soil because i think if i stop watering it then it might turn out fine?

Comments for Snake plant roots

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Root Rot
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

Unfortunately, if you've overwatered the plant at some point, it won't help to stop watering it now.

This looks like root rot, a common problem with Sanseviera, the Snake Plant. The best thing to do now is to cut off the damaged portion of the leaf and try again. It may or may not re-root, but without this drastic action, the whole thing will die.

I recommend dipping the newly cut end into some cinnamon, which sounds weird, but cinnamon is a natural fungicide. This will keep the pathogens at bay until the cutting roots.

Use fresh soil, so as to avoid reinfecting it. Water from the bottom of the pot, carefully, or spray a small amount of the soil near the base of the cutting. Don't drench it! Let it dry out again, and by that time, the cutting may be well rooted.

Water again only when the top two inches of soil are dry.

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