Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the base of the leaves to feel for softness.
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for moisture.
- Inspect the drainage holes to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the leaves feels soft or squishy and may turn dark brown or black.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is severe, remove the plant from the pot, trim away the black mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well draining cactus soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays damp for weeks and the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Move the plant to a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty soil mix designed for succulents to ensure water passes through quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your cylindrical snake plant
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the base of the plant is completely mushy and falling over, it is likely too late to save. Minor spots can be managed by adjusting your watering schedule.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is bone dry before adding more water. Use a terra cotta pot to help the soil dry out faster.
Cylindrical Snake Plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cylindrical snake plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- How often should I water my plant?
- Water every 14 to 30 days depending on your home temperature. Always check that the soil is dry all the way through first.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot into dry, fresh soil.
More problems with Cylindrical Snake Plant
Back to the Cylindrical Snake Plant guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.