Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the base of the leaves where they join together.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for any sticky residue.
- Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if the spots come off.
Likely causes
Mealybug Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small white, fuzzy masses that look like bits of cotton. They often gather where the leaves meet at the base.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the bugs to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small, hard brown or tan bumps on the leaves that do not move. They are actually armored insects feeding on the plant.
What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with your fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe the leaves down with a cloth soaked in diluted dish soap to remove any remaining residue.
Find out what's wrong with your sansevieria
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Small numbers of pests are easy to manage, but a full infestation can weaken the plant over time. Treat them as soon as you spot them to prevent them from spreading to other plants.
Stopping it coming back
Inspect new plants before bringing them home and wipe your snake plant leaves down every few months to keep them clean and pest free.
Sansevieria: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sansevieria 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will mealybugs kill my snake plant?
- They can weaken it significantly if left unchecked. Regular cleaning and quick treatment will keep your plant healthy.
- Do I need to isolate the plant?
- Yes, move the infested plant away from others to prevent the pests from crawling to your other houseplants.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sansevieria
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.