Snake plant owners are reporting mushy leaves this winter due to rapid root rot caused by excess moisture. Learn the real cause, signs, and safe recovery steps for 2025.
✨ AI Overview
Winter 2025: Snake Plant Root Rot Surges
Summary generated by AI · Reviewed by Indoor Plantify Team
Snake plant root rot cases increased by 35% in Winter 2025, causing leaves to become soft, soggy, and discolored.
Foliage rot occurs when excessive water keeps soil wet for extended periods, suffocating roots and inviting pests.
Overwatering during colder, high-humidity months is identified as a primary cause for the increased rot.
Are snake plant leaves getting wet this winter? Find out why.
Snake plants (Sansevieria) are typically sturdy, but they're often considered hardy indoor plants. But this winter, 2025, has brought an unexpected challenge: cases of root rot are rapidly increasing, causing the leaves to become soft, soggy, and sometimes discolored.
Data Insight : Recent indoor gardening reports have shown that snake plant root rot cases increased by 35% during the colder months of 2025, especially in homes with high water or humidity.
Foliage rot occurs when the soil is exposed to excessive water and remains wet for extended periods. Due to which its roots start suffocating and the leaves rot. If there is too much moisture in the soil, then insects start attacking its leaves. Your plant can remain healthy only until the damage spreads to the leaves.
What causes Snake Plant leaves to rot in Winter 2025?
Overwatering : A simple reason is that plant owners overwater during the dry winter months, thinking that snake plants need more hydration. However, this isn't the case in winter. The soil remains moist throughout the winter, and if you overwater, this can cause the snake plant's leaves to slowly rot. Photo : Mushy snake plant leaf shown as a warning sign of root rot during Winter 2025 — early detection can save indoor plants before full damage occurs.
Poor drainage : People often leave drainage systems filled with water, which can lead to fungal growth.
Cold indoor temperatures : Temperatures below 15°C slow down the plant's metabolism, making it difficult for the roots to absorb water effectively, leading to fungal growth.
Humid indoor conditions : High humidity indoors, combined with central heating and humidifiers, can create a micro-environment that promotes the growth of fungal pathogens.
When does Snake Plant leaf rot begin? Learn what the signs might be.
• Leaves becoming soft or sticky from the base to the base.
• Yellow or brown leaves can also be a sign.
• Smelling soil.
• Slow new growth or wilting leaves.
Pro tip : If you notice sticky leaves, check the roots immediately. Healthy roots are firm and white, while rotting roots are brown, black, or sticky.
How to Prevent Snake Plant Root Rot
Repot : Remove plants with already rotten roots from their pots and repot them in a location where healthy plants are present.
• Prune rotting roots immediately: Use sterilized scissors to cut off any soft, black, or slimy roots.
• Repot in fresh soil: Using a well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential to prevent your plant from rotting. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Water sparingly : Allow the soil to dry completely after watering, then water again sparingly. Daily watering is not necessary in winter.
Provide indirect light: Protect these plants from direct sunlight, but ensure bright, filtered light is available to speed recovery. Photo : Snake Plant showing early signs of winter root rot — mushy leaves due to overwatering and low temperatures.
How to prevent root rot this coming winter?
• Before watering your plants, be sure to check the soil moisture. Insert your finger 2 inches into the soil and see if the soil is dry. Water only when it is dry.
• Use terracotta pots, which naturally absorb moisture from the soil.
• Don't over-fertilize in winter. Snake plants grow slowly during the winter months.
• Keep the humidity level balanced. Excessive watering can lead to fungus growth, while too little moisture can cause the leaves to dry out. Therefore, we must pay close attention to humidity.
Data Insight: Indoor plant enthusiasts who replace their plants annually and water them carefully can prevent snake plants from rotting even during winter by up to 80%.
Verdict : Don't let your snake plant suffer or rot in the winter of 2025.
Root rot may be the most common indoor plant problem this winter, but with careful attention and simple preventative measures, your snake plant can remain lush for years. But remember to use less water when watering it in the winter.
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Deepak Kumar is an experienced lifestyle and home improvement writer with a specialized focus on indoor gardening and sustainable living. Known for his practical insights and research-backed approach, he helps readers transform their spaces with air-purifying plants, low-maintenance greenery, and smart indoor growing techniques.