Question
QUESTION: I have a snake plant that I bought about 4 months ago. I repotted it right after I got it into a pot that was probably a little too big. I can't remember if it was rootbound or not. I have been watering about once a week. I have it in low light in a north facing window. The plant is about a foot tall. The leaves continue to turn brown starting at the tip moving all the way down until I can pull the leave out of the soil. This has already happened to a handful of leaves and there are 3 more that are half brown. What am I doing wrong? Can I save my plant? It doesn't appear to have any infestations and I have decided to stop watering until I hear something in case I am overwatering. Also, I fertilized with Miracle-Gro about a month ago. Please help! Thanks.

ANSWER: Lisa,

This is a semi succulent plant. It does not need water unless the soil is very dry and the plant is light weight. It does sound like you are overwatering. It needs bright light, just no sun. If there are blinds or shades on that north window you need to open them. This plant likes to be in a pot where there is not much room between the plant and the pot. It would be happier in a smaller pot. If it gets rootbound it will bloom. I only repot mine every 5 years or so. Then I expect blooms in the late fall or early winter. The fertilizer is not a problem. It just needs to dry out more between waterings. Good luck.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Darlene,
   Do you suggest that I repot the plant to a smaller pot or wait for the roots to grow into the pot it is in? Also, is the north window okay as long as there is no blinds? The light is not really bright but it is not direct sun.
         Thank you very much.

Answer
Lisa,

If it were mine I would move it to a smaller pot now. In the large pot it will take too long to dry out and you will keep getting brown leaves if it doesn't dry out in at most 10 days. If it is dry again 10 days after you water it you do not need to repot, just be sure to let it dry out well between waterings. Watering every 2 weeks is fine that way it has a chance to be dry for a few days and it loves that.  A north window is great for this plant as long as the blinds are open during the day. Good luck.

Darlene