overwatering and Snake Plant Moonshine
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Snake Plant Moonshine, the most likely cause is: Overwatering is identified as the principal killer of Sansevieria (the genus to which Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine' belongs) in 'Houseplants & Succulents For Dummies' and is reinforced by Jade Murray's note that excess water around the roots of Dracaena trifasciata must drain away fully to prevent rot; the 'Moonshine' cultivar's pale, broad, succulent leaves store water in hydrenchyma tissue, so when the rhizomatous root system sits in saturated soil for more than a few days the leaves yellow at the base and the rosette begins to collapse.
Start here:
- 1. Tip the plant out of its pot, shake the wet soil from the rhizome, and cut away any brown, mushy roots or soft leaf bases with a sterile blade, leaving only firm white roots and turgid leaves.
- 2. Replant the cleaned Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine' in a dry cactus and succulent mix with added perlite in a pot that drains freely, then withhold water for two to three weeks so the trimmed root surfaces can callus before any new watering.
Why overwatering happens to Snake Plant Moonshine
snake plant moonshine
Overwatering is identified as the principal killer of Sansevieria (the genus to which Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine' belongs) in 'Houseplants & Succulents For Dummies' and is reinforced by Jade Murray's note that excess water around the roots of Dracaena trifasciata must drain away fully to prevent rot; the 'Moonshine' cultivar's pale, broad, succulent leaves store water in hydrenchyma tissue, so when the rhizomatous root system sits in saturated soil for more than a few days the leaves yellow at the base and the rosette begins to collapse.
How to correct overwatering on Snake Plant Moonshine
- 1
Tip the plant out of its pot, shake the wet soil from the rhizome, and cut away any brown, mushy roots or soft leaf bases with a sterile blade, leaving only firm white roots and turgid leaves.
- 2
Replant the cleaned Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine' in a dry cactus and succulent mix with added perlite in a pot that drains freely, then withhold water for two to three weeks so the trimmed root surfaces can callus before any new watering.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Snake Plant Moonshine
Water only when the soil has dried out completely, allow every drop of excess water to drain away, and use a cactus and succulent mix with added perlite because the broad silver leaves of Moonshine are deceptive indicators of moisture and the soil below is often wetter than the surface looks.