Help!
I’m still trying to figure out all of the dots and spots and things on my plants since discovering that pests are a real thing for plants…sadly I’ve lost two plants to rust fungus that I didn’t know was a thing and I’m feeling really down and discouraged and worried that bc it went on for so long it may have passed around to nearly all of my plants? I don’t want to lose them and am just sad about the situation. Can anyone identify this spot on my snake? Is this a fungus?
6ft to light, indirect
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
6
Best Answer
@FreshOakmoss21 Welcome to the Greg community! I am very sorry to hear about the rust fungus issue. And I‘m afraid that the little spot on that snake plant could very well be a fungal or a bacterial infection. Because, a fungal infection on a snake plant can manifest as brown spots with a yellow halo or border, often indicating a fungal or bacterial issue. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Fungal Infections:
Fungal diseases can cause brown spots on snake plants, sometimes with a yellow halo or border around the spot.
Bacterial Infections:
Bacterial issues can also lead to similar symptoms, with brown spots and yellow halos.
Other Causes:
While fungal and bacterial infections are a primary concern, other issues like overwatering, underwatering, sunburn, or pests can also cause brown spots on snake plants.
Identifying the Issue:
If you notice brown spots with a yellow halo, it's important to differentiate between fungal/bacterial issues and other causes. Treatment:
If you suspect a fungal or bacterial infection, you may need to isolate the plant, remove affected leaves, and consider using a fungicide or bactericide.
Other Signs of Fungal Infection:
Fungal infections can thrive in humid environments with insufficient sunlight.
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause brown spots.
Fungal Infections:
Fungal diseases can cause brown spots on snake plants, sometimes with a yellow halo or border around the spot.
Bacterial Infections:
Bacterial issues can also lead to similar symptoms, with brown spots and yellow halos.
Other Causes:
While fungal and bacterial infections are a primary concern, other issues like overwatering, underwatering, sunburn, or pests can also cause brown spots on snake plants.
Identifying the Issue:
If you notice brown spots with a yellow halo, it's important to differentiate between fungal/bacterial issues and other causes. Treatment:
If you suspect a fungal or bacterial infection, you may need to isolate the plant, remove affected leaves, and consider using a fungicide or bactericide.
Other Signs of Fungal Infection:
Fungal infections can thrive in humid environments with insufficient sunlight.
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause brown spots.
@Ms.Persnickety thank you. This is what I was afraid of. It seems to have gotten nearly all my plants but now I’m wondering if it’s thrips or spider mites on my others. I really cannot tell bc I have yet to see any pests and I’ve really been searching! My problem is that I’ve had my plants for nearly a year and never knew about pests or knew to be looking or really even knew plant needs. I thought it was as simple as light and water. I’m now learning there’s much more to it.
@FreshOakmoss21 WOW, I appreciate you recognizing my efforts to help, by giving me the „Best“ answer. You just made my day. I‘m sorry that you were unaware of how much there is to be taken into consideration in taking care of plants. At least now you can say: Yeah, I knew that! At this point it is crucial to isolate any sick plant to minimize exposure to others. If you need additional info let me know.
@Ms.Persnickety Thank you! This is helpful! My biggest obstacle I think is simply how long it’s been going on that I was oblivious. The spread damage has already been done I’d say. I’m not sure I can win the fight and am unsure how to know if it’s truly gone or not. I’ve been treating all my plants with neem oil weekly for 3 weeks now. I don’t see really any improvements though.
@FreshOakmoss21 I am doing a little research on what spider mite damage looks on Snake plants. Spider mite damage on a snake plant often manifests as stippling (tiny white or yellow spots) on the leaves, fine webbing, and yellowing or bronzing of leaves, which can lead to leaf drop and a general loss of vigor. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Stippling: Tiny, pale yellow or white spots appear on the leaves, resembling stippling.
Webbing: Fine, delicate webs, often found on the undersides of leaves and in areas where leaves meet the stem, are a telltale sign of spider mites.
Yellowing and Bronzing: Leaves may turn yellow or develop a bronze or pale color as the mites feed on the plant's sap.
Leaf Drop: Heavily infested plants may experience leaf drop as the leaves become weakened and unable to support the plant's needs.
Dirty or Dusty Looking Leaves
Mottled discoloration. Look for fine webbing on leaves and stippled or yellowing foliage as telltale signs. And since you are already using Neem oil you are on the right track.
On the other hand: Thrip damage on a snake plant (Sansevieria) can manifest as stunted growth, distorted leaves, pale or brown spots, and leaf curling or rolling. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the symptoms:
Distorted Leaves: New growth may appear distorted or deformed, and leaves might not uncurl properly.
Pale or Brown Spots: You might notice tiny pale spots or stippling on the leaves, which can later turn brown.
Leaf Curling or Rolling: Leaves may start to curl or roll inward, especially at the edges.
Stunted Growth: The plant's overall growth may slow down or become stunted.
Silvery Streaks: You may see silvery streaks on the leaves
Tiny Black Specks: Look for tiny black specks, which could be thrip excrement, on the underside of the leaves. Brown Scars: You may see brown scars on the leaves
Droopy or Dropping Leaves: Old leaves may become droopy and/or drop prematurely. If you suspect a thrip infestation, check the underside of the leaves for tiny, thin insects or black specks (thrip excrement). Hope that all this has not overwhelmed you. And I really hope it helps a little bit.
Stippling: Tiny, pale yellow or white spots appear on the leaves, resembling stippling.
Webbing: Fine, delicate webs, often found on the undersides of leaves and in areas where leaves meet the stem, are a telltale sign of spider mites.
Yellowing and Bronzing: Leaves may turn yellow or develop a bronze or pale color as the mites feed on the plant's sap.
Leaf Drop: Heavily infested plants may experience leaf drop as the leaves become weakened and unable to support the plant's needs.
Dirty or Dusty Looking Leaves
Mottled discoloration. Look for fine webbing on leaves and stippled or yellowing foliage as telltale signs. And since you are already using Neem oil you are on the right track.
On the other hand: Thrip damage on a snake plant (Sansevieria) can manifest as stunted growth, distorted leaves, pale or brown spots, and leaf curling or rolling. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the symptoms:
Distorted Leaves: New growth may appear distorted or deformed, and leaves might not uncurl properly.
Pale or Brown Spots: You might notice tiny pale spots or stippling on the leaves, which can later turn brown.
Leaf Curling or Rolling: Leaves may start to curl or roll inward, especially at the edges.
Stunted Growth: The plant's overall growth may slow down or become stunted.
Silvery Streaks: You may see silvery streaks on the leaves
Tiny Black Specks: Look for tiny black specks, which could be thrip excrement, on the underside of the leaves. Brown Scars: You may see brown scars on the leaves
Droopy or Dropping Leaves: Old leaves may become droopy and/or drop prematurely. If you suspect a thrip infestation, check the underside of the leaves for tiny, thin insects or black specks (thrip excrement). Hope that all this has not overwhelmed you. And I really hope it helps a little bit.
@Ms.Persnickety thank you! It is helpful. Something is definitely going on but I can’t for the life of me find any pests. Maybe they’re gone now and I’m seeing all the aftermath now…I’m not sure.