What am I doing wrong and can I revive this snake plant?
Got this little guy from son. He was in an area that got little sun, I loved him to a south facing window. He is about 1.5-2 feet from the window.
1
Looks like it's rotting from overwatering, specifically from the soil staying too damp for too long. On snake plants the damage can start at the top and work its way down. Overwatering can happen if, obviously, you're watering too often, but also if it wasn't receiving enough light (light helps to dry out the soil faster). Snake plants are incredibly drought tolerant, so they can go a very long time without water. Always let the soil completely dry out between waterings. When in doubt, err on the side of under watering rather than overwatering.
How long has it been in that pot? It looks a bit too large for such a small plant, which can also lead to issues related to overwatering. Snake plants like to be quite snug in their pots, which helps it produce more pups. I'd suggest taking a peak at the roots to make sure they're healthy. Healthy snake plant roots will be firm and either white or bright orange. Rotted roots will be darker in color, mushy, and easily fall apart when handled. If you find any roots like this, remove them with scissors or pruners sterilized with 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Succulent or cacti soil mixed with equal parts perlite or pumice rock is perfect. I'd also go down to a smaller pot, something like a 3-4" terracotta pot would be best for now.
Snake plants that have dealt with stress or damage can take a while to recover, so patience is key. Make sure it's getting plenty of bright light. Some direct sun is ok, but if it hasn't been getting enough light for a while, you'll need to gradually acclimate it. A south-facing window is likely too much intense direct light and might cause it to burn. Either move it far enough back that direct sun doesn't hit it, or move to an east or north-facing window.
How long has it been in that pot? It looks a bit too large for such a small plant, which can also lead to issues related to overwatering. Snake plants like to be quite snug in their pots, which helps it produce more pups. I'd suggest taking a peak at the roots to make sure they're healthy. Healthy snake plant roots will be firm and either white or bright orange. Rotted roots will be darker in color, mushy, and easily fall apart when handled. If you find any roots like this, remove them with scissors or pruners sterilized with 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Succulent or cacti soil mixed with equal parts perlite or pumice rock is perfect. I'd also go down to a smaller pot, something like a 3-4" terracotta pot would be best for now.
Snake plants that have dealt with stress or damage can take a while to recover, so patience is key. Make sure it's getting plenty of bright light. Some direct sun is ok, but if it hasn't been getting enough light for a while, you'll need to gradually acclimate it. A south-facing window is likely too much intense direct light and might cause it to burn. Either move it far enough back that direct sun doesn't hit it, or move to an east or north-facing window.
