There are multiple care-related reasons your snake plant’s leaves turn yellow, but the good news is most of them are fixable. Yellow leaves are a sign of stress and typically indicate that the plant is unable to absorb enough nutrients due to overwatering or a lack of proper drainage.
Overwatering:
Succulents like why is my snake plant yellow absorb water through their leaves rather than the roots, so overwatering leads to a buildup of moisture within the plant and wilting. This often happens when the houseplant is in a container with compact soil that doesn’t provide good drainage, or when the plant’s root ball is too large for the pot it lives in. To avoid overwatering, choose a plastic container that’s at least 1/3 larger than the snake plant’s root ball, and fill it with fast-draining potting mix such as Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix. Choose a planting material such as terra cotta that allows the soil to wick away excess moisture, or add perlite and/or sand to the potting mix for better drainage.
Miracle-Gro Potting Soil: Unleashing the Power of Nutrient-Rich Growing Medium for Your Plants
Another common reason for snake plant leaves turning yellow is a lack of essential nutrients in the soil. The nutrient imbalance typically results in a condition known as chlorosis, which causes the leaves to lose their green pigmentation.
Photodamage:
In some cases, snake plants will develop yellow leaves from being exposed to scorching sun rays, particularly in the summer. To avoid this, be sure to keep your plant in a bright, indirect location.