Last week’s excitement for the snake plant leaf propagation has segued into this week’s scramble to save Caesar, my large snake plant, gifted to me three years ago. Caesar has been a steadfast superstar, truly living up to the snake plant reputation of requiring little attention. But now he needs help. I noticed one of the leaves had browned, to the point of shriveling up. Upon closer inspection, I found another leaf from the same cluster had a large dark brown spot that almost looked wet in a way.

My first step was to feel up the ‘wet’ brown spot. If it felt squishy, it might indicate overwatering of the plant. No squish. Not surprising, considering I haven’t watered Caesar in probably two months, for his winter hibernation. If anything, I’d be concerned that maybe I haven’t watered him enough, not being too sure when I last had.

Next I parted the leaves to look at the soil. To my dismay, I found some sort of fluffy white material. It did not look like the powdery mildew I’d encountered before, although I cannot rule that possibility out. It seems low probability to me, considering the soil is dry and not conducive to fungal growth. Buuuuuut, the leaves are really crowded, and perhaps that has severely restricted air flow?

Another possibility that fills me with terror: spider mites. I’ve not knowingly had to deal with these critters before. And I’m a bit arachnophobic. Typically one would see webbing between the leaves, which I have not noticed, but also not ruling out this greater possibility.

I decided to attack the problem with multiple solutions. First, I spooned out the white fluff and sprinkled cinnamon over the soil to act as an antimicrobial, deterring spider mites and fungi alike. Then I gave the soil a good soak, combating possible dehydration and loosening up the soil so that I can repot or remove sections of the plant if needed. Finally, I took Caesar outside briefly to spray his leaves with Neem Oil, which kills spider mites on contact and also tackles other possible pests such as mildew. A true hero.

I’ll Neem Caesar every other day for a week to be thorough. And, of course, keep him quarantined away for all the other plants. May his strength abide.

Interesting sensory note: I noticed a day or two after watering Caesar that he has been emitting a strong smell akin to graham crackers. I believe it is the result of having wetted cinnamon.