We can't offer an opinion w/out pix. No way to assess it w/out seeing the damage.

What kind of soil do you use? How often are you watering?

Do you have strangers watering for you? Or maybe you mean in an office setting you can't control how/what it's watered with?

Also is it roots and RHIZOMES that are rotted, or just the roots?

I use a cactus/succulent/citrus soil mix (Miracle Grow brand, I think). I don't water succulents much. Maybe a 1/4 cup here and there whenever they are looking dry and thirsty.

I have kids, so they could have possibly done something, with the intent of "helping."

Everything in all three pots was rotted from soil-level downward.

I just find it perplexing since I've had this plant, or clones of it, at least, for about 10-years now. It withstood being left out in the cold, under-watered, over-watered, etc. but always bounced right back until now.

Sounds like some one used fertilizer or some thing like it. We use additional perlite with cactus mix soils. Increases the drainage but sounds like you never had a problem with the soil until now so I think some thing was toxic to the water they received. That is just a wild guess. Like Karen said, we need pictures.

They're in the trash already. I'm going to start over with new sanseveria. It's a bit sad to lose all of them, but I see it as a learning experience. I'll be more experienced the next go-'round.

Speaking of...Anyone have any extra sanseveria pups to share? I'll send postage, or can do a trade from my Trade List.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned those darn gnats!

PF.....Well from what you say in your 2nd paragraph I think you've inadvertently answered your own question.....The gnat like flies sound very much like sciarid flies, tiny black beasties which you often see dashing around on pots and soil surfaces generally when it's kept moist, but once there and established, they will stay even if the plant has dried somewhat. You would only need one egg laden female to set up home and bingo, an invasion has begun. Their wriggly larvae munch anything underground, roots, bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, etc. They're (the larvae) about 0.5 cm long, transparent with a black head. Maybe those gnats you saw were the reason your plants collapsed, I think so personally.

MG soil despite being sold for C/S, is, as far as I'm aware, peat based and has often been the source of many plants demise and spoken of on here as a big no-no when used alone. Best to avoid for any pups or other c/s you get.

Hope this helps. Oh, also get some of those sticky yellow traps like a sheet of sticky card which we have here for glasshouse whiteflies etc. They trap all manner of nasties, white, green, black flies....and sciarids too, so I cut them in pieces and lay them on the soil as sciarids like to go for walks.

Gill

Gill

I was also wondering about FG larvae. BUT, wouldn't there have to be a huge infestation for all OPs plants to suffer? Just wondering, as I do not have FG. But I do not use peaty soils (almost no soil actually) and do not have standing water or anyrhing constantly moist around. So many ppl post about them but don't remember anyone posting plants dying off because of FG. Anything is possible thou.

Thanks, Gill!

I think all three pots got over-watered, which attracted the FG's. My dear 6-year-old daughter had in fact been "giving the plants a drink" without me knowing, lol. It happens. We'll do better next time. :)

Shame to throw them away. Many sans can be saved but loose most of their leaves. As far as I know (which isn't a lot), I only see gnats as a after effect from rotting stuff. Not cause the rot but feeds off it.

I got some I can send you come warmer weather. If box is under 13 oz. can send US first class which is about $4 or so, but if it's over the 13 oz. it has to go Priority Mail which is double. Shipped bare root. Message me your address.

Good point on the Fungus Gnats being an after effect of rotting- though some times they are already in the mix when you pot it, but again they were there because the compost was breaking down.