Outdoor Survival Guidance for Snake Plants: Essential Information for Growing Snake Plants in the Open Air
Right at Home, Or Out on the Patio? A Guide to Growing Snake Plants
Ever wondered if you can transplant your favorite snake plant from indoors to outdoors? Well, wonder no more! This guide will help you determine if your lawn can host this strikingly unique houseplant.
Can Snake Plants Adapt to Outdoor Life?
Known for their towering, lance-like leaves with striking patterns, snake plants are a durable and easy-to-care addition to any home. But can they also flourish out in the open?
While snake plants are indeed resilient, they prefer specific climates. If you live in hardiness zones 10 and up, such as southern Florida, South Texas, or parts of Arizona and California, you're in luck! Your outdoor garden is ready to accommodate these tropical beauties year-round.
But for those in colder climates, don't fret. Snake plants can endure brief outdoor appearances during the summer months if properly transitioned. Gradually expose your plant to the great outdoors by increasing its outdoor time each day over a couple of weeks, making sure to keep it in shade initially.
Pro tip: Snake plants are exotic visitors and can potentially become invasive in some regions. To minimize their impact, consider keeping them in pots and limiting their spread.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Hailing from tropical West Africa, these plants have evolved to thrive in warm, humid surroundings. Ideal temperatures should range from 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C)—just like a cozy tropical vacation! Just ensure outdoor temperatures don't fall below 55°F (13°C) for long periods.
Light Requirements
Snake plants appreciate indirect sunlight. They're quite hospitable to low light conditions and make excellent companions for other plants with contrasting textures to create a stunning ensemble in your outdoor space. Keep your snake plant out of direct, bright light to avoid overheating.
Pests and Care
Pests are less of a concern for snake plants outdoors compared to their indoor counterparts, but you should still be vigilant against mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats. Regularly inspect your plants, rinse them with water during the summer months, and treat pests with the appropriate insecticides.
Curious about more ways to grow your snake plant collection and boost your gardening skills? Sign up for our newsletter and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes." Let us be your secret garden mentor! And, if you're eager to learn more about mastering your outdoor spaces, don't miss our free Outdoor Spaces Mini-Course on our Learning Channel. Happy gardening!
References:[1] Balch, B. H. (2006). Sunset Western Garden Book. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.[2] Horticulture, M. (2021, August 9). Growing Sanseveria Snake Plant: Temperature, Light, Soil, and Propagation. Masterclass.[3] Mishra, R., Gouda, V., & Agarwal, A. K. (2018). Sansevieria Trifasciata: A versatile tropical ornamental plant with potential medicinal properties. International Journal of Current Trends in Botany, 1(8), 71–81.[4] Rodrigues, K. (2020, November 24). Snake Plant: Light Requirements, Propagation, and Care Tips. The Spruce.[5] The Spruce. (2021, September 16). Sansevieria Growing Information and Care Guide. The Spruce.
Snake plants, known for their durability and easy care, can be an intriguing addition to your home-and-garden, adapting well to outdoor life in specific climates such as southern Florida, South Texas, parts of Arizona, and California. For those in colder regions, these plants can endure brief outdoor appearances during summer months, provided they're properly transitioned and kept in shade initially. Also, when gardening with snake plants, ensuring they receive warm, humid conditions and indirect sunlight will help maintain their luxurious, unique lifestyle.
