Snake plants thrive in warmer temperatures, making it ideal for planting them outdoors in summer. These plants can survive all types of sunlight, ranging from full sun to low light conditions. This gives you the leverage to plant snake plants conveniently, whether on your porch in the shade or by the balcony in the full sun.
However, you should take heed because these hardy plants may not survive outdoors in the winter months when the temperatures regularly drop and would require extra care.
How to Grow a Snake Plant Outside?
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You need to provide certain things to your snake plants to maximize their chances of survival.
What Temperature Can Snake Plants Tolerate?
Snake plants hail from parts of West Africa and thrive in warm climates, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F. They are highly susceptible to cold temperatures and respond poorly if the ambient temperature dips below 50°F. You can plant them outdoors if you live where the temperature sits snugly between the ideal range.
But if the outdoor temperatures lie outside the ideal range, you should consider moving them indoors until the temperature reaches higher than 50°F.
This isn’t to say that a cold spell is an immediate death sentence for snake plants. Snake plants can survive a few hours of exposure to cold but will begin to wilt if you keep them outside for too long.
Use the Right Soil Type
Although snake plants can grow in pots and soil outside, not all locations are ideal for growth.
For best results, it is preferable to use potting mix instead of soil to keep your snake plant healthy.
Potting mix is excellent for the roots and prevents them from drying when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
The potting mix should have a pH between 5.5 to 7.5 (which may be described as slightly acidic or alkaline). Below is a suitable potting mix recipe suitable for snake plants.
● 1/4 part succulent soil mix
● 3/4 organic potting soil
● Equal parts compost
All you have to do is mix all the ingredients to create the potting mix. Try not to add too much compost because it can hold moisture for too long and harm the roots of the snake plant.
Water Requirements for Snake Plants
Snake plants don’t require a lot of water for survival. You should wait until the soil completely dries to water the snake plant.
How long the plant takes to dry depends on the ambient moisture levels and its overall size. In general, snake plants can go for up to three to six weeks without water.
Ideally, you should place your snake plants at a reasonable distance from other plants that aren’t as drought-tolerant and require lots of watering.
You can tell that your plant is thirsty by looking at its leaves. So if the leaves appear yellow or wilting on the ends, it’s time to water the snake plant.
Humidity for Snake Plants
Snake plants do not like highly humid environments. They prefer average humidity in the range of 40% to 60%.
However, the plant can survive high-humidity atmospheres, but it won’t grow as fast. The moisture level should not abruptly rise and fall because it can shock the plant.
Proper watering, adequate spacing from other plants, and warming air should keep the moisture levels within the ideal range.
Lighting Conditions for Snake Plant
Snake plants can survive a wide range of lighting conditions, from semi-lit and shady to downright full exposure to the sun.
You should place optimal results in an area that receives bright indirect light. However, you can place them in an outdoor garden or patio if you so choose.
Although they can survive full exposure to direct sunlight, the plants are at a higher risk of drying out and wilting.
You should also avoid areas that receive no lighting because this will cause the leaves to wilt and fall. If possible, consider placing your snake plants in a south or west-facing garden where they will see plenty of indirect yet bright light.
Can Snake Plants Survive a Freeze?
The thick rhizomes of snake plants make them highly resilient, but even the mighty Sansevierias won’t survive for long if exposed to temperatures below 32℉.
Freezing temperatures can cause damage at a cellular level – which is often irreversible, and the only way to fix it is to prune the plant.
They can handle a few nights of extreme cold, but any longer and they will start to sustain damage.
So if you live in an area that gets cold in the winter season, it’s best to keep your snake plant indoors until the temperature starts to improve.
Snake plant factors to keep in mind while moving it outside
Here are a few tips to improve the chances of survival for your snake plant when you move it outdoors:
● Use a well-draining potting mix that is designed for cacti and succulents
● Choose a pot with drainage holes in the bottom, such as terra cotta pots
● Don’t bury them too deep when repotting snake plants
● Choose a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight
● Keep the plant in a spot with temperatures that are consistently above 50°F
● Avoid overwatering because it can lead to root rot
● Clear out pests with the help of beneficial predator bugs such as ladybugs and net-winged insects
● Avoid moving an indoor snake plant from a low-light area to direct sunlight too quickly because it will cause shock to the plant
Tips for Growing Snake Plants Outdoors
Here are a few things you should avoid when growing outdoor snake plants:
Misting the plant on hot days
It is not necessary to mist the leaves of the snake plant on days. This is because the leaves contain sufficient moisture levels to stay hydrated for dry days.
Misting will cause the plants to develop fungal issues that will cause them to wilt. As a rule, the leaves of the plant should never get too wet.
Keep in mind that these are tropical houseplants that have adapted to live in extremely arid areas that receive next to no rainfall, so water should not be a problem.
Direct Sunlight
Although these plants can survive direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to full sun is detrimental to their growth.
If you want your plant to thrive, keep it in the shade where it can receive bright, indirect light. Full sun will dry and kill your snake plants.
Cold Weather and Frost
Bring your snake plants indoors, if possible, in the colder months because they are at a high risk of getting frost damage.
Frostbite can kill your snake plants by causing irreversible damage. Snake plants can be grown outdoors, but you should refer to the above guide for outdoor conditions.
Not Taking Care of Pests
Pests are the Achilles heel of most plants, and the Mother in Law’s tongue is no exception to this rule. Do not place your snake plants near others if you suspect they have pests because the infestation will spread.
Make sure to get rid of any pet infestation as soon as you detect them to prevent your plant from dying
Conclusion Snake Plants and Final Thoughts
So, in conclusion, it is easy to grow snake plants in an outdoor environment. These plants are highly resilient and can survive a wide range of temperatures, and moisture levels, including low humidity and exposure to direct sun, and even tolerate low light conditions.
Let us know if you’ve ever grown snake plants in an outdoor environment and how you took care of the plants.
Caring For Your Snake Plant in The Winter Months
There are a few steps you can take to protect your outdoor snake plant in the winter months. If possible, try to move them indoors.
But if that isn’t possible, you may consider adding a layer of mulch to maintain the moisture and insulation levels. Mulch makes it much more difficult for the roots to freeze solid.
Alternatively, you can cover the plant with bed sheets, comforters, and newspapers. You may use towels, sheets, pillowcases, and even cardboard boxes.
Can a Snake Plant Survive a Freeze?
As mentioned earlier, snake plants cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will die. This is because first and cold can freeze their cells, causing them to expand as the water inside turns to ice. This causes the cell membrane to tear apart, leading to cellular death.
Habitat and Natural Range of Snake Plants
Snake plants are native to the rocky habitat of tropical Africa. They can be found growing in West Africa, Nigeria, and Congo.