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Snake plant is an easy-to-grow tropical plant known for its resilience indoors. Growing snake plants sometimes becomes tricky when the question arises, Can snake plants live outside? This place is perfect for you to get your answer.
The answer is yes; you can grow your snake plant outdoors. It grows best in the summer but has some problems in winter. While thinking about how you can grow a snake plant outside, there are a few things that you must know before potting or repotting it outside. Let’s dive into the details of those requirements and whether this plant can become an outdoor star or not.
Can I Grow Snake Plant Outside
Yes, you can grow snake plants outside, but there are a few things that you must consider first. The snake plant will grow and thrive best if you provide a better cultural environment according to its requirements. Additionally, it would be best if you made an extremely gradual transition. Doing this will help the plant grow properly and adjust to the new environment.
If the winter season is approaching and you want to pot the snake plant outside, waiting some days for the frost to subside will be better. Planting your snake outside in winter is not a good idea. So, if you want to protect your plant and see its better growth, wait for a few days if you are experiencing cold weather. Direct sunlight is also very harmful to the snake plant, so protect your snake plant from direct sunlight.
It can cause the plant’s leaves to turn yellow and cause the plant to die. Still, if you want to grow your snake plant outside, provide it with all the care and maintenance you will read in this article in the following steps. Never move your plant suddenly from one place to another, especially indoors or outdoors, as this will cause severe shock to the plant.
How to Grow A Snake Plant Outside
Now that you know snake plants can grow outside, you must wonder about the method and requirements for moving your plant outside. The complete process depends on the species of the snake plant, you can grow it or put it right above the ground.
Snake plants love warm weather, they grow in sunlight and warm conditions. So, if you are growing the snake plant outside for the first time, check the outside temperature. The plant will not grow and thrive in freezing weather or temperatures, considering the temperature first will help you decide whether to move it outside.
1. Ideal Temperature
Snake plants are native to parts of South Africa. Because they are tropical plants, they love to thrive in warmer temperatures—generally, they like USDA zones between 9 and 11. Temperature can change with time, but the snake plant’s temperature must not be too low. The perfect temperature for the plant is between 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature must meet the snake plant’s requirements; otherwise, it will not grow. If the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will stop growing and die after a few days. Hence, it is crucial to check the outdoor temperature first and then move the snake plant outside when you feel it is ideal.
2. Lighting Conditions
Snake plants are not sensitive to lighting conditions, you can also move them to a shady place. They will thrive equally in the shade as they grow in direct sunlight. You can plant your snake if there is any place in your house with direct sunlight or bright illumination.
If you decide to move your plant from indoor to outdoor, move it to a place where it can get proper sunlight because that is the main requirement. If the shady place near the lawn is bright, put the snake plant if the place is warm. The amount of light must be perfect according to the requirement.
As the snake plant needs direct sunlight, it does not mean you will not check it for hours after it is in bright sunlight. Placing the plant longer in sunlight will dry out the plant. You must ensure that the place has proper sunlight or warmth for better plant growth; too dim light makes the leaves wilt.
3. Soil Type
The snake plant has no specific soil type, you can use any soil. All kinds of soils are best for them, they grow well in every soil type. You can choose any pot ranging from ceramic to terracotta. A porcelain pot is also best for growing snake plants outside, but it depends on the type of snake plant.
Whatever soil type you choose, ensure that it is well-drained. If the soil gets boggy, the snake plant will not thrive. Considering this factor before growing the snake plant outside would be best. So, if you worry about what soil type will be perfect for the snake plant outside, don’t worry. You can use any soil type.
4. Water Requirement
The water requirement is the next factor before planting the snake plant outside. Usually, these plants have minimal water requirements. So, there is no need to worry about the water requirements and routines for the snake plant while growing outside. The rule for watering the snake plant is to water it only when you see its dry soil.
The water requirement of the snake plant depends on its size and type. The snake plant usually grows without water for two to six weeks. If you plan to move the snake plant outdoors with other plants, grow it farther than other plants, requiring constant and daily watering. The best option is to plant and place it farther than other plants.
Things to Avoid While Moving Snake Plants Outside
As the snake plant only requires a little care and maintenance, you must avoid a few things while moving it outdoors. Doing this will protect your plant from hazards and ensure its better and more efficient growth. Let’s learn what the things that you must avoid are:
1. Overwatering
The first and foremost thing that you must avoid while growing the snake plant outside is to avoid overwatering. Snake plants are robust and can survive many days without water. So, they need very little water. The snake plants get their water requirement from surrounding aridity.
Remember that snake plants have excellent water retention ability, which means the plant gets water from its leaves. Even in the dry months, the snake plant does not suffer less water problems. If you frequently water your snake plant, it will cause fungal diseases. It can also affect the foliage process in the plant. While watering the snake plant, make sure not to wet its leaves.
The leaves of the snake plant do not like to be wet, so make sure that its leaves remain untouched and not wet while watering the snake plant. Sometimes, you might feel the urge to spray the leaves with water when dry but never try. Ensure to water the plant roots, the leaves, and the whole plant will get water through the plant roots.
2. Extreme Chilly Weather
Do not consider planting snake plants if you live in an icy area and the weather always remains cold. Still, if you want to plant them outdoors, wait until the weather and environment are warm. Snake plants thrive best in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you still want to grow snake plants outside, provide the plant with the proper temperature to ensure better growth. If there is a temperature lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be better to wait for some time. But if you live in a region with a continuous temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, grow the snake plant in a greenhouse.
3. Overlooking Pests Attacks
Snake plants are very hardy and robust, but some pests also attack the snake plants. When you move the plant from indoor to outdoor, alter the situation. It is when pests mostly attack plants, so check if they infect the snake plant because of other surrounding plants. Like other plants, pests like aphids and spider mites can cause diseases in snake plants.
If you want to prevent your snake plant from this problem, then take the issue seriously, even the more minor pests and infections. If you notice the snake plant has root rot or any other root problem, then resolve the issue immediately. Resolving the problem quickly will ensure the snake plant’s better growth.
4. Drainage Neglection
Proper drainage of water is crucial for the better health and growth of snake plants. The danger of rotten rot increases when a proper drainage system is absent. Hence, ensure your outdoor pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Snake plant roots are more susceptible to rot in waterlogged soil.
One way of avoiding waterlogging is to choose a pot with good drainage and consider using a well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
5. Temperature Shock or Extreme Sunlight
Snake Plants prefer mild indoor light so avoid placing them in direct sunlight for long hours. In addition, avoid exposing your snake plant to the outdoors directly. Instead gradually accustomed to it by taking it outside for short periods during the day while increasing the duration after some time. This practice helps them in adjusting to the new temperature range.
Can Snake Plants Take Direct Sunlight
While snake plants do not need lighting specifications, extreme sunlight harms them. Blend direct and indirect sunlight for better and more efficient snake plant growth. You can do this by placing and growing the snake plant in a greenhouse. If there is no greenhouse at home, you can put your snake plant in a shady place where it does not get direct sunlight but must be bright.
It will help the plant improve its growth and protect it from harm. Ensure you provide the proper lighting conditions; too dim or too much sunlight harms the snake plant. Moderate lighting supports the plant’s growth, so you do not have to worry about its lighting requirement. Thus, only make sure not to provide too much extreme or too dim light to your snake plant.
Things to Keep In Mind While Moving Snake Plants Outside
You must consider a few tips and instructions while placing the snake plant outside. Here are some of them:
- Firstly, remember that the snake plant can grow in sunlight and shade. However, it thrives and grows best in a shady place with plenty of humidity.
- Make sure to provide plenty of space for the snake plant to let it spread and grow. If there is not enough space, use the larger pot for potting or repotting it.
- If you live in a region that usually remains hot, consider moving your snake plant indoors when you see the temperature is too high for the plant. Otherwise, it will get yellowy or die.
Conclusion
Growing the snake plant outside is tricky, you must consider many things while planting and growing it outside. So, if you decide to plant the snake plant outside, follow the tips and instructions in this article to ensure the better growth of your snake plant. This guide explores the brief details of a snake plant’s temperature and other requirements, So, grow your plant safely and efficiently. Stay connected for more valuable information in the future.
FAQs
1. How to Prepare Your Snake Plant for Winter?
In winter, it is ensured that snake plants have plentiful light indoors since they enjoy warm environments. Besides, only water your snake plant when the soil is arid and avoid abrupt changes in temperature or using fertilizers.
2. What Temperature Can Snake Plants Tolerate?
They can tolerate low humidity levels for months but begin to suffer below 50 degrees F, a key sign of decline. They are relatively cold tolerant and will withstand temperatures between 55 F and 90 F on average.
3. Which Is the Suitable Fertilizer for My Snake Plant?
A balanced all-purpose liquid fertilizer with Nitrogen, Potassium, and phosphorus in the ratio of 10-10-10 is best. This ratio of fertilizers provides essential nutrients for the overall growth of the Snake Plant.
