Can Snake Plants Live Outside? A Guide to Growing Snake Plants Outdoors

Its true: snake plants thrive in bright light, and warm temperatures like humans do. There are some things you should know about taking care of them if you want to leave them outside all year.

To begin, they need to be watered often—every few weeks or so—but only when the soil feels dry.

You need to know that snake plants need more than just a few hours of sunlight per day. You can also add some fertilizer every month or two, but it’s not necessary.

While they arent necessarily as sensitive, they have some requirements that must be met to thrive. If they get too cold—below 50 degrees Fahrenheit—they may lose some of their leaves or die altogether.

With their striking upright leaves and nearly indestructible nature, snake plants have become a hugely popular houseplant But did you know that snake plants can also be grown outside in the right conditions? While they are traditionally indoor plants, certain varieties can thrive outdoors during warm weather if given proper care

In this article we’ll look at how hardy snake plants are what growing conditions they need to flourish outside, and tips for transitioning them in and out of your home each season. Read on to learn if your snake plant has potential as an outdoor accent plant.

Are Snake Plants Hardy Outside?

While resilient, snake plants are only hardy outdoors in very warm climates. Most varieties thrive best indoors or in zones 10 and 11, where winter temperatures stay above 30°F. They can tolerate short drops to 20°F when mature, but prolonged freezing will damage or kill them.

If outdoor temperatures reliably stay above 50°F year-round in your area, growing snake plants outside in summer is possible. Just provide some shade and protection from excessive rain. Move plants back indoors before the first fall frost arrives.

Attempting to grow snake plants outdoors year-round in zones colder than 9b is risky. Their shallow roots are vulnerable to freeze damage. Hardy succulents like sedums make better choices for permanent outdoor planting in chillier climates.

Ideal Outdoor Growing Conditions

Snake plants aren’t too picky, but they grow best outdoors when given these conditions:

Sun – They prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves. Morning sun is ideal.

Soil – Fast-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite suits them well. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature – Consistent warmth between 60-90°F is preferred. Protect from frost and freezing.
Water – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Too much moisture causes root rot.

Wind – Shelter plants from strong winds which can damage upright leaves.
Humidity – Average humidity is fine. Mist leaves occasionally for extra moisture.

Recreating their native African tropics helps snake plants look their best outside. But they’re resilient to less-than-ideal conditions too.

Choosing the Best Snake Plants for Outdoors

While all snake plant varieties can be brought outside in warm weather, some are better suited for toting back and forth than others:

Sansevieria trifasciata – The classic upright green leaves suit patio containers well. Tolerates partial shade. Many varieties.
Sansevieria cylindrica – Cylindrical leaves withstand outdoor conditions. Prefers dappled light.
Sansevieria masoniana – Tolerant of heat and some direct sun. Impressive architectural shape.

Sansevieria parva – Compact variety good for mixed succulent pots. Handles outdoor growth well.
Sansevieria patens – Unfurling silver-green leaves that shine outdoors.

Look for snake plants with thick, rigid leaves that can withstand occasional strong winds. Heftier varieties tend to transition better.

Acclimating Snake Plants to Outside Conditions

Any time you move a houseplant outside, it takes an adjustment period. To transition snake plants safely:

Start by placing plants in a shady, protected outdoor spot for 1-2 weeks, bringing them in at night.
Then leave them outdoors in part shade 24/7, monitoring for any leaf damage before exposing to more sun.
If all looks well, gradually introduce to brighter light over 2-4 weeks.

Mist leaves occasionally and keep the soil moist but not saturated as plants acclimate.
Rotate pots every few days to ensure even sun exposure as the snake plant adjusts.

With gradual exposure to outdoor conditions, snake plants will adapt nicely. Just watch closely for any signs of stress like wilting.

Growing Snake Plants Outside in Containers

Potted snake plants are the easiest way to bring these indoor favorites outdoors. Follow these tips for success:

Use containers with drainage holes and a quality potting mix, not garden soil.
Choose pots wide and heavy enough to be stable in windy conditions.
Keep potted plants well watered as outdoor air and sun dry them out faster.

Rotate pots weekly so growth stays even on all sides as sunlight shifts.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season for best growth.
Top-dress pots with fresh soil and divide overgrown plants in early spring.

With good drainage and ample water, container-grown snake plants will flourish outside.

Caring for Outdoor Snake Plants

Snake plants need a bit more care kept outdoors than when living indoors. Be sure to provide:

Water – Check soil moisture frequently and water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Don’t allow pots to completely dry out.
Fertilizer – Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for best growth.

Pruning – Remove any damaged leaf tips or spent leaves down to the base.
Pest control – Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites which may accumulate outdoors.
Sun/wind protection – Move pots or use shade structures if leaves show signs of scorching or wind damage.

Winter storage – Bring snake plants inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F in fall.

With attentive care, your snake plants can thrive outside all season long in warmer climates.

Overwintering Snake Plants Indoors

All snake plants kept outdoors in summer will need to move back inside before frost arrives in fall. To transition them smoothly:

Bring plants inside when overnight temperatures start dipping below 50°F.

Prune off any damaged leaves and remove weeds/pests to prevent issues indoors.
Gradually reduce watering over 10-14 days to ease the plant into dormancy.
Place in a sunny indoor spot and water just enough to prevent complete soil drying.

Resume normal watering in spring once new growth appears and daylength increases.
Transition plants back outside again after the last spring frost has passed.

With proper overwintering care, your snake plants will sail through their indoor dormancy period until warm weather returns.

Troubleshooting Outdoor Snake Plant Problems

If issues arise when growing snake plants outdoors, here are some likely causes and solutions:

Sunburned leaves – Move to partial shade. Introduce to sun gradually to acclimate next year.
Spindly growth – Increase sunlight exposure. Fertilize regularly. Trim off leggy growth.
Leaf damage – Protect from harsh winds. Avoid moisture on leaves at night to prevent disease.

Root rot – Repot in fresh mix. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Pests – Hose off plants and apply organic insecticidal soap. Remove badly infested leaves.
No new growth – Likely too cold overnight. Move plant indoors until outdoors warms up.

Catch any problems early and adjust care to help outdoor snake plants thrive.

FAQ About Growing Snake Plants Outside

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about growing snake plants outdoors:

Can I plant snake plants directly in the ground outside?

No, their roots are too shallow. Keep snake plants in containers that can move indoors, as they are not hardy enough for permanent in-ground planting.

Should I put my snake plant outside for the summer?

Yes, in warm climates (zones 9-11) snake plants can move outdoors for the summer if acclimated gradually. Bring them back inside at the end of the season.

How much sunlight do outdoor snake plants need?

They prefer bright, indirect light outdoors. Some morning sun is beneficial but avoid hot mid-day sun which can scorch the leaves.

Can snake plants stay outside in winter?

No, snake plants are only hardy down to about 30°F and will suffer damage and decline outdoors once temperatures drop in fall. Always overwinter them indoors.

Should I fertilize an outdoor potted snake plant?

Yes, feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season will help the snake plant flourish in its outdoor container.

Enjoying Snake Plants Indoors and Out

Hardy snake plants can make a striking addition to outdoor container gardens and poolside plantings in warm weather. Just provide bright, indirect light and ample moisture. With proper overwintering care indoors, the same plants can decorate your home year-round.

By understanding their preferences for warmth, sunlight, and water, your snake plant collection can transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments each season. Simply adapt your care to meet the plant’s needs in each location.

So don’t limit yourself to keeping these fabulous plants only as houseplants. With a bit of seasonal shuffling, snake plants can also lend their bold architectural shapes to your outdoor living spaces when conditions are right.

● Water it regularly

It would help if you kept your snake plant moist when outside. The best way to do this is by watering it regularly with room-temperature water (not cold or hot).

Always make sure the soil is damp but not soaked, and after each watering, empty any extra water from the saucer under the pot.

A soaker hose or watering can with a long spout is the best way to water your snake plant. Planterhoma self-watering planters are also great for watering snake plants. So you can get right down into the soil and give your plant what it needs without giving it too much water.

● Snake plant Temperature Tolerance Outside

Snake plants are hardy plants that can survive a wide range of temperatures. They won’t stand frost, though, so don’t put them anywhere where they will be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Snake plant Temperature tolerance outside is between a range of 60 to 90 ºF.

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