Last Updated on September 14, 2022 by Griselda M.
Are snake plants outdoor plants, or do they only thrive indoors? This article will look into details on how to grow a snake plant outdoors.
Snake plants are beautiful, tropical-looking indoor plants that have a long history of use in horticulture and the home. They are also popular for their unique growth habit, with plants growing from a single node at the base of each leaf; instead of forming roots and leaves.
If you take the time to grow them properly, you can be rewarded with a stunning plant. Snake plants are often confused with other plants that look similar, such as Boston ferns. These plants are not related and are native to temperate regions.
The most important thing to remember when growing a snake plant is to provide it with plenty of light, especially when it first comes out of the container. This will help it develop its strong, vertical stems; as well as encourage more growth.
So Are Snake Plants Outdoor Plants?
Well, in the right environment, they can grow just as well outside as inside. They do prefer slightly warmer temperatures though, as they can only survive above 45 degrees.
A cool greenhouse or garage may work for some species, but if you have access to a house, a sunroom, or even a porch, this would be ideal. If your location has a lot of sunlight, you’ll have a much better chance of growing a healthy snake plant, than if it’s in a shady spot.
You’ll also need to make sure that the soil is well-drained, as too much water will encourage the roots to rot. You may want to test the soil before planting to see if it drains well, and if not, make some adjustments to the soil.
Snake plants are not particularly fussy about their environment, but they do like to have some form of light. If you are growing them indoors, a bright window will be ideal; as long as the light is bright enough to provide them with the energy they need to grow.
They’re also very happy when you keep the soil evenly moist. As they grow, the plant will wilt if they get too dry, and they can become stressed if they receive too much water. You should water your snake plants regularly, but only give them a small amount at a time.
There’s no need to fertilize snake plants, as they tend to be very hardy. They don’t need much in the way of nutrients to grow well, so you’ll need to fertilize them less frequently than other plants.
Instead of using fertilizers, it’s best to use the compost manure that you get from your local farm. Compost is a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s also made up of all the bacteria that break down plant waste.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and mealybugs. These pests can cause the leaves to look a little yellow and diseased, which can make them unattractive to potential customers. If you find any pests, just wipe them away with a soft damp cloth or a spray of water. You can also use insecticides to rid your plants of pests.
La Jolie Muse Tall Planters Outdoor Indoor
Caring For a Snake Plant Growing Outdoors
Now that we can answer the question, are snake plants outdoor plants? let’s see what caring for these plants entails. Growing snake plant outdoors requires minimal care that includes:
Regular watering
It is important to provide your snake plants with consistent watering to keep them growing. Once every fortnight is enough in warmer months and as little as once a month during the colder season.
Sunlight
A well-lit environment is important for the health of your snake plants.
Temperature
Snake plants thrive in temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 70 degrees F will cause your snake plants to be stressed and may lead to browning leaves.
Humidity
Snake plants thrive in conditions of high humidity.
Fertilizing
Snake plants are usually fed by foliar fertilization. This is done by applying liquid fertilizer to the leaves of your snake plant via a spray bottle or a drip system.
Maintenance
It is important to be aware that snake plants require an environment that has consistent temperatures, and high levels of humidity. Snake plants do not tolerate extreme changes in temperature and humidity and can become stressed if these conditions change too much. When purchasing snake plants, make sure you get them from a reputable seller.
Reputable sellers will have established snake plants and they will be able to give you advice on how to care for your snake plant.
Final Thoughts – Are Snake Plants Outdoor Plants?
So are snake plants outdoor plants? Yes, snake plants are both indoor and outdoor plants.
But if you think about it, they are mostly used as houseplants or hanging plants. If you do try taking them outside, make sure they have a sunny spot and don’t get direct sunlight for too long. Strike a balance between the amount of sunlight and water, to ensure your snake plant is provided with the right environment.
Also, make sure that you don’t water your snake plant too much. Snake plants are very sensitive to over-watering and this can cause the leaves to shrivel and fall off. The best way to care for your snake plant is to give it enough space and leave it alone for the most part. Watering your snake plant once every two weeks is ideal, whether growing this plant indoors or outdoors.
Read more about The Right Temperature For Snake Plant Growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Snake Plants Live Outside?
Yes. Snake plants can be grown outdoors with regular watering. They are native to subtropical and tropical regions, but can be grown in temperate regions as long as they have a sunny location.
When Can I Put My Snake Plant Outside?
Snake plants do best in warm weather, so if your region is very cold, you may want to wait until spring.
Can Snake Plants Survive Winter Outside?
Yes, they can. But, it will depend on where you live. The soil must be kept moist and shaded to protect the plant from drying out during winter. You can also cover them if your area is too cold.
How Do You Take Care of an Outdoor Snake Plant?
Outdoor snake plant care should include regular watering, and light shade. If you are going to fertilize, it should be done when the soil begins to dry up in the fall. You can also fertilize in spring when the plant begins to grow new leaves.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
