Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Dracaena trifasciata, are popular indoor houseplants known for their striking foliage and durability Their sword-shaped leaves add bold architectural interest to living spaces while requiring very little maintenance.
Many indoor gardeners wonder if their hardy snake plants can live outdoors during warm weather. The good news is yes, snake plants can thrive outside when the conditions are right. However, there are some important factors to consider before placing your potted snake plant in an outdoor environment.
Key Factors for Growing Snake Plants Outdoors
Snake plants are tropical plants native to Africa and parts of Asia. They prefer warm conditions between 60-80°F and do not tolerate freezing cold weather. Here are the key things to keep in mind when deciding whether your snake plant can live outdoors:
Temperature
Snake plants need temperatures above 50°F to thrive and should be brought indoors before the first frost in fall They can tolerate brief periods in the 40s but prolonged exposure to cold will damage the plant
In areas with freezing winters, snake plants can only live outdoors during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall. They must be brought back inside well before winter.
Sunlight
Snake plants grow best in bright indirect light indoors. Outdoors they need some shade from hot afternoon sun which can scorch their leaves. Place them in partial shade under a tree or patio cover. Early morning or late afternoon sun is fine.
Watering
Snake plants are very susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. While outdoors, rainfall can cause excessive moisture so move pots under cover during heavy rain.
Wind
The stiff, upright leaves of snake plants are vulnerable to damage from strong winds. Keep them protected in a sheltered location.
Transition Period
When moving a snake plant from indoors to outdoors, do it gradually over 7-10 days to help the plant acclimate. Start by placing it outdoors for just an hour or two per day, slowly increasing the time outside over a week before leaving it out overnight.
Monitor for any leaf damage during the transition period and adjust the lighting conditions if needed. Make sure to bring plants back indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Caring for Snake Plants Outdoors
Once properly acclimated and placed in an appropriate outdoor spot, snake plants require minimal maintenance to thrive. Here are some tips for outdoor snake plant care:
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Check soil moisture frequently, watering only when the top inch becomes dry. The potting mix may dry out faster than when indoors.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for lush growth.
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Prune off any damaged leaves or spent flower stems to keep the plant looking tidy.
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Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
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Inspect regularly for pests like mealybugs or scale and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if found. Outdoor plants are more prone to bugs.
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Repot in fresh potting mix every 2-3 years as needed when roots have filled the container. This encourages healthy growth.
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Bring plants inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F in fall to avoid cold damage.
Ideal Outdoor Locations for Snake Plants
When selecting an outdoor home for your snake plant, look for the following ideal conditions:
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Partially shaded spot that gets some morning or late afternoon sun but avoids intense midday light. East or west placement is great.
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Sheltered area protected from wind, such as along a wall or building, under a patio cover, or behind shrubbery.
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Near a doorway or deck where you can easily monitor soil moisture and the plant’s needs.
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Not under roof gutters or downspouts where heavy rain could pool and cause overwatering issues.
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Zone 9-11 gardeners can incorporate snake plants into ornamental landscape beds. Those in colder zones should keep plants in movable containers.
Outdoor Snake Plant Ideas
Snake plants make excellent additions to outdoor container gardens and poolside plantings during warm weather:
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Create striking height and contrast by combining upright snake plants with trailing plants like ivy or vinca in patio pots.
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Flank the entryway with matching pots of snake plants on stands or plant stands.
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Line a garden path or decorate a deck with snake plants in colorful glazed containers.
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Place snake plants poolside in water-tolerant containers like concrete or resin wicker. Their vertical shape adds interest.
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Group a few plants together in a large ceramic pot for a bold architectural statement.
Bottom Line on Outdoor Care
Snake plants can spend the warm season outdoors with proper acclimation and care. Just be sure to bring them inside before cold weather arrives to prevent irreparable damage. With their striking vertical foliage and resilience, snake plants make great additions to outdoor container gardens and poolside plantings when given the right conditions. Follow these tips for successfully growing these quintessential houseplants outside.
Snake Plants are Super Sturdy Snake plant leaves are thick and flexible, so that they canwithstand a summer rainstorm or a burst of wind without shredding or folding.
Snake Plants Look Like No Other Plant
Their unique overall form, growth habit, leaf rigidity, and stripe-y color palette makes snake plants look like no other type of plant.
Can Snake Plants Live Outside
FAQ
Can I keep a snake plant outside?
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Temperature:Snake plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C). They are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and can tolerate short periods of cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be fatal.
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Light:Snake plants can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to full sun, making them adaptable for various outdoor locations.
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Watering:Snake plants are drought-tolerant and prefer well-draining soil, so ensure the container has drainage holes and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
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Sunlight:While snake plants can tolerate full sun, they can also thrive in partial shade or bright, indirect light.
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Container:Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
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Acclimatization:If you’re moving your snake plant outdoors for the first time, gradually acclimate it to the outdoor conditions by starting with a few hours of shade or indirect sunlight and gradually increasing the exposure over time.
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Wind:Snake plants are shallow rooted and can be vulnerable to wind damage, so consider placing them in a sheltered location.
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Rain:While snake plants can tolerate rain, they are susceptible to root rot if they are left in waterlogged soil for extended periods, so ensure the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not exposed to excessive rain.
Can snake plants be in full sun?
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Adaptability:Snake plants are highly adaptable and can survive in a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light.
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Optimal Growth:They generally prefer bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or early afternoon.
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Potential Issues with Direct Sun:Prolonged exposure to intense, direct sunlight, especially in the hottest part of the day, can cause the leaves to scorch or burn.
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Indoor Placement:If you have a snake plant indoors, place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light, or in a location that gets a few hours of morning or early afternoon sun.
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Outdoor Placement:If you’re growing a snake plant outdoors, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch.
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Signs of Too Much Sun:If your snake plant’s leaves are turning yellow, brown, or developing spots, it may be getting too much direct sunlight.
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Signs of Not Enough Sun:If your snake plant is becoming leggy and the leaves are pale, it may not be getting enough light.
Are snake plants better inside or outside?
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Indoors:Snake plants are popular houseplants due to their low-maintenance nature, ability to tolerate low light, and air-purifying qualities.
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Outdoors:In warm climates (USDA zones 9-11), they can be grown outdoors year-round, but in cooler zones, they should be brought indoors during the winter to protect them from frost.
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Summer Transition:In cooler zones, you can move snake plants outdoors during the summer months and bring them back indoors before temperatures drop.
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Light:Snake plants can tolerate a range of light conditions, from bright, indirect light to low light, but they prefer bright, indirect light.
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Watering:Snake plants are drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Benefits of Snake Plants:They are known for removing toxins and pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
What temperatures can snake plants tolerate?
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Optimal Temperature Range:60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C)
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Minimum Temperature:They can tolerate short periods below 50°F (10°C) but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can cause damage.
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Ideal Environment:Snake plants are tropical plants that prefer warm, dry conditions with plenty of sunlight.
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Outdoor Care:Snake plants can be kept outside in climates with mild, warm weather year-round, but should be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures start to remain below 60°F.
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Signs of Cold Stress:Dark water stains on leaves, leaves falling over, and mushy black leaves can indicate cold stress.
Can snake plants grow outside?
Yes, snake plants can thrive outdoors in USDA zones 9-12, with temperatures between 70°F-90°F (21°C-32°C). Ensure well-draining soil, balanced lighting, and proper care for healthy growth in gardens, patios, or balconies. Follow these tips and you should have no problem growing your snake plant outside. It’s time to break out of the indoor box.
Can snake plants survive winter?
Snake plants will only survive outside in winter in USDA growing zones 9 to 11. They are native to the tropics and can suffer irreversible damage when exposed to temperatures of 50°F. Even if you live in a lower zone with mild winter temperatures, it’s safer to bring your plant back inside to overwinter.
Should I move my indoor snake plant to an outdoor location?
A gradual acclimation process is essential if you’re considering moving your indoor snake plant to an outdoor location. Start by placing your plant in a shaded area for a few hours each day, then gradually increasing the time spent outdoors over a week or two.
Should I bring my potted snake plant back indoors?
If your area experiences significantly colder months during winter, it’s recommended to bring your potted snake plant back indoors until the season is over. Snake plants in the ground don’t have this ease during cold weather: when the temperatures drop, your plant will still be outside.
Can a snake plant be planted directly into the ground?
They should not be planted directly into the ground, since they only have a shallow root system. Use a planter or a large container, then plant in that. Snake Plant is a tropical plant and need warm temperatures.
How do you keep a snake plant outside?
‘You have two options. Option one is taking your snake plant outside for a bit of sun, and then moving it back inside for a bit of shade. But that’s a lot of work. Option two is just moving it around outside. Put it in an outdoor spot with the exact kind of light it had inside.