How Cold Can Snake Plants Tolerate?

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue are a popular houseplant known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. However these tropical plants do have limits when it comes to cold tolerance. Understanding how cold snake plants can tolerate will help you keep them happy and healthy through the winter.

What is the Minimum Temperature for Snake Plants?

Snake plants are native to tropical West Africa, so they prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F However, they can withstand surprisingly cold temperatures when necessary Here are the key temperature thresholds

• Minimum tolerance is around 35-45°F for short periods.
• Prolonged exposure below 50°F will cause cold damage.
• Brief light frosts in the low 30s are sometimes tolerated if the plant is healthy.
• Temperatures below 30°F will likely kill the leaves and crown.

In general, temperatures below 50°F are considered too cold for snake plants Letting the temperature fall lower than 45°F can result in irreparable damage Bring plants inside well before frost is expected.

Signs of Cold Stress in Snake Plants

Watch for these warning signs that your snake plant is suffering from the cold:

• Leaves shrivel and become mushy or slimy.
• Leaf tips and edges turn black or brown.
• Firm upright leaves start drooping or falling over.
• Damaged leaves become fragile and snap off easily.
• Frost accumulation causes tissue breakdown.
• Growth stalls out and existing leaves stop unfurling.
• Plants use less water as roots decline.

React quickly at the first symptoms to prevent extensive damage. Move affected plants to a warmer spot indoors.

Effects of Extended Exposure to Cold

While snake plants can withstand cool temps briefly, prolonged winter chill can seriously impact them:

• Leaves progressively die back from tips/edges inward.
• Frost damage leaves the plant vulnerable to diseases.
• Harsh winter winds worsen leaf desiccation and burn.
• Repeated cold nights pile on additional stress.
• Roots can’t take up water/nutrients properly.
• New growth ceases completely as the plant goes dormant.
• Eventual dieback of all leaves leads to plant death.

Don’t let it get to this point! Move plants indoors before hard freezes arrive.

How to Protect Snake Plants from the Cold

Use these strategies to safeguard snake plants from frigid winter conditions:

• Bring potted plants inside when nighttime temps will be below 45°F.
• Wrap outdoor plants with plastic sheeting, burlap or fabric row covers when frost threatens.
• Place containers together and wrap with insulation for added warmth.
• Use heating cables designed for outdoor planters if leaving any plants outside.
• Keep indoor plants 3-5 feet from cold windows and drafty exterior doors.
• Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F during the day and 50°F at night.
• Periodically mist leaves to combat dry winter air.

With diligent winter protection, snake plants can survive surprisingly low temperatures.

How to Transition Snake Plants to Cool Temperatures

When moving plants from a warm environment to cooler conditions, gradually transition them to prevent shock:

• Start reducing indoor temps slightly over 1-2 weeks.
• Once nights are steadily above 50°F, leave plants outside during day, taking in at night.
• Over 2-3 weeks, increase hours outside as temperatures allow.
• Gradually expose to cooler overnight lows down to 45°F as fall approaches winter.
• Water well before cold snaps to keep tissues hydrated.

With this kind of slow acclimation, snake plants can better tolerate decreasing temperatures.

Caring for Indoor Snake Plants in Winter

Indoor overwintered snake plants still need attentive care:

• Monitor for dry air; mist leaves periodically to increase humidity.
• Water more sparingly, allowing soil to dry further between waterings.
• Fertilize lightly or not at all during winter months.
• Rotate plants for even sunlight exposure on all sides.
• Keep away from cold drafts near exterior doors and windows.
• Watch for pests like mealybugs that thrive in poor conditions.

A little TLC will help indoor snake plants sail through the winter unscathed.

Preparing Outdoor Snake Plants for Winter

To overwinter snake plants outdoors, some hardening off preparation is required:

• Gradually reduce water/fertilizer starting 6-8 weeks before first frost date.
• Trim off any dead or damaged foliage to minimize disease risk.
• Select a sheltered location protected from winter winds and snow buildup.
• Apply mulch around the base to insulate roots from hard freezes.
• Begin moving and wrapping containers when nights reach 50°F.
• Ensure plants experience a gradual temperature decline before heavy frosts hit.

With proactive hardening off, snake plants can handle surprisingly low temperatures.

Overwintering Tips for Cold Climates

For gardeners in zones 6 or below wanting to keep snake plants outside year-round:

• Choose the most cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Moonshine’.
• Plant in protected microclimates away from wind and heavy snow.
• Improve drainage and insulate with deep, loose mulch pre-winter.
• Wrap plants when temps are sub-freezing; remove wraps during daytime.
• Heating cables can provide enough warmth to survive deep freezes.
• Keep plants dry with limited water; avoid fertilizing until spring.

With diligent overwintering preparations, snake plants can endure very cold climates. Start with hardy varieties and protect as needed.

Snake Plant Health Impacts Cold Hardiness

A snake plant’s overall health significantly influences its cold tolerance. Here’s how to set them up for success:

• Begin with robust, pest/disease-free plants – weak plants are more prone to cold damage.
• Avoid recent disturbances like repotting/dividing that make them more vulnerable.
• Consistently water and fertilize all season for vigorous growth.
• Gradually expose to cooler temperatures in fall to harden tissues.
• Make any needed pruning cuts in early fall to allow time for wound closure.
• Closely monitor soil moisture and humidity to prevent desiccation.

Starting with healthy plant and optimal care gives snake plants the best ability to withstand winter’s bite.

Caring for Cold-Damaged Snake Plants

If your snake plant shows signs of cold stress, take these steps to help it recover:

• Move it to a warmer spot immediately to prevent further damage.
• Trim off mushy, damaged leaves but don’t overprune.
• Reduce watering frequency until root growth resumes.
• Hold off fertilizing until after all frost danger has passed.
• Mist leaves periodically to combat dryness.
• Keep the plant sheltered and warm until new growth emerges.
• Be extremely patient – bouncing back from cold stress is very gradual.

While severe cold damage can’t be reversed, attentive care gives mildly affected plants the best chance of regrowth.

Choosing Cold-Hardy Snake Plant Varieties

Some Sansevieria varieties have greater innate cold tolerance than others. Select from these hardy options:

• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’ – Tolerates down to 20°F when mature.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ – Can handle brief temps to 30°F.
• Sansevieria cylindrica – Sturdy vigor withstands cooler conditions.
• Sansevieria ‘Boncel’ – Compact variety adaptable to indoor and outdoor life.
• Sansevieria ‘Golden Hahnii’ – Smaller stature but cold resilient.

For best results overwintering in marginal climates, start with intrinsically cold-tolerant cultivars.

Final Tips

Understanding snake plants’ cold hardiness limits, carefully monitoring for signs of damage, and taking preventative action allows you to successfully overwinter them. With smart preparation and protection, you can help snake plants survive much colder temperatures than you might expect. Test their limits carefully, keep them healthy and happy, and your snake plant jungle can thrive through winter’s chill.