Thriving Snake Plant Outdoors Guide

Humans’ love for plants knows no boundaries, and for taking them and bringing them their homes as well. One such plant is the snake plant. Ah, the snake plant! Known for its striking appearance and air-purifying qualities, it’s a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. But have you ever wondered, “Can I put my snake plant outside?” “Can a snake plant live outside?” It’s like asking if a fish can live outside its aquarium. Well, let’s dive into this topic and find out!

What is a Snake Plant?

The snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria, is a hardy plant known for its tall, sword-like leaves. Its unique appearance, combined with its ability to thrive in various conditions, makes it a popular choice for homes and offices. Snake plants can withstand hard conditions such as lack of water, as they require to be watered very rarely, and they also do not require very rich soil and can thrive in any soil, nutrition-wise.

The Natural Habitat of Snake Plants

Originally from West Africa, snake plants are accustomed to a tropical climate. They thrive in environments with bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. In their natural habitat, they often grow under the shade of larger plants or trees, which protects them from direct sunlight.

Keeping Snake Plants: Outdoors VS Indoors

Now, let’s see which place the snake plant can be more beneficial. There is no doubt in my mind that it can be useful to have the snake plant in either place, but which option will prevail?

Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants Indoors

The benefits of the snake plant do not stop at it being a beautiful decoration. It is possible to also see the following benefits as well:

• Natural Air Filter: As far as I’ve learned in the biology courses, almost all plants filter air by producing oxygen, so what is so special about this plant? It just happens that Sansevieria is one the best options available to you for this matter; that is according to research conducted at Harvard University, it can produce more oxygen than other houseplants.
• Unique Style: Different people with different tastes in beauty might have different opinions about this plant, which they have every right to have of course, but we can’t ignore the plant’s unique appearance. In addition to that, statistics have shown that most of the people who ever had Sansevieria thought it was a beautiful plant and liked its appearance better than most other options available to them.
• Professional Air Filtering: Looking back at the snake plant’s ability to filter air, not only it can help you by producing oxygen and getting you rid of carbon dioxide, but it can also absorb other toxic chemicals in the air. Some of these chemicals are formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. The increased amount of any of these pollutants in the air means less oxygen, which can cause dizziness and nausea.
• At Your Service 24/7: It is a common fact that plants cannot photosynthesize in the absence of sunlight during the night, which brings us to the point that they cannot produce oxygen at the said time. While that may be true for most plants, Sansevieria has the ability to perform a certain type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, which causes the plant to absorb CO2 even at night.
• No Allergies: Researchers at the University of Hawaii have come across some new findings that state Sansevieria can be helpful in the case of allergies, causing less severe symptoms or stopping them entirely in some cases.
• Feng Shui: In feng shui, it is believed that pointy objects, such as our little friend here, are good against negative chi.
• Almost for free: This is perhaps the most important benefit if we can call it that, of the Sansevieria plant: it is cheap to keep.

Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants Outdoors

• Improved Growth: Just like humans need a change of scenery, plants can benefit from it too. Moving your snake plant outdoors can lead to faster growth due to increased access to natural sunlight.
• Air Purification: Snake plants are best purifying the air, and they do so by removing toxins. When placed outdoors, they can contribute to a healthier environment in your garden or patio.
• Natural Decor: Their unique appearance can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, making it more inviting.

Risks of Keeping Snake Plants Outdoors

• Extreme Weather Conditions: Snake plants are resilient, but they’re not invincible. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can harm them. They are susceptible to direct sunlight as well as it can burn their leaves and leave brown spots on them which can cause their beauty to fade away.
• Overwatering: With exposure to rain, there’s a risk of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Of course, if you place it somewhere outside where you know rain won’t water the plant or you are living in a place where it rarely rains, then you should not need to worry about overwatering.
• Pests: Being outdoors exposes the plant to various pests that might not be present indoors. These pests each can do different things, but they can harm your snake plant and kill it if not stopped.

Snake plant factors to keep in mind while moving it outside

When it comes to doing literally anything, there are tips and points you can learn from those who have already done it. The same goes for moving your snake plant outside. Take a look at these tips below; although very simple, you will be glad you didn’t ignore them.

Tips for Moving Your Snake Plant Outdoors

1. Acclimatize Slowly: Don’t just move your plant outside suddenly. Gradually increase its exposure to outdoor conditions over a week. The snake plant will slowly get used to the new condition.
2. Choose the Right Spot: Place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid areas with strong winds. Also, place it somewhere where there might be less risk of it attracting animals.
3. Monitor Weather Conditions: Be mindful of the forecast. If extreme weather is predicted, consider moving your plant back inside temporarily.

Seasonal Care for Snake Plants

• Spring and Summer: How about taking the snake plant outside in summer? This is the best time to move your snake plant outdoors. Ensure it gets enough water and monitor for pests. These seasons also have the strongest sunlight. So, be mindful of where you place it and how much light your plant is getting.

• Fall: As temperatures drop, reduce watering and prepare to move your plant inside. If you live in a place with a colder climate, it is already time to move inside.

Winter: It’s best to keep your snake plant indoors during this season to protect it from freezing temperatures. Remember that snake plant temperature tolerance outside in low temperatures isn’t very noticeable.

Growing Snake Plants Outside: Things to Avoid

Can you plant snake plants outside? Yes, you can. If you plan to entirely grow your snake plant in an outdoor setting, you have to keep these things in mind. I know, they are almost completely the same things, because the plant is the same one as before.

Direct Sunlight: We said that direct sunlight can harm your snake plant. Prolonged exposure can harm the plant even more. Although all snake plants need indirect sunlight, the amount of light they need varies; so, take that into account when deciding on where to grow your snake plant.

Windy Areas: Strong winds can damage the plant or cause it to topple over. Due to its unique appearance, it is more susceptible to strong wind. Its leaves can get damaged far more easily than most plants.

Cold Temperatures: Snake plants are not frost-tolerant. Ensure they’re protected from freezing temperatures. Their natural home isn’t a cold place, and it’s best they are kept from coldness.

Protecting Snake Plants from Pests

Outdoor plants are more susceptible to pests. Regularly inspect your snake plant for signs of infestations. If you notice any, consider using natural remedies or insecticidal soaps to combat them.

Types of Fungal Diseases or Pests Affecting Snake Plants

Sometimes, it just might be that there is nothing wrong with how you are handling things and the brown spots on your plant might be due to some fungal disease. To find out more about snake plant fungus treatment, please consult a professional.

• Red Leaf Spot: Red leaf spot is yet another fungal disease (but a complex one) caused by the Helminthosporium pathogen which can leave red leaf spots on your snake plants. It thrives in warm and wet conditions, leading to the appearance of red or brownish-red sizable spores on the snake plant.
• Rust: Rust is a common fungal disease that affects various plants, including snake plants. It primarily affects mature plants, causing white raised areas underneath the leaves or near the stems. These spots eventually turn orange-brown and then black if the infestation grows.
• Southern Blight: Also known as southern wilt or southern root rot, this disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It affects the plant by causing the leaves to yellow and turn light brown. If untreated, the entire plant may collapse and die.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest snake plants. They feed on the plant’s cells, leading to brown spots where they suck out the sap. Severe infestations can cause the leaves to curl and lose their shape.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another pest that can infest snake plants. They feed on the plant’s sap, leading to brown spots and overall plant distress.

Repotting and Soil Requirements

If you’re moving your snake plant outdoors permanently, consider repotting it in a larger container. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging. For the soil, these combinations are suggested:

• Recipe 1: Combine 3/4 part of organic potting soil (like Miracle Grow Indoor potting mix) with 1/4 part succulent soil mix, and add a handful of compost.
• Recipe 2: Mix 1/4 part potting soil with 1/4 part peat moss and 1/2 part of perlite or coarse sand.
• Recipe 3: Try mixing the suggested elements in accordance with the proportions mentioned: Coco Coir or Peat Moss %20, Cactus Soil Mix (garden center) %10, Pumice or Perlite %40, Worm Castings %10, Fine Orchid Bark or Coco Chips %10, and Coarse Sand %10.

Watering Needs Outdoors

While snake plants are drought-resistant, they’ll need more frequent watering outdoors, especially in hot conditions. However, be cautious not to overwater. Keep an eye out for how dry the soil is. If the top layers are completely dried up, now is the time to water your snake plant.

Conclusion

Sometimes, a small change is all that is needed to bring back refreshment to your life. Taking your snake plant outdoors can be a refreshing change for both you and the plant. With the proper care and precautions, your snake plant can thrive and beautify your outdoor space. Remember, it’s not just about placing the plant outside; it’s about creating a new home for it.

FAQs

1. Can snake plants handle direct sunlight outdoors?

If you wondering since they lived in Africa, “Can snake plants take full sun?”, No, they can’t. While they can tolerate some direct sunlight, it’s best to place them in a spot with bright, indirect light to prevent leaf scorching. Remember, in their natural habitat, they tend to live under more enormous trees and stay away from direct sunlight.

1. How often should I water my snake plant outdoors?

It depends on the weather. In hot conditions, water it once a week. In cooler temperatures, reduce the frequency. You may need to water it as few as once a month.

1. Do snake plants attract pests when kept outdoors?

Like any outdoor plant, they can attract pests. Regular inspection and prompt action can keep pests at bay.

1. Can I move my snake plant indoors and outdoors frequently?

Frequent movement can stress the plant. It’s best to acclimatize it slowly when changing its environment.

1. How do I know if my snake plant is getting too much sunlight outdoors?

If the leaves start turning yellow or brown, they might be receiving too much direct sunlight. Consider relocating it to a shadier spot.