The best plant for beginners is the snake plant. They are not only incredibly tolerant plants, but they may also develop without a lot of upkeep or attention. You might be wondering if you can grow a snake plant outside depending on where you reside. We’ve done some research on how to cultivate snake plants, and we’ll provide you with the solution in this post.
Yes, it is possible to cultivate a snake plant outside. They can be raised either directly in the ground or in pots. However, snake plants need warmer temps to thrive. Therefore, if you reside in a region with an average annual temperature below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, your snake plant might not thrive outside without some special attention.
While it is possible to grow a snake plant outdoors, there are a few things to keep in mind to give the plant the best chance of success. Find out what influences a snake plant’s growth when it is planted outdoors by reading on.
Snake plants grow outdoors or indoors.
It has been shown that snake plants are as beneficial as they are beautiful. They require little to no upkeep and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Additionally, snake plants may filter the air in your home, which helps keep you safe and healthy. To improve the look and health of your home, think about getting a snake plant.
Can a snake plant be placed outside?
Sansevieria, sometimes known as the snake plant, is frequently seen in outdoor pots these days.
The erect, contemporary form of the snake plant makes it the ideal “thriller component of any outdoor planter. (See this list of street-side Chicago containers for further information on how to employ thrillers, fillers, and spillers in container gardening.)
You can put a snake plant on your porch in the shadow or outside by the pool in full sun because it enjoys all light conditions (it can gladly handle both high and low light). Or, as in the case above, in a planter with another tall tropical beauty.
It goes well with vibrant annuals. There are numerous kinds of snake plants. While some have only green leaves, others have exquisite leaf coloration or variegation.
In contrast, large yellow stripes on Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Gold Hahnii’ or ‘Black Gold’ make them attractive when combined with yellow annuals like petunias, calibrachoa, and marigolds.
Alternately, you might place it in a vibrant pot like the one on the left and include a mandevilla, a fittonia, and variegated ivy.
A planter can be an elegant way to make a subtle, understated statement. A snake plant and ivy covering the pot’s edge are combined in this arrangement.
Put snake plants with a lot of succulents in an outdoor planter for little maintenance (you won’t need to water it often).
NOTE: Before planting a snake plant outside if you reside in a tropical area, make sure you are aware of any local planting regulations. In some places, it could become invasive.
If so, can they grow both indoors and outdoors?
Sansevierias, commonly referred to as snake plants or mother-in-tongue, law’s are well-liked, low-maintenance houseplants that can occasionally be grown outdoors.
As long as the conditions are ideal, even novice gardeners can easily take care of outdoor snake plants.
Can snake plants endure the wintertime outside?
The snake plant, or Sansevieria, is indigenous to Madagascar and southern Asia. Mother-in-tongue law’s is another name for it, and it only grows in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
There are 70 different species of Sansevieria, but Sansevieria trifasciata is the most prevalent. This breed comes in two sizes: the upright form and the Birdnest Sansevieria, which is smaller.
The flowers on Birdnest Sansevieria are quite small. And because of this, most people plant them primarily for their leaves. On the long stems from these tiny blossoms, berries are produced. They do, however, generate few seeds due to their modest size and abundance.
Snake plants can be grown from seeds or from rhizomes that grow underground. The sansevieria’s rate of growth depends on its size. Smaller plants spread out more quickly than larger ones, quickly engulfing a space.
Can Snake Plant Survive Outside in Winter?
Since they are tropical plants, snake plants are easily harmed by chilly winter weather.
During the winter, it’s best to grow your snake plants indoors. However, with the right care, they might endure the winter outside.
How Cold Can a Snake Plant Tolerate?
Snake plants can endure temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius when the soil is dry (41 F).
However, this plant may grow at optimum temperatures as low as 1827 degrees Celsius (65 to 85 F).
How Do You Take Care of a Snake Plant During Winter?
Use only a small amount of water, and don’t water again until the soil has dried out. Don’t let the water touch the foliage, please.
Can Snake Plants be Planted in the Ground?
Snake plants are frequently grown indoors or outdoors in containers. However, you may put them in the ground.
Just make sure they get enough sunlight where you plant them. Additionally, the soil has to have good drainage.
Although they don’t have many preferences, a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5 would be ideal for them.
Additionally, when planting, give the plants enough room (at least 6 to 36 inches apart, depending on the size of the plants).
Need sun for snake plants?
One of the simplest indoor plants to care for is the snake plant, often referred to as “Mother-in-Tongue” Law’s and Sansevieria. This succulent plant is ideal for beginners because it is highly tolerant. What you need to know about maintaining a snake plant at home!
About Snake Plants
Snake plants, which are indigenous to southern Africa, are well suited to climates that are comparable to those in the southern United States. As a result, in USDA zones 8 and warmer, they can be cultivated outdoors for a portion of the year. Snake plants should only be planted in restricted areas or in containers since they spread by putting out underground runners and may become invasive.
Only a very small number of conditions have the power to significantly harm this plant, including excessive water and cold temperatures. Root rot is brought on by wet soil, and foliage can be harmed by prolonged exposure to freezing weather.
How to Plant Snake Plants
- Pick a pot with a bottom drainage hole. Since terra cotta pots let the soil to dry out more readily than plastic pots, they are ideal for growing snake plants.
- Use a potting mix that drains effectively. The best potting soil is one made for “cacti and succulents,” as it will be less likely to become overly wet.
- Avoid burying snake plants too deeply when repotting them. The plant needs to be buried the same depth as it was in its previous container.
Choosing a Location in the Home
- Snake plants can handle some direct sunshine but prefer bright, indirect light. However, they also thrive in dark, shaded spaces and other low-light sections of the house, albeit more slowly.
- Relocating your plant too quickly from low light to direct sunlight will shock it. Try to avoid doing this. When relocating plants, do so gradually. Over the course of about a week, gradually expose the plant to stronger and brighter light. In warmer, brighter places, plants will require more water, so be sure to alter your watering practices accordingly.
- Keep the plant in an area that is warm (above 50°F) (10C). Make sure to shield it from drafty windows in the winter.
How to Care for Snake Plants
Overwatering is one of the most frequent issues with snake plants and other succulents. These plants frequently have root rot because they cannot tolerate wet soil well. Follow these watering guidelines to prevent this:
- Avoid watering too often. Between waterings, allow the soil to mostly dry out.
- Observe more than simply the appearance of the soil’s surface to determine when to water. Instead, carefully insert a wooden chopstick or your finger a few inches into the ground. Delay watering if you detect any wetness or if soil sticks to the chopstick.
- If at all feasible, use the pot’s bottom water. This promotes deep, downward root growth, which helps to support the thick, towering leaves.
- Water less frequently in the winter than in the spring and summer when the plant isn’t actively growing.
- The broad, flat leaves are prone to dust accumulation; if necessary, wipe them clean with a moist cloth.
- In ideal circumstances, snake plants grow quickly and may require dividing every year.
- In the spring, split and replant. Remove a part with roots and leaves and put it in a pot with potting soil that drains properly.
- A snake plant may occasionally flower if it is confined to a pot. On tall spikes, fragrant clusters of greenish-white flowers can be seen.
- The most typical species of snake plant is Sansevieria trifasciata. It has tall, dark-green leaves with alternating bands of light grayish-green.
- With “Bantel’s Sensation”
- Up to three feet long, narrow leaves contain white vertical lines. Finding this kind can be challenging.
- Sansevieria hannai
- In “Bird’s Nest,”
- A tight nest-like shape, resembling that of a bromeliad, is formed by short, broad, dark and light green leaves. Only 6 to 8 inches are grown on leaves. To thrive, this type does not require a lot of light.
- The “Golden Hahnii”
- Similar to the common “Bird’s Nest,” but with yellow-variegated leaf edges.
- Cylindric Sansevieria:
- called “Cylindrical Snake Plant”
- This type of snake plant has cylindrical leaves that finish in a sharp point, as the name would imply.
- called “Starfish Snake Plant”
- The cylindrical leaves of the starfish snake plant fan out from its base, giving it the appearance of a starfish.
- Masoniana Sansevieria
- A “Whale Fin”
- These fascinating snake plants have broad, huge leaves that mimic a whale breaching the surface of the water.
- According to reports, peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants are highly effective in purifying the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde. To fully understand the breadth of these plants’ air-purifying potential, however, more research is required!
- A species of snake plant called Sansevieria trifasciata, which is indigenous to tropical Africa, produces a robust plant fiber that was originally utilized to construct hunting bow strings. It also goes by the term “Bowstring Hemp” because to this.
- The most frequent problem is overwatering-induced root rot.
- Remove any dead leaves and let the plant dry out more than usual if this happens. Snake plants are tough and usually bounce back. If the plant doesn’t improve, take it out of its container, throw away any rotten roots and leaves, and repot it in new soil.
Snake plants can they be in full sun?
Snake Plants, according to Ambius, are useful for more than just adding visual interest. Here are seven intriguing uses for plants that go beyond aesthetic appeal.
- Utilize the leaves and roots to treat ailments like coughs and respiratory tract inflammation.
- Bowstrings and rope for baskets can be made from the fibers of Sansevieria plants. This plant has long been utilized in this manner in many African nations.
- The tough leaves can be used to construct bandages for first aid kits.
- The plants are used by Koreans for events or enterprises as a representation of a solid bond that can withstand adversity.
- If you want to make your house a better place to sleep at night, think about putting snake plants in your bedroom to filter the air. One of our top 8 plants to utilize to filter the air indoors, this plant is supported by a NASA study. It purifies the air at night by removing formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and benzene. To ensure that your home has the best possible air quality, think about adding 6 to 8 waist-high plants per person. One can be put in the bathroom to remove formaldehyde, which is included in many cleaning supplies.
- According to experts, putting this plant near youngsters in schools can lessen aggressive behavior.
- Incorporate Sansevieria into your office’s feng shui! Spiky plants, such as the Sansevieria, are believed to have powerful protection powers that may be beneficial while setting up delicate business agreements in your workspace. It is also believed that protecting oneself from bad karma may boost your luck. Put the plants at the southeast, south, and east corners of your home or place of business.
Other Common Names
You might expect the Snake Plant to have affectionate nicknames given its low maintenance needs, but sadly that is not the case. The names Snake Tongue, Mother-in-Tongue, law’s and Devil’s Tongue are also used for this plant. These names are supposed to represent the plant’s pointed characteristics as well as the physical way its thick leaves stand and point up and away from the basal rosette.
How to Take Care of Snake Plants
As we’ve mentioned, snake plants require little upkeep and are simple to grow, even for inexperienced gardeners. Here is a quick tutorial to caring for them:
- Snake plants are adapted to hot, dry climates and don’t require a lot of moisture. To avoid root rot and fungus, don’t let them sit in water. Just enough water should be left to saturate the ground around its base. When wintertime hits, remember to limit your watering and check the drainage holes in the pot to make sure they are not blocked.
- Exposure
- The snake plant can grow in low light conditions, although more light is ideal for it. Give your indoor plant 6 to 8 hours of indirect light per day. Just be aware that if they are placed in front of south-facing windows, their leaves could potentially burn. Build a shelter for your plant away from the intense afternoon light in an effort to safeguard it. If necessary, you might move the plant to a more shady area or put it close to a shaded window. The plant can still live even in the absence of direct sunshine, but in full sunlight outside, its colors should become more vibrant and its blossoms will expand.
- Humidity
- Although they can also flourish in humid areas, such as the toilet, snake plants prefer dry air. This low-maintenance plant doesn’t require misting, whereas indoor plants might.
- Fertilizing
- Although fertilizing isn’t always necessary, as cacti are desert plants, we advise adding our E.B. Stone Organics Cactus Mix to the soil if you want to give your plant a little extra attention. Place your snake plant in a pot with good drainage, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow the plant’s expanding roots and leaves. As your snake plant grows, repot it to avoid it becoming root-bound.
- PruningThis succulent doesn’t require any pruning! Use the tiny new growths from the base and plant them in fresh potting soil to begin a new growth, often known as a sucker. Till their roots form, keep them slightly moist. Your new plant should begin to thrive in about 4 to 6 weeks!
- Repotting
- Only if the pot begins to deteriorate and crack will you need to remove your snake plant from it. In fact, snake plants can endure hardship in the same container for many years.
- No maintenance is required, but the best approach to prevent accumulation and make sure your snake plant absorbs the most sunlight is to frequently wipe the dust off of it.
- Safety Measures
- This poisonous beauty should be kept away from young children and pets, according to its name. You might use a plant hanger to keep a snake plant out of reach so you can incorporate it safely into your home. Call 911, the National Poison Control Center, or take your pet to a veterinarian if you notice toxic effects such as vomiting, salivating, nausea, or diarrhea following consumption by a child or animal.
You may be asking why, after passing them several times in public, you haven’t added snake plants to your home now that you are knowledgeable about them. Ask one of our Trusted Garden Advisors for guidance on the best snake plant for your house today if you’d like some assistance to match your interior design!