Can Snake Plants Live Outside? Discover How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Environment

Thriving Snake Plants in the Outdoors

Humans’ affection for plants is unconditional; they take them into their homes and cherish them for that reason. The snake plant is among them. The snake plant, ah! It’s a favorite among those who enjoy indoor plants because of its eye-catching appearance and air-purifying capabilities. Has the question, “Can I put my snake plant outside?” ever crossed your mind? “Can a snake plant live outside?” It’s similar to asking if a fish can live outside its tank. Let’s explore this subject 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 and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a popular choice for homes and offices. Snake plants can withstand hard conditions such as lack of water, as they rarely require watering. 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 bright, indirect light environments 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

Let’s see which place the snake plant can be more beneficial. Having the snake plant in either place cannot be useful, 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 also to see the following benefits as well:

• Natural Air Filter: As far as I’ve learned in 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 of the best options available 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. Statistics have shown that most people who ever had Sansevieria thought it was a beautiful plant and liked its appearance better than most other options.
• Professional Air Filtering: The snake plant’s ability to filter air is remarkable. Not only can it help by producing oxygen and getting 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. An 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 means they cannot produce oxygen at that time. While that may be true for most plants, Sansevieria can perform 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 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 call it that of the Sansevieria plant: it is cheap to keep.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the pros and cons of keeping snake plants (Sansevieria) indoors versus outdoors:

Factor	Indoors	Outdoors
Air Purification	Highly effective at filtering air, removing toxins, and improving indoor air quality.	Contributes to air purification in your garden or patio but may be less effective than indoors due to open air.
Growth Rate	Slower growth due to limited natural light.	Faster growth with increased access to natural sunlight.
Maintenance	Low maintenance; minimal watering and care required.	Higher maintenance; requires monitoring for pests, watering, and protection from extreme weather.
Sunlight Exposure	Thrives in low to bright indirect light.	Can suffer from direct sunlight, causing leaf burn and brown spots.
Temperature Sensitivity	Stable indoor temperatures are ideal; no risk of frost or extreme heat.	Susceptible to damage from extreme cold, heat, and wind.
Pest Exposure	Lower risk of pest infestation.	Higher risk of pests such as spider mites and mealybugs.
Aesthetic Appeal	Adds a unique style and natural beauty to indoor spaces; suitable for feng shui.	Enhances outdoor decor with its striking appearance.
Watering Needs	Requires minimal watering; drought-tolerant.	Requires more attention to watering, especially in hot, dry conditions.
Allergies	Beneficial for reducing indoor allergies.	May not have the same allergy-reducing effects outdoors.
Cost	Cost-effective to maintain indoors.	Potentially higher costs due to outdoor care needs like pest control and protection from elements.

This table provides a clear overview of the advantages and disadvantages of keeping snake plants indoors versus outdoors, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and environment.

Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants Outdoors

• Improved Growth: Just like humans need a change of scenery, plants can benefit too. Moving your snake plant outdoors can lead to faster growth due to increased access to natural sunlight.
• Air Purification: Snake plants best purify the air by removing toxins. They can contribute to a healthier environment in your garden or patio when placed outdoors.
• 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 not invincible. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can harm them. They are susceptible to direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves and leave brown spots on them, causing their beauty to fade.
• Overwatering: Exposure to rain can lead to 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 live 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 indoors. These pests can do different things, but if not stopped, they can harm your snake plant and kill it.

Snake plant factors to keep in mind while moving it outside

When it comes to doing 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. Look at these tips below; although very simple, you will be glad you didn’t ignore them.

Tips for Moving Your Snake Plant Outdoors

Acclimatize it slowly; don’t just turn it outdoors all at once. Gradually, within a week, introduce your plant to outdoor conditions. Your snake plant will slowly get used to the new condition.

Choose the right spot:

1. Please place it in a bright location with no direct sunlight.
2. Please don’t put it in very windy conditions.
3. Please keep it where animals are less likely to be drawn to it.

Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay current with the weather reports. If harsh weather is predicted, consider bringing your plant indoors until the unfavorable conditions pass.

Caring for Snake Plants Throughout the Year

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

Fall: Reduce watering and prepare to bring the plant inside as temperatures drop. If you live in a cold climate, it’s already time to move in.

Winter: Your snake plant is best kept indoors during this season to prevent the freezing of temperatures. Remember that snake plant temperature tolerance outside in low temperatures isn’t very noticeable.

Growing Snake Plants Outside: Things to Avoid

Can you grow snake plants outside? Yes, you can. If you plan on completely growing your snake plant in an outdoor setup, these are the things to note. They are practically the same because it’s the same plant.

Direct Sunlight: We mentioned previously that direct sunlight can harm the snake plant. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight could lead to an even more harmful effect on the plant. While all snake plants enjoy indirect lighting, consider the different amounts of lighting needed by different snake plants when deciding where you want to grow your plant.

Windy Areas: Strong wind can damage the plant or even blow it over. Because of its strange appearance, this plant is a hazard. Its leaves are much more easily damaged than those of most plants.

Low Temperatures: Snake plants cannot survive frost. Make sure that they are safe from freezing temperatures. Their natural home is not a cold place, so it’s good to keep them away from cold.

Protecting Snake Plants from Pests

Outdoor plants are highly prone to pests. Regularly inspect your snake plant for any infestations. If signs are visible, take measures with natural remedies or insecticidal soaps for treatment.

Types of Fungal Diseases or Pests Affecting Snake Plants

Sometimes, it simply may be that there is nothing wrong with how you handle it, and the brown spots on your plant may be caused by fungal disease. To learn more about snake plant fungus treatment, please get in touch with a professional.

• Red Leaf Spot: Red leaf spot is another fungal disease (but a complex one) caused by the Helminthosporium pathogen that can leave red leaf spots on your snake plants. This fungus spreads well in warm and wet conditions, and it will give the snake plant reddish or brownish-red sizable spores.
• Rust: A common fungal disease for many plants, including snake plants, rust mainly affects fully grown plants. Small white-colored raised areas appear under the leaves or at the base of the stems. They later turn orange-brown; if the infestation increases, they become black with time.
• Southern Blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It is also known as southern wilt and southern root rot. It affects the plant by the leaves turning yellow and then light brown. If untreated, the whole plant can collapse and die.
• Spider Mites: The arachnid member of plant pests is the spider mite. These guys are incredibly tiny and will find a snake plant a super tasty snack. They feed on the cells of the plant, causing brown spotting wherever they’ve been sucking sap out. Serious infestations cause the leaves to curl and deform.
• Mealybugs: The other pest that infests snake plants is the mealybug. They feed on the plant’s sap, leading to brown spots and overall plant distress.

Repotting and Soil Requirements

If you permanently move your snake plant outside, repot it in a larger pot. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging. For the soil, these mixtures are recommended:

• Recipe 1: Use three-quarters organic potting soil (something like Miracle Grow Indoor potting mix), one-quarter succulent soil mix, and a handful of compost.
• Recipe 2: Combine 1/4 part potting soil, 1/4 part peat moss, and 1/2 part perlite or coarse sand.
• Recipe 3: Try this formulation with the following ingredients at these percentages: 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

Even though they’re drought-resistant, snake plants often need watering when outside in the sun, especially in hot conditions. Be careful not to overdo it, though. The key is paying attention to how dry the soil becomes. If the upper layers are completely dried up, then it’s already time to water your snake plant.

Conclusion

Sometimes, life needs a shake-up to refresh itself. The snake plant likes that change as much as you do, and moving it outdoors can be very refreshing for both of you. Your snake plant will thrive and add beauty to your outdoor space with proper care and precautions. Remember, it’s not just about placing the plant outside; it’s about creating a new home.

FAQs

1. Will a snake plant survive in full sun outside?

You might wonder, “Can snake plants take full sun?” No, they can’t because they come from Africa. Although snake plants can withstand some direct sunlight, it’s best to place them in an area with bright, indirect light to prevent leaf scorching. Remember, in their natural habitat, they tend to live under enormous trees and stay away from direct sunlight.

2. How often should I water my snake plant, but this time outside?

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.

3. Are snake plants pest-attracting if planted outdoors?

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

4. Can I bring my snake plant in and out often?

Frequent movement can stress the plant. It is good to acclimatize it gradually in case it changes its environment.

5. How can I tell if my outdoor light for my snake plant is too much?

If the leaves start to yellow or brown, too much direct sunlight might reach them. Try relocating it to a shadier spot.