Plants can exist outdoors for many reasons, such as being space constrained, or they need fresh air.
The first question that comes to their mind is: can I put the snake plant outdoors? If so, how?
You can move your snake plant outside as long as the shift is gradual and that proper care is provided.
Before moving the plants outside, consider what lighting requirements they have and what temperature setting they prefer.
Plants can be shocked by sudden changes in living conditions, so gradual changes should be recommended.
You have to consider several factors when deciding to move your snake plant outside.
We suggest you consider your plant carefully before moving it outside; otherwise, it may wilt due to shock.
We will examine the factors that make snake plants grow, and then how to move them outdoors.
Do snake plants do well outside?
Our plants used to thrive outdoors before we decided to move them indoors.
However, many houseplants grow accustomed to living in controlled environments within our home.
Is it possible to grow snake plants outside?
Previously, most of our indoor plants used to thrive outside.
However, many have adapted to living in a controlled environment within our home.
So, if you plan on moving your snake plant outside, you need to do it slowly.
You don’t want to shock your plants by moving them all at once.
Several other factors, such as temperature, light, and other environmental factors, affect the plant’s health.
But most of these external factors cannot be controlled.
If you live somewhere up north where the temperature gets very cold at night, it might not be possible to keep your snake plant outside.
Most people living in zones 10-11 are permitted to keep snake plants outside during the summer.
If you have a zone 8-9 plant, you can move it outside during summer.
However, that environment is usually fleeting, and you have to return it to its place by the end of the season.
While moving snake plants outside, keep the following tips in mind
Snake plants grow a little differently when they are moved outdoors. Here are a few factors that have a big impact on their growth:
- Light
- Water
- Temperature
- Placement
Additional factors can adversely affect growth, such as humidity, fertilization, and pests. Let’s go into the details.
Light
Growing plants require a lot of light. When kept in an indoor environment, they are safely protected from the exposure to bright, intense sunlight, and the lighting of the room is also limited.
However, we will need to make sure that too much light does not harm the plant when we bring it outdoors. The intensity of the light and duration of the light increases.
Can snake plants be in direct sunlight?
Direct sunlight shouldn’t be allowed for snake plants. Sunlight that is too intense can cause burns on the foliage, resulting in wilted foliage. As a result, ensure your plant is in the shade or under a canopy of trees.
Temperature
Just like humans, plants prefer moderate mercury levels. Temperature is a crucial factor that determines their location.
As such, your snake plant will suffer if the temperature shoots through the roof or drops below average.
Since most house plants prefer a consistent temperature inside our house, outside temperature fluctuations are a shock for them. Therefore, when moving them outside, we need to keep this in mind.
What temperature can snake plants tolerate?
Snake plants have a wide range of temperature tolerances. Anything between 55 – 85°F is suitable for them.
The plant’s reaction to a very small amount of variation will not matter much if it stays in the imbalanced environment for a long period of time.
Can snake plant survive winter outside?
Because succulents prefer a warmer climate, they prefer arid conditions. It is likely that these plants will suffer if the temperature drops below 50°F. Make sure you bring them in as the mercury level drops.
Placement
Snake plants prefer bright indirect lighting conditions. At the same time, it doesn’t like cold drafts. So, when picking the ideal spot for your snake plant, consider these two factors.
Where should I plant my snake plant outside?
A spot underneath a big tree, next to a wall in your porch, or on the side of your house should work just fine. It is best to avoid the south-facing side, which gets the most intense sun and cold drafts.
Watering regime
Changing the snake plant’s environment is not easy, as the conditions for the plant to thrive outside differ greatly.
Thus, you will need to change your watering regime of your snake plant as well. It is seen that plants outside require frequent watering as the water evaporates rapidly.
How often should I water my snake plant outside?
Whenever you water your snake plant outside, don’t follow a fixed regimen.
Water needs will fluctuate as conditions in the cultural context keep changing.
If you feel the soil and water your plant only when the soil feels dry, it will be ideal.
The soil should be completely dry before watering, as wet soil can harm the roots leading to fungus infections and root rot.
Only water your snake plant when the soil feels dry.
How to move indoor snake plant outdoors?
The Snake Plant needs careful handling when we move it from an enclosed, controlled space to a wild environment.
To make sure a successful transition, take these steps.
- Start by moving your snake plant outdoors for 3-4 hours a day on your deck or under some sort of shade. Bring it back in before dusk.
- Every other day, spend a few hours more time outdoors.
- Once you have followed the above regime for a week, you can move them outdoors under morning or evening sun for a couple of hours and the rest of the time in the shade.
- Continue the process for another week or two, and then let your plant be outside all day and night.
- Inspect your snake plant the following evening for any damage. If everything seems okay, you can leave it outside.
- Check for watering every other day, and don’t let the plant get intense sun exposure.
- A more balanced environment and light will boost the plant’s growth. Fertilize more often.
- Use neem oil to protect against pest infestation every month.
- After a bad weather day, make sure to carefully check the plant.
When should snake plants be brought inside?
Snake plants can be left outside throughout spring, summer, and early fall, but they should be brought indoors by the first frost.
Snake plant leaves can be severely damaged by frost, leading to wilting.
Therefore, you need to get them into your garden by late fall.
Final Thoughts
As long as the right cultural environment is available and they are transitioned outside slowly, snake plants can be kept outdoors all year round.
This would help if you did not move them out of the greenhouse suddenly, as it can shock the plants, which could negatively impact the overall growth of the plant.
If you live in a cold area, always wait until the frost days have passed.
It is best to move your family after a few weeks following the last frost.
You won’t be able to recover them back if you move them outside and the plant gets frosty.
Snake plants might withstand a day or two of oversun, but frost can cause them to wilt instantly.
You must also protect them from intense sunlight and cold drafts.
It is recommended to spray neem oil preventively during bad weather and keep an eye on the pest.
Apart from these, you should also ensure that the plant receives the water and fertilizer it needs whenever necessary.
If you take care of all of these, you should have no problems during spring, summer, and early autumn.
Afterward, it’s best to bring it inside to avoid frost and harsh winters.
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