There are many low-maintenance houseplants such as snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue. Most people keep them as indoor ornamental plants since they grow well in low light. However, snake plants can also thrive in outdoor settings. Their growth and bloom can actually be accelerated by the bright light found in nature. It is, however, not easy to grow these tropical plants outside their natural habitats. If you wish to grow your snake plant outdoors, I explain how to care for it here.
Sansevieria Trifasciata (Dracaena trifasciata) is commonly referred to as a snake plant. However, there are many Sansevieria species that are known as different varieties of snake plants. Sansevieria (now Dracaena) has more than 70 different species. Each of them has a succulent, unique appearance and tough foliage.
As indoor plants, species or cultivars such as Sansevieria Pinguicula and Silver Hahnii are ideal. Similarly, Sansevieria cylindrica and trifasciata look fabulous indoors and outdoors. Growing to a height of 5-6 feet, they can cover a large area with their rhizomes.
Uses & Benefits
To begin with, all Sansevieria varieties are very hardy and drought-tolerant, which makes snake plants excellent outdoor plants. They can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations. They can be raised partially or fully shaded. As a result of their low fussiness and easy care habits, they are the perfect choice for gardening beginners.
Hundreds of species are available. There are also interesting cultivars with silvery-white leaves, variegated leaves, or unusual shapes.
- Toxins commonly found in the air can be absorbed by snake plants. When the air is flowing freely outdoors, this quality may not be very helpful. However, it is still good to have plants around to clean the air.
- Snake plants produce oxygen even during the night due to a strange photosynthesis process. Additionally, they reduce the impact of airborne allergens.
- The snake plant is considered to be a lucky plant that brings eight good virtues into your home. Having pointy leaves blocks negative energy and helps attract good luck, according to Feng Shui. Your entrance should be close to them.
Plant Growth and Size
The Sansevieria Trifasciata can grow to up to six feet in height with the right growing conditions. Plants grow upright and spread 2-3 feet at the top with fleshy, narrow leaves. Growing plants seem to benefit from 12-16 hours of bright, filtered sunlight. You can let your plants grow naturally if they are rooted in the ground. By spreading through the rhizomes, they will create new plants. The rhizome is an underground stem that helps the plant grow.
There isn’t much room for potted plants to grow. For plants to remain a certain size, pruning is necessary. A checkup is required every two to three years. A larger container is necessary otherwise, or the plant will need to be repotted.
The snake plant rests during the winter. Summer and spring are the seasons during which active growth occurs. For mature plants, spring is also the blooming season.
Soil
Arid and dry regions are the native habitats of snake plants. They are sometimes found growing near rocks as well. The soil in which they grow cannot be wet and moist for a long time. Roots can be rotted by water. The leaves will also become soggy, yellow, or mushy. Thus, choosing a loose, fast-draining, and coarser soil is essential. Excess water will be able to drain freely, reducing the risk of overwatering.
Add perlite, pumice, or sand to regular or garden soil to create a soil mix. The soil will drain better with these additives. The snake plants do well in a potting mix made for tropical plants, succulents, or cacti. When necessary, you should replace the soil. For example, when soil becomes infected with a fungus owing to nematode problems.
Pot
Outdoor pots must be strong and durable enough to withstand changing weather conditions. Select pots made of materials that won’t easily crack, fade color, or simply break. Here are some tips on choosing the right pot for your snake plant. The pot doesn’t have to be ugly just because it is rough and tough. Pots made of wood, concrete, terracotta or concrete are strong and attractive. Planters are perfect for outdoor plants. They are larger containers that can hold a lot of plants. Additionally, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Make sure your pot or planter has drainage holes. Containers should have this feature. Snake plants would benefit from a container that is proportionate to their size, neither too large nor too small.
Watering
Drought-tolerant snake plants can survive without constant watering. The problem of snake plants being overwatered is a common one. In addition to mushy leaves and root rot, it can even kill the plant. Several factors will determine how much water your plant needs. It is recommended that you water snake plants 2 to 4 times per month during the growing season. When your snake plants are outside in a very dry climate, they may need more water.
Winterize your plants if possible. You can also cover them to keep the warmth in and prevent frost. Don’t let the winter rain damage them. Snake plants need very little water during the colder seasons. The plants should be watered after every couple of months or once a month. Make sure to water the plant during the daytime so that the extra water can evaporate. When it’s extremely cold outside, never water. Unless necessary, skip watering in the fall when there are small showers of rain.
You should check the soil in your snake plant to see if it needs water. You should be able to feel it dry when you touch it. If the soil is still a little damp, wait a couple of days before planting.
Water the soil close to the edges of the pot, or around the edge of the pot. If you sow the soil, be sure to soak it thoroughly. The plant needs more water than a little bit of water.
If you have potted plants, let all the water drain away.
Sunlight
The perfect place to keep your snake plant outdoors highly depends on your climate. Snake plants grow in a wide range of light conditions, from bright sunlight to low light. A year-round exposure to direct sunlight is, however, problematic. You should keep them in partial or full shade.
You should place your snake plant near the wall of your house so that it can get bright light but not too much sun. Plants need a light dose of direct sunlight every now and then, particularly in the morning.
Temperature
Warmer environments are best for snake plants. It is best to keep the room between 60°F and 85°F (15-30°C), but slightly higher temperatures are acceptable. Maintain your outdoor plants in a shady area to protect them from the heat.
Snake plants are not very hardy in the cold. Cold weather causes them to go dormant, stunting their growth. Temperatures should never exceed 40°F (4°C). Winterize your snake plants by bringing them inside. In the winter, make sure you check and adjust the temperature if the plants are in a greenhouse. When watering, be careful not to overdo it. The combination of extreme cold and wet roots will kill your snake plant. You can cover the plant with a heavy cloth if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). Warmth will be retained in this way.
Pests & Diseases
Many diseases and pests are resistant to snake plants, which are sturdy and hardy. Occasionally, they may become infected with insects, bacteria, or other pests. Snake plants grow outdoors in close contact with the elements. Thus, they are more likely to come into contact with natural disasters. Pests are also attracted to warmer climates. A snake plant’s enemies include mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Plants can be infected by fungus if they are overwatered. Wet leaves can grow fungus, as can moist soil surfaces.
In order to prevent pest attacks, it is important to keep your leaves and roots dry and to provide your plants with enough light, fertilizer, and water. To prevent fungal infections, you can also add some fungicide to the soil.
Fertilizer
Despite their ability to survive without fertilizer, snake plants will grow better and be more healthy when fed at least 2-3 times a year. Spring and late summer are good times to plant during this period. Use a balanced general-purpose fertilizer on your plants. Slow-release fertilizers and liquid fertilizers are great options. Apply organic fertilizers sparingly, such as cow dung, manure, and worm compost. Add a handful to the potting soil mix. For more information on fertilizing, see this post.
Occasionally, you shouldn’t fertilize snake plants.
- In the winter, do not fertilize your plants. During this period, plants are resting and need minimal nutrients and water.
- You should not feed young plants. A nursery plant that is just being introduced to a new environment will need time to adapt.
- You shouldn’t fertilize small seedlings right after a propagation. Plants should be kept in soil for a month after being potted.
Propagation
Snakes planted outdoors in the ground will reproduce on their own by spreading through their rhizomes. Vegetative propagation methods can be used to reproduce potted plants. It is easy to grow new plants from different parts of a plant. You can propagate a snake plant quickly by dividing it from the root ball.
- Firstly, you will need to take the plant out of its container.
- Examine the roots and rhizomes to determine where they can naturally be separated. Get rid of the damaged parts of the root.
- Cut the plant in half with a sharp, sterilized knife. There is the possibility of making more than two plants for bigger plants.
- Repot each section in a separate container. Thoroughly water them.
Repotting
To promote healthy growth, you will need to repot your outdoor snake plant. This can normally be done every two to three years. Plants will look more tidy after repotting. In addition, it allows the roots to grow freely, making the plant stronger and more resilient.
- You should ensure that the container you purchase is large enough. The new pot should have a diameter of 2-3 inches wider than the old one.
- Cover drainage holes with a thin layer of pebbles or rocks on the bottom. Put a layer of soil on top of that.
- Remove your plant from its old pot and place it in a new one. The remaining soil mix should then be added to the container.
- Water the plant thoroughly at the end and wait for the soil to dry before watering it again.
Grooming & Maintenance
Snake plants grow at a relatively slow rate. In addition to being resilient to the outdoors, these plants are extremely hardy. As a result, there is much less cleaning and grooming to be done. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them regularly. Cold may not be able to revive leaves that are severely damaged. Occasionally, you should remove dead and damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Snake plants need to be trimmed if you wish to maintain their original size. One third of the original size is the maximum that can be pruned off a snake plant.
It can be repeated every 2-3 years.
Kids & Pets Safety
Dogs and cats should not be exposed to snake plants. It’s better to take precautions, even if your pet eats a little part of the plant. Keep your pets away from the plant. Humans can also be affected by the toxins. When your children are near plants, keep an eye on them.
An ingestion of snake plants can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset. Snake plant poisoning is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and drooling among other symptoms. Rashes and dermatitis can result from touching the leaf juice. Cuts and exposed parts should not be touched directly. When trimming, propagating, or repotting snake plants, wear gloves.