Snake plants are a great option for beginners. It doesn’t need much maintenance or care, which is one of its good qualities. If you are a first-timer, you might wonder whether you can grow it outside.
It is possible to grow a snake plant outdoors, fortunately, for everyone who is wondering about the thing above. You can grow them in pots or directly in the soil. You still need to provide them with warmer temperatures to make them grow well, even though they don’t require a lot of maintenance. In a low-temperature environment, you might have trouble maintaining this plant without extra care.
It is possible to cultivate snake plants outdoors once again. You need to know a few things to ensure they grow well so that you can make it happen. Below are some things you should read.
How to Grow Snake Plants Outdoors
Temperature
A snake plant originates from West Africa and is classified as a tropical plant. Because of this, they are suitable for outdoor use in warm weather. Temperatures between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are fine for them. Therefore, they will have a hard time surviving long term in places with temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lighting
All types of lighting are suitable for snake plants. Their outdoor areas, whether they have semi- lighting or high lighting, are fine. The bright and indirect light is best for them, but they can also be placed in the garden or on the patio.
You should avoid exposing them to strong direct sunlight for too long, even several hours, as it can dry them out. Also avoid places with no light, as this can cause the plant’s leaves to wilt and fall off. It is best to choose a room that faces south or west, the place that gets both direct and indirect light throughout the day.
Watering
Snake plants are one of the plants native to the tropics, so they don’t require much water to survive. Only a little water is needed for this plant. You should water them when the soil is completely dry, meaning that everything depends on the size of the plant and the outdoor humidity level. Depending on climate, they can still survive without being watered for between two and six weeks.
The snake plants should be planted far from other plants that need frequent watering if they are planted directly on the ground outdoors. If you are not sure how large the plant is, you can place it with other tropical plants or on its own. If you look at the leaves of your snake plants, you can tell if they are too dry. You should give them some water if the leaves begin to yellow or become wilted at the ends.
Soil
Snake plants can be grown outdoors in a regular soil mixture. The mix must drain well as long as it does not overflow. You can use porcelain, terracotta, or ceramic pots outdoors. If your pot doesn’t have enough holes for drainage, be sure to fix that immediately. You can also use the soil specifically designed for snake plants in addition to the regular soil.
Repotting
Snake plants grow slowly, so you don’t have to change the pot of them very often. If they are kept in a low-light outdoor environment, repotting is needed every three to five years. Nonetheless, if they are placed in an area with bright light, they need to be re-potted every two to five years. During the winter months, there is a possibility of them being more crowded. Keep calm when you see it; it is normal for them, and the growth of the plant will not be affected.
Outdoor Pests
Even when grown outdoors, snake plants seem to be quite resistant to pests. They can be weak, however, if the area is not well maintained. They are usually attacked by mealybugs and spider mites. When you do not get rid of these pests, your snake plants will wilt and get sick because they eat this plant’s foliage. If you don’t know how to eliminate them, you can apply neem oil or rubbing alcohol to the leaves of the plant.
Things to Avoid When Growing Snake Plants Outside
Avoid Misting the Leaves on Hot Days
Misting the leaves of the snake plant is not necessary. On even the driest days, it is good to keep the plants hydrated by adding water to their leaves. By misting the plants, you can actually cause them to develop fungal issues.
Cold Temperatures
If you live in a cold area, do not try to grow snake plants unless you can keep them warm. A small house is recommended if you wish to plant them outdoors, but your location has a temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ignoring Pests
It is well known that snake plants are resistant to pests, however the case might be different when they are outside. Planting them with other pest-infested plants increases the chance of them getting infected with the same problem. As a result, you need to get rid of these pests as soon as possible to save your plant.