Snake Plants and Outdoor Life: A Plant Expert Offers Insights
And Now, Let's Chat About Snake Plants Outdoors
Snake plants, (Dracaena trifasciata), beloved for their low-maintenance nature and minimal sunlight requirements, can certainly make your outdoor space pop! Yet, they need the perfect conditions to survive and thrive outside. Here's a succinct guide to making that happen.
Linda Langelo, a horticulture specialist at Colorado State University, shares her insights on the matter.
The Lowdown on Snake Plants Outside## Can Snake Plants Live Outside?
The answer is a resounding yes, they can! But remember, snake plants demand the appropriate growing zones to flourish outdoors. These plants can live outside, but they love warm temperatures, prefer indirect sunlight, and require some wind and rain protection.
3 Critical Factors to Know Before Planting Your Snake Plant Out West
1. Temperature
For your snake plant to feel perfectly at home in your outdoor garden or potted plant display, it's essential to be in a southern US region. Snake plants adore warmth, with their preferred temperature range between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius). If temperatures remain below 50°F (10°C) consistently for extended periods, it can hurt the plant.
If you live in a colder climate, consider placing your snake plant outside only during the summertime when the temperature stays consistently above 50°F (10°C). In the colder months, keeping your snake plant inside with sufficient sunlight is best.
Find Your USDA Growing Zone Here### 2. Sunlight or Shade?
What's great about snake plants is that they don't need much direct sunlight—too much can wilt their famous, leathery leaves. Langelo advises, "Indirect sunlight is ideal for snake plants. Early morning direct sunlight is fine, but they tolerate some shade. However, they require ample light for photosynthesis." Find a spot in your yard or on your porch that supplies enough light without causing harm.
3. Environmental Conditions
When selecting plants for outside spaces, it's crucial to consider your area's unique conditions. Langelo suggests that snake plants fare best in low to moderate humidity, with no more than 50% humidity in the air. If rainfall is frequent in your region, make sure to plant them in well-draining containers to prevent root rot.
Although snake plants appreciate drought, warm climates, and strong winds, these conditions may dry them out quickly. Langelo recommends sheltered spots that offer shade, indirect sunlight, and wind and rain protection.
Enrichment Snippets:- Snake plants are low maintenance and thrive in environments with warm temperatures (65 to 90°F or 18 to 32°C), indirect sunlight, low to moderate humidity (less than 50%), and well-draining soil.- Snake plants are frost-sensitive and dislike continuous exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C). They do well in USDA growing zones 10-12.- Snake plants, originating from dry regions, require well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Overwatering is the leading cause of their demise.- In addition to low light, snake plants can tolerate some shade and brief exposure to direct sunlight. They need bright light for photosynthesis, but direct, bright sunlight can scorch their leaves.- To prevent root rot, provide good drainage (avoid soggy soil) and reduce watering in cooler months; water every couple of weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and less frequently in autumn and winter.- Snake plants are generally resistant to pests when placed outside, but monitoring for common pests like mealybugs or spider mites and regular rinsing is a good practice.
Martha Stewart would agree that snake plants can bring a touch of elegance to any home-and-garden or houseplants collection. With proper care, these plants can thrive in outdoor spaces, especially in the warm temperatures, indirect sunlight, and low to moderate humidity found in Zone 10-12 gardens. However, snake plants need careful consideration when it comes to temperature and environmental conditions. To ensure your snake plant thrives outside, place it in a sheltered spot that receives indirect sunlight and has good wind and rain protection. And remember, watering requirements will vary depending on the season; water sparingly in cooler months and more frequently during the growing season. Happy gardening!
