Can I Put My Snake Plant Outside? (What To Consider+How To Move)

Whether it is due to space constraints or you want your plants to breathe fresh air outside, moving a plant outdoors can be mind-boggling for all the hobbyists. Can I put the snake plant outside? And If yes, how? That is one of the first questions that comes to their mind. So, let’s find out!

The snake plant can be moved outside provided the shift is done gradually, and proper care is provided. You need to consider the lighting and temperature requirement of the plant before moving them outside. A sudden change in living conditions can shock the plant, so gradual progressive change is recommended.

Many factors come into play when you decide to move your snake plant outside. It would help if you considered everything before moving your plant outside; else, the plant may wilt out of shock.

Let us get into the factor that comes into the plant, and then we shall check out the right way to move your snake plant outside.

Do snake plants do well outside?

Before we decided to move plants inside, they used to thrive outdoors. However, most indoor plants have acclimated to live in a controlled environment inside our home.

So, if you plan to move your snake plant outside, you need to do it slowly. You don’t want to shock your plants by moving them into a new environment all of a sudden.

Apart from the transition, few more factors can affect the health of the plant. These include temperature, lighting, and other cultural environments.

However, most of these external factors are not in our control. If you live somewhere up north where the temperature gets freezing cold at night, then it might not be possible to keep your snake plant outside.

Mostly people living in zone 10-11 have the privilege to keep snake plants outside throughout the summer. Apart from them, zone 8-9 can move them outside during summer, but these days will pass by in the blink of an eye, and you need to bring your plant back in. So, it is better to avoid such a hassle.

Factors to keep in mind while moving the snake plant outside

Several factors can impact the growth of a snake plant. However, some of the crucial ones that impact their growth when we move them outside are:

• Light
• Water
• Temperature
• Placement

Apart from this, humidity, fertilization, and pests are other factors that can impact growth. Let us dive into the details.

Light

Light plays a vital role in the growth of the plant. When a plant is kept inside, it is safe from the exposure of bright, intense sunlight. The lighting hours are also limited inside.

However, when we bring the plant outside, the light’s intensity goes up, and the duration also increases. Thus, we need to ensure that too much lighting doesn’t impact the health of the plant.

Can snake plants be in direct sunlight?

Snake plants shouldn’t be under direct sunlight. Intense sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant leading to wilting foliage. Thus, make sure you keep the plant under the canopy of trees or some sort of shade.

Also read: How much light do snake plant need?

Temperature

Temperature is a crucial factor that decides the placement of the plant. Just like human beings, the plant prefers moderate mercury levels.

So, if the temperature shoots over the roof or drops below average, then your snake plant is going to suffer.

Since most houseplants stay in a controlled environment inside our house, the fluctuation in temperature outside comes as a shock for them. So, we must consider the same while moving them outside.

Also read: How to care for snake plant in winter?

What temperature can snake plants tolerate?

The snake plant is a sturdy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperature levels. Anything between 55 – 85℉ is suitable for them.

Although little variation outside the range will not impact much, if the plant stays in an imbalanced environment for an extended period, the plant is likely to suffer.

Can snake plant survive winter outside?

Being succulents, they prefer a warmer climate. If the temperature drops below 50℉, then these plants are likely going to suffer. So, make sure you bring them in as the mercury level drops.

Also read: Should I mist my snake plant?

Placement

Snake plant prefers bright indirect lighting conditions. At the same time, it doesn’t enjoy cold drafts. So, while choosing the ideal spot for your snake plant, keep these two factors in mind.

Where should I plant my snake plant outside?

A spot under the canopy of a big tree, in your porch beside a wall, or just beside the wall of your home should do fine. Avoid the south-facing side as it gets the most intense sun and cold drafts.

Also read: Ideal placement for snake plant

Watering regime

When you move your snake plant outside, the temperature, humidity, and other cultural conditions vary greatly. Thus, the watering regime of your snake plant will get changed as well. It is seen that plants kept outside need frequent watering as the water gets evaporated a lot quickly.

How often should I water my snake plant outside?

You should never follow a fixed regime while watering your snake plant outside. As the cultural conditions keep fluctuating, the need for water is going to vary. It will be ideal if you feel the soil and water your plant only when the soil gets dry.

It is crucial to dry out the soil before watering as wet soil can harm the roots leading to fungal infection and root rot. Thus, only water your snake plant when the soil feels dry.

Also read: How much water do snake plant need?

How to move indoor snake plant outdoors?

As we move our snake plant from a controlled, enclosed space to wilderness outside, we have to be very cautious about the same. Here are a few steps that you need to take to ensure a safe transition.

1. Start by moving your snake plant outside on your deck or under some sort of shade for 3-4 hours a day. Bring them inside before dusk.
2. Increase the duration of time spent outside by a few hours every other day.
3. After following the above regime for a week, you need to move them under morning/evening sun for an hour or two, and the rest of the time can be under the shade outside.
4. Repeat the process for another week or so, and then you can let your plant be outside for an entire day and night.
5. Inspect for any damage in the following evening. If everything seems right, then you can leave your snake plant outside.
6. Make sure the plant doesn’t get intense sun and check for watering every other day.
7. Fertilize the plant more often as more light and a balanced environment will boost the plant’s growth.
8. Spray some neem oi once a month to avoid pest infestation.
9. Lastly, inspect the plant carefully following a bad weather day.

When to bring snake plants inside?

Snake plants should do well outside through spring, summer, and early fall. However, you must bring them inside before the first frost.

Frost can badly damage the leaves of your snake plant leading to wilting. Thus, make sure you get them in by late fall.

Final Thoughts

Snake plants can be kept outside, provided the right cultural environment is provided to them, and you transition them outside very slowly. It would help if you did not move them outside suddenly as it can shock the plant and impact its overall growth.

If you live in a cold area, always wait for the frost days to pass by. It is recommended to first attempt the move after 3-4 weeks of the last frost.

If you move them outside and the plant gets frosted, then it can be a challenge to recover them back. Snake plants might take a day or two of the excess sun, but frost is something that can wilt them instantly.

You must also make sure you keep them away from intense sun and cold drafts. Keep checking on your plant during bad weather and keep an eye on the pest. It is recommended to spray neem oil preventively. Apart from these, you must also ensure you water and fertilize the plant whenever necessary.

With all these taken care of, your snake plant should do fine throughout spring, summer, and early fall. After that, you need to bring them in to avoid frost and harsh winters.

Also read: Why is my snake plant not growing?

---

Source: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Snake plant profile.