The snake plant is a popular, resilient houseplant recognized for its stiff, upright foliage. While it thrives indoors with minimal care, it can be placed outside only under specific, temporary conditions. Originating from tropical West Africa, its outdoor placement is dictated entirely by the local climate. It can remain outdoors year-round only in regions with perpetually warm weather, but for most gardeners, it is a seasonal visitor to the patio or garden.
Understanding Cold Tolerance
Temperature is the primary limiting factor determining the snake plant’s ability to survive outside. As a tropical succulent, the plant’s cell structure is highly susceptible to cold damage. The minimum temperature the plant can tolerate for a short period is around 50°F (10°C), below which chilling injury occurs. Prolonged exposure to temperatures in the low 50s can lead to soft, mushy foliage and eventual rot.
Its preferred growing range is between 70°F and 90°F. Frost is completely fatal; temperatures at or below 32°F (0°C) will cause the water-filled leaves to freeze and burst. Year-round outdoor cultivation is restricted to USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 12, where freezing temperatures are rare. In cooler climates, the potted plant must be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 60°F to prevent cold shock.
Preventing Sunburn and Managing Light
Successfully transitioning an indoor snake plant to the outdoors requires a process called “hardening off” to avoid sunburn and bleaching of the leaves. While the plant is known for tolerating low light indoors, it actually thrives in bright, indirect light outdoors, which encourages faster growth and more vibrant variegation. Moving a plant directly from a dim indoor corner to harsh, direct sunlight will scorch the foliage, leaving permanent white or brown scars.
To prevent this damage, the plant must be slowly acclimated over a period of one to two weeks. Begin by placing the pot in a deeply shaded location, such as under a dense tree canopy or on a covered porch, where it is sheltered from direct sun and wind. Over the next several days, gradually introduce the plant to spots that receive increasing amounts of morning sun. Morning sun is generally less intense and better tolerated than midday and afternoon sun. The goal is to settle the plant in a location that provides bright, indirect light for most of the day, perhaps with a few hours of gentle direct sun.
Key Maintenance Concerns When Outdoors
When a snake plant is moved outside, the change in environment introduces maintenance challenges. The most significant risk outdoors is overwatering, particularly from unexpected or prolonged rain showers. Snake plants are highly susceptible to root rot, which is exacerbated when the soil remains saturated.
It is important to ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to allow excess water to escape immediately. Using a specialized potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend amended with perlite or pumice, helps ensure the fast drainage necessary for outdoor containers. If heavy rain is forecast, moving the plant to a covered area, like a garage or patio, is advisable to maintain control over the water it receives. Outdoor environments expose the plant to pests that are less common indoors, including slugs, snails, and various insects. Regular inspection of the foliage and soil surface is necessary to identify and treat outdoor pests like mealybugs or spider mites before they establish an infestation.