Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata, are beloved for their resilience and aesthetic appeal.
They’re often the go-to for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike because of their ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions.
But when it comes to winter care, particularly the idea of moving your snake plant outdoors during the colder months, the question becomes more complex.
Let’s dive into the nuances of this topic and explore whether this hardy houseplant can withstand outdoor winter conditions.
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Understanding the Snake Plant’s Natural Habitat
To determine whether a snake plant can survive outdoors in winter, it’s essential to understand its origins. Snake plants are native to West Africa, where they grow in warm, dry climates.
These regions rarely experience frost or prolonged cold, which means the plant has evolved to tolerate drought and heat rather than cold and wet conditions.
This tropical lineage means snake plants are sensitive to temperature drops, especially when the thermometer dips below 50°F (10°C).
Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can cause severe damage to the plant, including blackened leaves and root rot.
Read: Snake Plant Wilting in Summer: Causes and Solutions.
Why You Should Think Twice About Moving a Snake Plant Outdoors in Winter
The short answer to whether you can move your snake plant outdoors in winter is: not unless you live in a tropical or subtropical climate where temperatures remain consistently mild. For most regions experiencing cold winters, leaving your snake plant outside can be detrimental.
Here’s why:
- Temperature Sensitivity: Snake plants are not frost-hardy. Even brief exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to cellular damage in the leaves, causing them to turn mushy and black.
- Humidity and Moisture: Winter conditions often bring increased humidity or excessive rain in some regions, which can create the perfect environment for root rot. Snake plants prefer dry soil and can’t handle waterlogged conditions for extended periods.
- Reduced Light: Outdoor light levels drop significantly during winter, especially in areas with shorter daylight hours. While snake plants are tolerant of low light, they still need some level of brightness to photosynthesize and maintain health.
- Pest Vulnerability: Moving a plant outdoors can expose it to pests and diseases it might not encounter indoors. Winter doesn’t eliminate the risk of pests like aphids or spider mites, which can still find their way to your plant.
When Is It Safe to Keep a Snake Plant Outdoors?
For those living in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, keeping a snake plant outdoors year-round is possible.
Even in these regions, you’ll need to take precautions, such as ensuring the plant is in a sheltered location and protected from excessive rain or wind.
In warmer climates, placing your snake plant on a covered patio or balcony can provide it with fresh air while shielding it from potential environmental stressors. Make sure to monitor nighttime temperatures closely, as even a brief dip below 40°F can be harmful.
How to Protect Your Snake Plant if You Must Move It Outdoors
While it’s generally not advisable to move a snake plant outdoors during winter, certain circumstances might make it necessary. If that’s the case, here are some steps you can take to minimize damage:
- Choose a Sheltered Spot: Place the plant in a location shielded from cold winds and frost. A covered porch or near a house wall that radiates heat can provide some insulation.
- Use a Protective Covering: Consider wrapping the plant in frost cloth or burlap to create a barrier against the cold. Be sure to remove the covering during the day to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
- Elevate the Pot: If the plant is in a container, elevate it off the ground to avoid contact with cold surfaces. This helps prevent the roots from becoming too cold.
- Water Sparingly: Snake plants require even less water during winter, and this becomes even more critical if they’re outdoors. Overwatering combined with cold temperatures can lead to root rot.
- Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the forecast and bring the plant indoors if temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
Alternatives to Moving Your Snake Plant Outdoors
If you’re considering moving your snake plant outdoors to free up indoor space or to give it more light, there are better alternatives that can help you achieve the same goals without risking the plant’s health.
- Maximize Indoor Light: Move the plant closer to a bright, south-facing window. Snake plants can tolerate low light, but they’ll thrive with brighter indirect light.
- Rotate Your Plants: If space is an issue, rotate your indoor plants periodically. This ensures all your plants get equal exposure to favorable conditions.
- Use Grow Lights: Invest in grow lights to supplement natural light during the winter months. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and can provide the spectrum of light your snake plant needs.
- Declutter Your Plant Area: Reorganize your indoor plants to create more space. Consider using plant stands or vertical shelves to accommodate more greenery.
How to Revive a Snake Plant Damaged by Cold
If your snake plant has already been exposed to cold and shows signs of damage, all hope is not lost. Here’s how to help it recover:
- Inspect the Damage: Check the leaves for signs of frostbite, such as blackened or mushy areas. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim away the damaged parts.
- Repot if Necessary: If the roots have been affected by cold or waterlogging, consider repotting the plant in fresh, dry soil. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.
- Provide Warmth: Move the plant to a warm, draft-free location indoors. Avoid placing it near heating vents, as sudden changes in temperature can cause further stress.
- Be Patient: Recovery can take time. Keep the plant in stable conditions and resist the urge to overwater or fertilize until you see signs of new growth.
FAQs About Snake Plant Winter Care:
Is it okay to move my snake plant back and forth between indoors and outdoors?
No, you should not move your snake plant back and forth. Your plant needs time to adjust to its environment. Quick changes in temperature, light, and humidity can shock the plant. This stress can make the leaves turn yellow or droop. It’s best to pick one spot and let your plant stay there.
My snake plant was outside when it got cold. What should I do now?
First, bring your plant inside right away. Look at the leaves – if they feel soft or look dark, trim these parts off with clean scissors. Put your plant in a warm room away from cold windows. Don’t water it yet – wait until the soil feels dry. Your plant may take a few weeks to get better, so be patient.
Can I put my snake plant on a covered porch in winter?
Only if you live in a very warm place where nights stay above 50°F. Most covered porches still get too cold for snake plants in winter. Even if your porch blocks rain and wind, cold air can still harm your plant. It’s safer to keep your plant inside.
What’s the lowest temperature my snake plant can handle for a short time?
Your snake plant might be okay for a few hours at 45°F, but why take the risk? These plants start to feel stress at 50°F. Below that, they can get lasting damage. Think of it like this – if you feel chilly, your snake plant is too cold.
Why do some of my snake plant’s leaves look wrinkled after being in a cold room?
Cold makes the water inside plant cells freeze. When this happens, the cells break, like how a frozen water bottle cracks. This makes the leaves wrinkle and get soft spots. To prevent this, keep your plant in rooms that stay between 60-75°F.
Should I water my snake plant less if I have to keep it outside?
Yes, but you really shouldn’t keep it outside in winter. If you must, water it much less than usual. Cold, wet soil is very bad for snake plants. Wait until the soil feels completely dry several inches down. In winter, this might mean waiting 3-4 weeks between watering.
Can grow lights help my snake plant survive in a cold garage?
Grow lights help with light, but they don’t give enough heat to keep your plant safe in a cold garage. Your snake plant needs a warm room first. After that, grow lights can help if the room is dark. But warmth matters more than light in winter.
How can I tell if my snake plant is just dormant or suffering from cold damage?
A dormant snake plant looks sleepy but healthy. The leaves stay firm and keep their color. Cold damage looks different – leaves get soft spots, dark areas, or yellow patches. If you see these signs, your plant needs help. Move it to a warmer spot and check the roots for rot.
Will my snake plant grow slower if I keep it in a cool room?
Yes, but that’s okay. Snake plants naturally grow slower in winter, even inside. A cool room (60-65°F) is fine as long as it’s not cold. Your plant might not make new leaves until spring, but it will stay healthy if you keep it warm enough and don’t water too much.
Does my snake plant need special food or plant food in winter?
No, your snake plant doesn’t need any plant food in winter. It’s like a bear in hibernation – it’s resting and doesn’t need extra food. Start feeding it again in spring when you see new growth. For now, just keep it warm and give it a drink when the soil gets dry.
Remember, snake plants come from warm places in Africa. They do best when we keep them cozy inside during winter. With good care, your snake plant can live for many years and make your home look lovely all year round.
Final Checklist for Winter Care
- Keep your snake plant indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
- Water sparingly to prevent root rot.
- Provide indirect, bright light or use grow lights.
- Monitor for pests or signs of stress.
- Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heating vents.
The Verdict: Keep It Indoors in Winter
For most plant owners, the best course of action is to keep your snake plant indoors during the winter months. This ensures the plant stays safe from temperature extremes and other environmental stressors.
With minimal care, your snake plant will continue to thrive indoors, ready to move back outside once the warmer months return.
By understanding the needs and limitations of your snake plant, you can make informed decisions about its care. While the idea of outdoor placement in winter might seem appealing, the risks far outweigh the benefits for this tropical beauty.
Instead, focus on creating a comfortable indoor environment, and your snake plant will reward you with its striking appearance and air-purifying benefits for years to come.