Can Snake Plants Live Outside?
Yes, you can grow snake plants outside — but outdoor gardening comes with its own set of rules. Get it right, and you’ll have a bold, low-maintenance beauty. Get it wrong, and you might be digging up disappointment.
Yes, you can grow snake plants outside — but outdoor gardening comes with its own set of rules. Get it right, and you’ll have a bold, low-maintenance beauty. Get it wrong, and you might be digging up disappointment.
Snake plants can live outside — but only year-round in warm, frost-free zones.
In cooler climates, they do great outdoors in summer but need to be brought in before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
They love heat and tolerate full sun — just make sure to acclimate them slowly to avoid leaf burn.
Use them as front yard borders or living hedges — they’re low-maintenance and look stunning in the right spot.
Well-draining soil and smart placement are key. Watch out for overwatering and harsh surfaces during extreme heat.
When I first thought about planting my snake plants outside, I wasn’t sure if I was being bold or just reckless.
I’d seen gorgeous photos of them growing in front yards, lined up like little green swords.
But I’d also heard horror stories — plants turning to mush after a cold night, leaves scorched by too much sun, or rot setting in after one rainy week.
Still, I gave it a shot.
And I’ve learned a lot — mostly through trial, error, and a few crispy leaves along the way. 🌿
If you’re thinking about growing snake plants outdoors, here’s everything I wish I knew before I started.
This was my first big question — can I actually leave them outside all the time?
The short answer?
Only if you live somewhere warm.
I’m talking really warm.
Think southern Florida, parts of California, or anywhere that stays above freezing year-round.
Snake plants are tropical by nature. ❄️ If temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C), they start to stress.
Below freezing?
They’re done.
I learned that the hard way after leaving one out too long in early fall — the leaves turned mushy, then collapsed within days.
Now I know:
✅ If you’re in zone 9b or higher, you’re probably good.
🚫 If you get frost, even occasionally — keep them in pots and bring them in for winter.
So yes, snake plants can live outside permanently… but only in the right climate.
If that’s not you?
Don’t worry.
There’s still a way to enjoy them outdoors — just seasonally.
🧠 Lesson:
More snake plants die from cold and overwatering than heat.
Now this is where things get fun.
Even if you can’t grow snake plants outdoors year-round, giving them a summer break outside can do wonders.
The first time I moved mine out to the patio, I noticed a big change — the leaves got thicker, taller, and the color deepened. It was like they finally stretched their legs. 🌿
But there’s a trick to it: you can’t just toss them into full sun and hope for the best.
I made that mistake once, and a few leaves got scorched within days.
Here’s what I do now:
Start by placing the plant in a shady spot for a few days
Gradually introduce it to more light — a little more each day
Avoid the intense afternoon sun if possible
I usually bring mine out in late spring and let them enjoy the warmth until early fall. As long as nights stay above 55°F (13°C), they’re happy.
Snake plants absolutely can live outside in the summer — and honestly, mine seem to love it. Just give them a bit of time to adjust, and they’ll reward you with strong, steady growth.
🪴 Trick:
For cooler climates, keep them in pots for easy seasonal moves.
I used to assume snake plants could handle anything — including full sun all day.
They look so tough, right?
But after moving one into direct sun too quickly, I learned the truth the hard way.
A few leaves turned yellow, some even developed brown patches — classic signs of sunburn. 😬
Now I know better: yes, snake plants can handle full sun, but only if you introduce them to it gradually.
They need time to toughen up — especially if they’ve been living indoors.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
Morning sun is best — it’s bright but gentle
Afternoon shade protects them from the harshest heat
If you want to go full sun, acclimate slowly over 1–2 weeks
Once adjusted, they do just fine.
In fact, some of my best-looking snake plants now live in spots that get several hours of sun a day — and they’ve never been happier. 🌿☀️
So yes, full sun is possible.
Just don’t rush it.
☀️ Reminder:
Always acclimate before giving snake plants full sun.
I’ll be honest — I never thought of snake plants as landscaping material… until I saw a neighbor use them as a front yard border.
And it looked amazing.
Bold, sculptural, and zero maintenance.
That was all the inspiration I needed.
I tried it myself along a sunny fence line.
I spaced them out about a foot apart, and within a season, they started filling in.
Now it looks like a row of little green spears lining the garden — and it stops people in their tracks. 🌿⚔️
Why it works:
Snake plants grow upright and stay neat — no pruning needed
They’re drought-tolerant and love sun
They hold up against heat and dry spells better than most shrubs
Just make sure:
You plant in well-draining soil
You’re in a warm zone if planting directly in the ground
You give them space — they spread slowly, but they do spread
I’ve even seen people use them to line walkways or create privacy barriers.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance statement piece for your yard, snake plants might just be your new favorite hedge.
🏡 Idea:
Line your walkway or front yard with upright snake plant borders.
One thing I’ve learned quickly about snake plants — they’re built for heat, but they do not mess around with the cold.
In the summer, mine seem to absolutely thrive. The hotter it gets, the better they grow — as long as I don’t let the soil stay soggy.
I’ve had them outside in 95°F+ (35°C) weather and they barely blinked.
Just be careful where you place them: I once had a pot sitting on blacktop, and the roots cooked.
Lesson learned. 😅
Now I always:
Keep them in light-colored pots
Avoid placing them directly on hot surfaces like concrete or metal
Water deeply but only when the soil is dry
But winter? Whole different story. ❄️
Snake plants are not frost-hardy. The first year I left one outside overnight in a cold snap — it turned to mush within days.
Temps below 50°F (10°C) start to stress them out. Anything near freezing, and it’s basically game over.
So here’s what I do:
Once temps start dipping below 55°F (13°C) at night, I bring mine inside
If I know a cold front is coming, I move potted ones to a covered area
I never leave them planted in the ground unless I’m in a zone 9b+ climate
If you’re gardening in a colder area, think of snake plants as outdoor summer guests — not year-round residents. Give them the heat, protect them from the frost, and they’ll thank you for it. 🌿☀️
🌱 Tip:
Snake plants love the heat — but hate the frost.
So if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere warm, planting snake plants outside is honestly one of the easiest ways to upgrade your garden.
They’re bold, low-maintenance, and bring that structured, sculptural look without needing much in return.
But even if you don’t live in a tropical zone, you can still enjoy them outdoors — just treat them like seasonal visitors.
Give them fresh air and sun in the summer, then bring them in before the cold hits.
For me, growing snake plants outside has been totally worth it.
I’ve had a few hiccups (sunburned leaves, a cold snap I wasn’t ready for), but the payoff has been lush, thriving plants that always get compliments.
So should you try it? If you’ve got the space and the curiosity — absolutely.
Just respect the seasons, watch the weather, and let your snake plant do its thing.
You’ll be surprised how well it adapts. 🌞🌱
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
