Snake plants, or Sansevieria trifasciata, are a very resilient plant species, able to thrive in direct sunshine, partial shade, and many soil types. They are also tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, but like most other plants there is an ideal temperature range that the snake plant should be kept in.
Generally, any temperatures below 55°F (13°C) are too cold for snake plants and should be avoided. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to become weak and stressed, potentially leading to plant death.
It is also important to note that temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can also be too warm for these plants, so it is important to make sure they are not in direct sunlight during the hottest daylight hours of the day during the summer months.
Can snake plant survive 40 degree weather?
No, snake plants cannot survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). In fact, temperature drops of more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius) can cause the leaves of the snake plant to become soft, droopy, and eventually die.
If exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), the snake plant will likely suffer from severe cold damage and subsequently die. For this reason, it is important to keep your snake plant in a warm and well-insulated location.
Additionally, it is important to note that snake plants are native to Africa and prefer warm, humid environments. To ensure the health of your plant, it is advised to keep temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius).
Should I cover my snake plant in the winter?
Generally, it is not necessary to cover your snake plant in the winter. However, if temperatures in your home dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be a good idea to cover the pot in a cloth or blanket to keep in some of the warmth.
Snake plants are a very hardy plant and can withstand temperatures as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but conserving some warmth through a covering on the pot during the winter months can help them to stay healthy for the long-term.
If you do choose to cover the plant, make sure to check it regularly, as the covering may become too warm and can actually do more harm than good. In addition, you can also make sure that your snake plant is situated away from any heaters or drafty windows, as this can cause the leaves to dry out.
Where should I place a snake plant in my house?
It really depends on the size of your space and the amount of light that comes into the home. Snake plants can do well with bright indirect light, but if your space has low light you can also try placing it in indirect light near a window.
Additionally, never put your snake plant in direct sun as this can cause its leaves to scorch. Generally, placing it in a living room or bedroom can be beneficial as these are typically where you spend the most time and it can help filter air pollutants from the air.
However, you should avoid putting it in a damp or extremely humid environment since this can cause the roots to rot.
What causes brown tips on snake plants?
Brown tips on snake plants are caused by a combination of three factors: insufficient humidity levels, irregular watering, and exposure to intense direct light.
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are known to be resilient and able to thrive in less than ideal conditions. But when their basic needs are not met, the plant may display distress in the form of brown tips.
Typically, snake plants require humidity levels at least 40-50% for optimal growth and development. If the humidity levels are too low, the leaves may start to curl and turn brown at the tip.
In addition, not watering snake plants regularly can also cause brown tips. Snake plants prefer soil that is kept lightly moist and they don’t need to be watered frequently. Watering too much or too little can both cause stress in the plant and result in dry, crispy leaves with brown tips.
Lastly, exposure to intense direct light can cause brown tips on snake plants. Snake plants prefer bright indirect light but prolonged exposure to the sun will create spots and brown tips on the leaves.
The key to keeping snake plants healthy is understanding their needs and providing the correct environment for them to thrive. With the correct humidity levels, moderation in watering, and indirect light exposure, brown tips can be avoided.
How often do you water a snake plant?
A snake plant (also known as a Sansevieria) needs to be watered about once every three weeks. It is best to water the soil thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. During the winter months, the soil should be allowed to dry out more between waterings.
It is important to note that overwatering can cause root rot, so a snake plant should never be left in standing water. In addition, it is advisable to mist the leaves every other week to increase the humidity.
Additionally, it may also benefit from occasional liquid fertilizer.
What plants can tolerate cold weather?
There are a variety of plants that can tolerate cold weather depending on the climate zone and severity of temperatures. Annuals that can tolerate cold weather include petunias, salvia, lobelia, pansies, calendula, snapdragons, dianthus, impatiens, dusty miller, and alyssum.
Perennials that can tolerate cold weather include columbine, asters, cranesbill, hellebore, coreopsis, bergenia, iris, daylilies, sedum, and lavender. Trees and shrubs that can tolerate cold weather include juniper, pine, spruce, holly, viburnum, boxwood, yews, witch hazel, and rhododendron.
Many grasses also tolerate cold weather and some examples include blue fescue, red fescue, switchgrass, rye grass, and moor grass.
When can I put my snake plant outside?
Putting your snake plant outside should typically be done during the warm months of the year when the temperature ranges between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the plant should be moved to a shaded area during the hotter parts of the day.
If temperatures get too hot, the foliage may start to burn or wilt, so be sure to monitor the direct sunlight it receives and adjust accordingly. Additionally, if the temperature outside drops below 65 degrees, be sure to bring the plant inside or to a warm, sheltered environment.
If you live in an area with heavy rain, you may want to avoid putting your snake plant outside as the excess moisture can cause fungal rot and root decay.
Do snake plants like bathrooms?
No, snake plants do not typically like bathrooms. Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and the humidity levels found in bathrooms are often too high for them. Additionally, bathrooms tend to be poorly ventilated and snake plants need good airflow to thrive.
Keeping a snake plant in a bathroom often leads to root and fungal rot. If you want to keep a snake plant in the bathroom, make sure to keep it far away from any sources of direct moisture, like the shower or a sink.
Additionally, open a window or use a fan to increase oxygen circulation.
Is snake plant outdoor or indoor?
The Snake Plant, commonly called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a popular and hardy indoor plant. While it is not uncommon for homeowners and gardeners to enjoy a bit of manipulation of their environment, such as growing house plants outside, the Snake Plant is not an outdoor plant by nature.
It is best cultivated indoors and thrives when given bright and indirect lighting and occasionally misted with water. With proper care, this drought-tolerant plant can easily reach 3-4 feet in height.
Outside, it can suffer from too much heat, cold, wind, and sun and may not survive. Therefore, it is best to keep it as a house plant and enjoy its spiky, sword-like foliage in your living space.
How much sunlight do snake plants need?
Snake plants (Dracaena Marginata) don’t need a lot of direct sunlight in order to thrive. Generally, they do best with bright, indirect light. When given too much direct sunlight, the leaves will become scorched or might develop brown patches.
In fact, snake plants can even tolerate shade, though they may grow slower in such conditions. When kept indoors, they should be kept within two to three feet of an east- or west-facing window to get the best balance of bright and indirect light.
Conversely, if you keep your snake plant outdoors, it should be in an area that receives only dappled or indirect sun, such as on an east-facing patio.
Why do my snake plants keep dying?
There could be a variety of reasons why your snake plants keep dying, so it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause without taking a closer look. Some of the most common reasons why snake plants die are due to lack of sunlight, inadequate watering, or pests.
Lack of Sunlight: Snake plants require bright, indirect light, so it’s important to place them in an area where they can get the proper amount of light. If your snake plant is in an area with too little light, it will struggle to grow and might eventually die.
Inadequate Watering: Snake plants need to be watered regularly, but it is important not to overwater them. Too much water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, both of which can cause your snake plants to die.
Be sure to look for signs of overwatering such as yellowing leaves or wilting stems and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Pests: Pests can also be a cause of death in snake plants. Mealybugs, mites, and aphids are all common pests that can wreak havoc on houseplants. If your snake plant is infested with pests, you’ll need to treat them with an appropriate insecticide before they can do any further damage.
Any of these issues could be causing your snake plants to die, so it’s important to take a closer look and figure out the root cause. Once you know the source of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your snake plants stay healthy.
Do snake plants need to be repotted?
Snake plants typically don’t need to be repotted very often, as they prefer staying slightly root-bound. To check if a snake plant needs to be repotted, gently and carefully tilt the plant out of its current pot and look at the roots and soil.
If the roots are tightly wound around each other, the snake plant needs a new, larger pot. Additionally, if the potting soil looks dry and compacted or if the plant is noticeably outgrowing its current pot, then it’s likely time to repot the snake plant.
When repotting a snake plant, use a well-draining potting soil and a pot that is 1 or 2 sizes larger than its current pot. Place the snake plant in a location with bright, indirect light and water lightly immediately after repotting.
Be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as snake plants prefer soil on the dryer side. Repotting your snake plant about every other year will help keep its root system healthy, which will promote healthy growth.
Why is it called a mother in law plant?
The mother-in-law plant is a flowering plant from the aroid family whose scientific name is Sansevieria trifasciata. It’s commonly referred to as a mother-in-law plant because its pointed leaves resemble a tongue sticking out, which many people associate with an impatient or critical mother-in-law.
It’s quite a tough looking plant, and can take quite a bit of neglect. In addition to its intimidating looks, mother-in-law’s tongue is known to help purify indoor air, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a bit of greenery to their home.
It’s also quite easy to care for – it needs only moderate amounts of light, infrequent watering, and thrives with only minimal maintenance.
