In addition to being a very popular houseplant, the common snake plant makes an excellent outdoor landscape plant for warm regions.
In the U.S., they can be grown outdoors year-round in zone 10 and higher.
The snake plants are very versatile in the landscape. They are adapted to a range of exposures from full sun to full shade. The highly variegated varieties are just ideal for brightening up shady areas. These will bring architectural interest and pops of color where you need it most.
These evergreen perennials are just ideal for tropical gardens. They are suitable for most any garden style, such as Caribbean getaways where line and color are needed. In addition, these fit well into modern settings as well as traditional gardens.
Being a hardy perennial in warm regions, they can be used in various ways. For example, plant them around pools and in seaside gardens. They are adapted to salt spray and salty soils.
These are a perfect choice when you need a ground cover for sunny and shady areas. Assuming, they’re given good growing conditions, these ground covers can spread really nicely.
The snake plant thrives in a fairly rich, well-drained soil. A sandy soil is very suitable. If drainage isn’t perfect in your yard, create a raised bed for them. For rock gardens, choose shorter clumping varieties.
In the landscape, these can be used as specimen or accent plants for a dramatic effect. Or they can be used en masse. These also make excellent container plantings, especially for tubs and urns.
Generally, these bold plants generally have a fast growth rate. The exception is the birds’ nest snake plant, which tends to be less vigorous.
Most snake plants will develop offsets. They spread by underground rbizomes.
These can be divided and replanted elsewhere if they become crowded. Some species will spread and form huge colonies. Snake plants can also be propagated from leaf cuttings.
In landscapes, the snake plants can survive significant neglect. They don’t require a lot of routine care. When the leaves become damaged and must be trimmed, cut them off at the ground so as not to leave an ugly stub.
For best results, water the plants during prolonged dry periods. However, avoid overwatering. This can cause root rot.
Snake plants will grow better if they’re fertilized on a regular basis. This should be done about every three months if you’re using a soluble plant food. Or, a slow release fertilizer can be added on a regular basis.
Though snake plants are usually carefree, they can occasionally suffer from various kinds of problem. This includes chewing insects like caterpillars, and thrips.