Are you wondering if spider plants can survive outside conditions? If yes, we can help you find an answer to this question and many others related to growing this plant outdoors.
As a gardener or plant owner, you may grow your plants outside instead of inside for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that the plant can often thrive better in natural outdoor environments because it has access to more sunlight and can more easily absorb nutrients from the soil.
Growing plants outside allow them to spread their roots and develop to their full potential, which may not be possible in a confined indoor space.
Finally, many people enjoy the aesthetic of having plants in their outdoor spaces and find that it adds beauty and interest to their gardens and yards.
In the following paragraphs, we will see if you can grow your spider plant outdoors and benefit from the abovementioned advantages.
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Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Can Spider Plants Live Outside?
Yes, spider plants can grow outside if you provide them with conditions similar to their native habitat. These plants are native to the tropical forest of Southern Africa, where they used to thrive in the wild.
However, it is essential to note that the climate and conditions in the tropical forest of Southern Africa are very different from those in many other parts of the world. These areas are warm and humid and receive plenty of rainfall, which makes them an ideal environment for spider plants to grow and thrive. In contrast, many other parts of the world have climates too cold, dry, or otherwise inhospitable for spider plants to survive.
Additionally, the natural habitat of spider plants in Southern Africa is very different from the typical outdoor environments in many other parts of the world, where plants may be exposed to various stressors, such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, pests, and diseases.
According to appartementtherapy.com and gardeningnowhow.com, US hardiness zones 9-11 are the best locations to grow spider plants outside. If you live outside these locations, you should grow this plant indoors and try to mimic its native habitat as much as possible.
If you live outside the zones mentioned above but still want a spider plant in your yard or garden, you should regularly monitor the plant for signs of stress or damage and be ready to bring it indoors if necessary.
The following video shows examples of spider plants grown outdoors successfully:
Do you want to learn how to deal with a Root Bound Spider Plant? Click here.
What to Consider Before Growing a Spider Plant Outside?
Before growing a spider plant outside, you should consider that this plant will need bright indirect light, high humidity, and a temperature between 70° to 90° Fahrenheit. Additionally, the watering schedule may change because water evaporates quickly outdoors.
To help you develop a clear and effective outdoor spider plant care protocol, we decided to go over every factor that impacts the health of these plants outside and examine how you can control it.
TEMPERATURE
The key element that dictates the success or failure of growing spider plants outside is temperature. In fact, these plants prefer warm environments and may not thrive in cold or hot conditions.
Before growing your spider plant outdoors, you should verify the temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If your area’s temperature falls outside this range, it may be best to grow the plant indoors, where you can more easily control the temperature and humidity.
Additionally, it is essential to protect the plant from extreme weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or frost, which can damage the plant or cause it to die. Regularly monitor the plant for signs of stress or damage, and bring it indoors if necessary.
WATER
Water can evaporate faster than usual when plants are grown outside, especially in hot, dry, or windy conditions. This can cause stress and damage to your spider plant. To mitigate this, it is essential to water the plant regularly and monitor the soil moisture level to ensure it gets enough water.
In particularly hot or dry conditions, you may need to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil moist. However, it is also important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause the roots to rot and lead to the death of the plant.
My golden rule when watering any plant, indoors or outdoors, is to check the soil moisture level before watering and only water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
You should also water the plant at the base rather than from above to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause them to rot.
Additionally, you can use mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and reduce evaporation.
Finally, if you are growing your snake plant in a container, choose a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Consider using a self-watering pot or a drip irrigation system to provide the plant with a consistent water supply.
SUNLIGHT
To provide your spider plant with optimum sunlight when growing outdoors, it is essential to choose a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. These plants can tolerate low light conditions but prefer bright, indirect light and may become leggy or weak if grown in too much shade.
Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to burn. You can use shade cloth or other shadings to protect the plant from direct sunlight.
Additionally, monitoring the plant regularly and adjusting its position to ensure it receives the right amount of light is essential.
Finally, be aware of the changing seasons and the amount of sunlight available in your area, and adjust the plant’s position accordingly.
In the summer, when the days are longer and the sun is stronger, you may need to provide the plant with more shade, while in the winter when the days are shorter and the sun is weaker, you may need to expose the plant to more sunlight.
PESTS
Growing your spider plant outside may make it more exposed to pests. Outdoor environments can be home to various pests, such as aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, which can infest and damage plants.
Additionally, plants grown outdoors are often more susceptible to pests because they are not protected by the controlled environment of a greenhouse or indoor space.
To protect your spider plant from pests when grown outside, it is essential to regularly monitor the plant for signs of infestation, such as discolored or distorted leaves or tiny insects on the plant.
If you notice any pests on the plant, you can remove them by hand or use a natural pest control method, such as an insecticidal soap or neem oil, to control the infestation.
Additionally, you can use preventative measures, such as companion planting or natural pest repellents, to help keep pests away from your spider plant.
If you found our content helpful, click here to read our article about growing spider plant in water.
Can I Put My Indoor Spider Plant Outside?
You can put your spider plant outdoors to provide good growing conditions. But before moving the plant outdoors, it is essential to acclimate it to the new environment.
To acclimate your spider plant to outdoor conditions, you should gradually expose it to increasing amounts of sunlight over several weeks. This will help the plant adjust to the new conditions and reduce the risk of shock or damage.
Also, choosing the appropriate time to transfer your indoor spider plant outside would be best. Generally, it’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed before moving a spider plant outdoors. In most cases, you should transfer the plant outside in the spring, after the last frost date for your area.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to acclimate your spider plant:
- Begin by moving the plant to a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, such as a shaded porch or patio.
- Gradually increase the amount of time the plant spends outdoors over several weeks, starting with just a few hours per day and gradually increasing to full-time outdoor exposure.
- During this acclimation period, monitor the plant closely for signs of stress or damage, such as wilting, discoloration, or leaf drop. If the plant shows any signs of stress, reduce the time it spends outdoors and provide it with additional water and humidity.
- Once the plant has adjusted to the new outdoor conditions, you can move it to its permanent location. Choose a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight, is sheltered from strong winds, and is not too hot or dry.
- Provide the plant with adequate water and humidity, and protect it from extreme weather, such as heavy rain or frost.
- Regularly monitor the plant for signs of stress or damage, and bring it indoors if necessary.
- Be aware that moving a plant indoors to outdoors can expose it to new pests and diseases, so regularly check the plant for signs of infestation or infection.
Click here if you want to know more about the drainage requirements of spider plants.
Can a Spider Plant Stay Outside in the Winter?
It is generally not a good idea to leave a spider plant outside in the winter, as it is sensitive to cold temperatures and may be damaged or killed by frost. In most cases, bringing the plant indoors before the first frost is best, and keeping it in a warm, well-lit location until the following spring. This will help ensure that your spider plant stays healthy and continues to thrive.
If you live in a mild climate with no frost risk, leaving your spider plant outside during the winter may be possible.
Spider plants are generally quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it’s always better to avoid caution to protect your plant.
Additionally, even in mild climates, spider plants may still benefit from being brought indoors, as they will have access to more consistent temperatures and lighting conditions.
If you found this content helpful, you can check out our recent article about bugs and spider plants.
Final Takeaways
Growing spider plants outside is possible and can be a great way to add greenery to your outdoor space. Here are a few things to consider when growing spider plants outdoors:
- Choose the optimal location: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so choose a location that receives plenty of light without being in direct sun. They can also tolerate partial shade but may not grow as vigorously.
- Protect from frost: Spider plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged or killed by frost. If you live in an area with ice, bringing your spider plant indoors before the first frost is best, and keep it in a warm, well-lit location until the following spring.
- Watering: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to water your spider plant regularly outside because water evaporates fast in outdoor conditions. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and check the plant’s moisture level by sticking your finger into the ground to a depth of about 1 inch. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Fighting pests: Spider plants are generally not prone to problems, but they can be attacked by spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs when grown outside. If you notice any pests on your plant, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Acclimating the plant: When moving your spider plant outdoors, it’s essential to adjust it gradually to help it adapt to the new environment. Start by placing the plant in a shaded location for a few days, then slowly move it into an area with more light. This will help the plant adjust to the new conditions and reduce the risk of sunburn or other damage.
- Taking the plant indoors: As mentioned earlier, bringing your spider plant indoors before the first frost is generally best to protect it from cold temperatures. You can also move the plant indoors if there is a risk of other adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or strong winds.
If you are interested in growing spider plants in LECA, click here to read our full article about this topic.
