Snake plants may not care about boundaries, expanding wherever they find suitable conditions in your garden. While their survival skills are impressive, they can disrupt your landscape design and have negative effects on the ecosystem. This guide will help you manage these unwanted invaders in your outdoor space. From background information to control protocols, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in:
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What Are Snake Plants?
Formerly known as Sansevieria species, snake plants have recently been reclassified as members of the Dracaena genus. Some species are more likely to become invasive in home gardens than others. Native to western Africa, these clumping evergreen perennials are adaptable to a wide range of conditions. They thrive in warm, moist, and tightly-packed environments, similar to the jungles they call home. With various sizes and evergreen succulent leaves, snake plants are a visually appealing addition to any garden. Keep in mind that they spread through rhizomatous growth, making it easier for them to invade your garden.
You're reading: How to Tackle Invasive Snake Plants in Your Outdoor Space
Just How Invasive Are They?
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Snake plants have the potential to grow invasively in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 12 and similar climates outside their native regions. In Australia and Florida, they are known as “environmental weeds” and “nuisance” respectively. In both cases, they can displace native species and exclude desirable vegetation. Various classifications and assessments label snake plants as invasive and recommend not planting them in certain landscapes.
Why Bother with Control?
Aside from preserving the local ecosystem, controlling snake plants within your own garden prevents them from dominating space, water, and nutrients needed by other plants. Their large leaves can block sunlight and their root systems take up essential resources. Furthermore, their root bindage triggers flowering, potentially leading to further spread via seeds.
Tips for Managing Invasive Snake Plants
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Prevention is key. Check local laws and regulations regarding snake plants before planting them in your garden. If allowed, contain them within enclosed areas like pots, planters, raised beds, or plots surrounded by walls or walkways. For out-of-bounds or overcrowded specimens, physical removal is necessary. Dig around the perimeter of each snake plant, avoiding damage to the root system. Dispose of removed specimens appropriately to prevent regrowth. Deadhead flower stems to prevent seed spread and sterilize tools used for any procedures. Once the snake plants are removed, you can fill the gaps with soil or replace them with tropical specimens native to your area. Dividing and potting up the unwanted specimens is another option. Remember to inform others about their invasive tendencies and share your newfound knowledge.
Managing invasive snake plants in your outdoor space may require effort, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. By following these guidelines, you can keep these invaders under control and make space for other desirable plantings.
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Category: Snake Plant
