Transferring Snake Plant Indoors?

[miagardener]

I read that snake plants are very good as houseplants since they don't require too much light and they can withstand over and underwatering. My question is, do you think that if I dig up a few that I have outside and transplant them into a pot indoors, that they will survive? There is a temperature and light difference in my tropical backyard and my air conditioned house (which never gets under 70 degrees). Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Kisal]

I have a snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) that lives in the darkest corner of my house, and it's doing very well. It doesn't grow fast, and I let the soil dry to an inch below the surface before I water it again. (The less light you give a plant, the less water it needs.)

I would dig one or two of the smallest sprouts you can find on your outdoor plant. Pot them in a deep pot, using a regular potting mix. I would do a reverse of "hardening off", rather than just bringing the plants straight into the house. Immediately after potting them, place them in the shade. Leave them there for about a week. Then, move them to a bright spot indoors, but not in direct sun. I would try to place them in a spot well away from any drafts from the a/c. After another 2 weeks, they should be able to do fine anywhere you want to place them in your home.

Be aware that these plants have very strong rhizomes, and are known for breaking even clay pots. They like a deep pot, because when the rhizome grows, it first grows downward and then out to one side, before sending up a new shoot. I have mine in a plastic pot, and move it to a larger pot when it breaks its old one. I drop the plastic pot inside a decorative cache pots, for a nicer appearance.

[miagardener]

Thank you for the very informative answer!