Tips on Bringing Indoor Plants Outside During Summer
Inside-Out
“Will my indoor plants be better outside during the summer?”
Summer is here and we’re all enjoying time outdoors. But should the same be said for houseplants? Here’s what you need to know when relocating a houseplant outdoors, plus tips to keep it thriving outside all summer long:
More Sunlight
Being outdoors provides plants with more life-giving solar energy than indoors, even in the shade. This boost of full-spectrum light can generate greater leaf and root development. However, houseplants are acclimated to their indoor lighting, and a significant change could be stressful. Also, be aware that although some cactus and succulent plants may handle the hot sun, foliage plants will get leaf scorch when placed in direct sunlight.
☼ Helpful Tip: Find a spot outdoors with indirect light that’s comparable to your plant’s indoor location, such as the shaded north side of your home.
Varying Conditions
Indoor plants do best in temperatures between 65-75 degrees. Even a slight departure from this ideal setting will cause some indoor plant varieties to decline.
☼ Helpful Tip: When moving a plant outdoors, monitor nighttime low temperatures, especially at the beginning and end of the season, and observe any leaves that are wilting, curling, or changing color during the hottest months.
Plants enjoy a soft rain to remove dust from their leaves while benefiting from the minerals and natural pH of rainwater that hydrates the soil and roots. Most leafy plants also prefer the 50% or more humidity levels found in wetter regions. Even so, stretches of drought can happen during summer, particularly in the arid west, and lack of humidity will put a strain on a houseplant’s foliage and roots.
☼ Helpful Tip: If put outside, be sure your plant pots have proper drainage to avoid roots from rotting. When rain and humidity are scarce, regularly check your plant’s soil for adequate moisture.
A gentle breeze strengthens stems, and the air circulation can prevent mildew from developing on leaves and soil. Strong winds, on the other hand, can injure foliage and knock over top-heavy plants.
☼ Helpful Tip: Anticipate unpredictable gusts by placing your plant in a sheltered spot. A corner that shields the plant on two sides can protect it from wind damage.
Insects & Disease
An occasional bug may munch on a leaf without being detrimental to a plant. But garden pests (aphids, mites, gnats, and many more) left unchecked can become an infestation. The outdoor environment can also expose your plant to viral, bacterial, or fungal outbreaks.
It’s imperative that plants are eradicated of any problems before bringing it back into your home. Plus, if you have plants inside that are professionally cared for, it will save you money by paying a nominal fee to have their horticulture technician inspect plants that have been outside, before reintroducing them indoors.
☼ Helpful Tip: Keep houseplants lifted off the ground outside, to avoid pests crawling up into the soil. Check plants often for signs of insects and disease by inspecting the leaves, stems, underside of leaves, and soil, then identify and treat any issue.
Important Considerations
Before you decide to take a healthy houseplant outside, ask yourself these questions:
Does my outdoor space provide benefits that are not available indoors?
Is my plant thriving indoors, and would a change put undue stress on it?
Do I have a semi-outdoor space—such as a screened porch—that will be a safer option for my houseplant?
Is my plant irreplaceable, in age, cost, or sentimental value, making it too risky to relocate it outside?
The moisture, gentle breezes, and extra sunlight of the outdoors may boost your interior plants to new growth and vitality. Just be sure to consider all the risks and rewards before making the move. If your plant is happy indoors, it may be best to leave well enough alone.
