Time It Right While it might be tempting to ship indoor plants outside at the first sign of spring, it's best to wait until nighttime temperatures stay at or above 60°F, and after any threat of frost has passed. If you're planning ahead, use the average last frost date for your area as your guide.
Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures. Many indoor plants will see damage when temperatures drop to the mid to lower 40s°F and nearly all will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures.
Grown under the marginal conditions of most homes and apartments, houseplants can become tired-looking during the winter months. You can renew your plants by moving them outdoors during the summer. Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June).
When do I know it's safe to bring my plant outside? It's safe to move your plants outside when the outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. Pay attention to the weather report. If nighttime temperatures are set to fall below 50°F, bring your plants in for the night.
There is no universal temperature for all plants that is too cold, so that is why it is important to do your research. However, it is safe to say if living in an environment with harsh winters and temperatures below 20°F, it is always wise to bring plants indoors during this time, if possible.
So, how hot IS too hot for plants? The general answer is around 90 degrees F, with some exceptions to the rule. This means that when temps rise above 90 and remain there for a lengthy spell: Leaves wilt.
Cacti and Succulents
It shouldn't come as a surprise that succulents and cacti will thrive outdoors. These plants prefer bright light and to dry out in between waterings, but just because they are desert plants, don't just move them into the brightest spot outside one day and assume they'll fend for themselves.
Seedlings, with their tender new leaves, often give up the ghost when temperatures dip to 32-33°F. Tropical plants have differing low-temperature thresholds. Some keel over when temps fall to 40°F; others crumble at 35°F. Other plants are just hardy by nature and can withstand temperatures as low as 18-20°F.
Even if you're antsy and can't wait to see the pop of color outside the porch, DO NOT put the basket outside until temperatures are consistently above 50F (minimum!). Let the basket stay toasty warm here, or keep it in a bright sunny space in your home away from sudden drafts or temperature fluctuations.
Spider plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 35°F without damage, but plants will not grow much at temperatures below 65°F. Temperatures above 90°F will not directly damage spider plants, but will increase transpiration rate and increase uptake of potentially toxic micronutrients.
WHEN TO BRING PLANTS INSIDE. As a general rule, tender plants should be brought in when nighttime temperatures are below 50 to 55 degrees F, even if they are hardy for your zone. A plant's roots are more exposed when planted in a container versus in the ground.
In the summer months, feel free to move your spider plants outside to a patio with lots of sunlight, but don't forget to bring them back in before it gets too chilly.
Most houseplants like to be by windows. Some thrive in sunny conditions, whilst others need more shade than direct sunlight. Most houseplants are happy with a window that is either west, or east facing.
Plants need to be transitioned indoors before the outside temperature starts dropping below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) at night.
While it might be tempting to ship indoor plants outside at the first sign of spring, it's best to wait until nighttime temperatures stay at or above 60°F, and after any threat of frost has passed. If you're planning ahead, use the average last frost date for your area as your guide.
Ideal range 60-85°F (15-29°C) for healthy Golden Pothos. Avoid extremes below 50°F or above 95°F to prevent stress. Consistent temperature and placement key to avoiding leaf discoloration and wilting.
Most houseplants are tropicals and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. For many plants, temperatures below 50°F can cause problems.
Plant up your baskets from April onwards. This gives your plants time to establish before you move them outside after all risk of frost has passed.
Answer: Petunias are true warm-season annuals that cannot withstand really chilly temperatures without damage. Ultimately, they grow best when nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 65 F. (14-16 C.) and daytime temperatures are between 61 and 80 F.
A moderate frost, with temperatures ranging from about 28°F to 32°F, necessitates a bit more precaution. In addition to tucking your plants in well with some frost cloth or cover, it's also a good idea to water your plants the evening before frost is expected to hit.
Although frost will not cause as much damage as a hard freeze, you should prepare certain plants ahead of cold weather. Despite its convenience, there's one item you should stay away from to cover your plants. If you're looking for tips for protecting your plants from frost, avoid using garbage bags as plant covers.
First, it's good to know which plants are sensitive to temps around 35 or 40 degrees F. These are common tender plants that will need some protection. Hanging baskets: begonias, calibrachoa, gerbera, impatiens, vinca, euphorbia, and scoparia.
Moving houseplants outside is a big change in environmental conditions, so acclimating them is important. Never move houseplants from indoors into full sun. Leaf burn, discoloration, and drop can occur. On some species, especially succulents, the damage to the fleshy stems and leaves is permanent.
Generally, most plants can be safely placed outdoors once the threat of frost has passed and temperatures consistently remain above freezing. For many common garden plants, this usually means waiting until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C) before moving them outdoors.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
They are low-maintenance, easy-care indoor plants that can also be grown outdoors in shaded areas. Direct sun may burn the leaves of this plant, so it is recommended to keep them in a sheltered area if you choose to keep your plant outside during the summer months.