Wait until the temperature is consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) before moving houseplants outside. If temperatures dip below, bring your plants back inside.
Indoor plants can quite enjoy the natural fresh air and sunlight of the outdoors, so you can take your indoor plants can move them outside. Light is a vital factor for all plants. The intensity of sunlight is higher in outdoor environments than indoors.
Technically, any houseplant can do well growing outdoors. However, I find that certain houseplants thrive outdoors in the summer, making it worth the 'hassle' of getting them out every year. Personally, I ensure that all of my cacti and succulents get moved outdoors.
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.
Aphids, mealybugs, white flies and other pests aren't usually a problem when potted indoor plants are outside. But they can quickly turn into a major infestation during the winter if they are brought inside with the plants.
To acclimate your plant, start by placing it in a shady area outside for an hour or two the first day, slowly increasing the time it spends outdoors over the next 7-10 days. It's OK for most plants to receive direct sun in the morning, when it's much less intense.
They may show up in reused potting soil or soil used from the garden. Interestingly, they can also occur from infected fruits and vegetables. In the outdoors, insects are plentiful and looking for food and habitation. Often your plants provide ideal accommodations and forage.
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.
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.
Most plants grow best in temperatures ranging from 59°–86°F. When temperatures above 90°F are sustained for long periods, plant growth is slowed, and some plants begin to show signs of stress.
Others that do well outside include dieffenbachia, schefflera and spider plant. Big tropical plants, such as bird of paradise or monstera, also do well outside in more muted light.
As the light levels increase, it's time to water the plants more frequently! You'll notice your houseplants start to perk up and show signs of new growth. Water your moisture-loving plants once per week and around once every two weeks for low-maintenance plants.
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.
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.
Houseplants that love full sun
Houseplants such as cacti and succulents generally hail from desert habitats and enjoy hot, dry conditions. Other plants such as those with silvery leaves or fleshy, waxy leaves, like those of kalanchoes and aloes, are perfectly suited to sunny spots.
It's pretty simple to make an indoor pot suitable for outdoor use. There are three different methods to try: Carefully drill a hole in the bottom of the pot, so excess water can escape. Place something in the bottom of the pot, e.g. stones, a brick, to lift the plant.
Keep your Golden Pothos thriving with the secret to its perfect temperature sweet spot 🌡️🌱. Ideal range 60-85°F (15-29°C) for healthy Golden Pothos. Avoid extremes below 50°F or above 95°F to prevent stress.
Q: Can I put my snake plant outside in the summer? A: Yes, you can. Snake plants can benefit from the bright sunlight as long as it's indirect and they have shelter from the rain (too much water can cause root rot).
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.
Wait until the temperature is consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) before moving houseplants outside. If temperatures dip below, bring your plants back inside.
It can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months for stressed plants to recover. Recovery time depends on the amount of damage that the heat caused to the plant. If a stressed plant is completely neglected during a heatwave, it can take several months or even be impossible to revive it.
High temperatures mean a high potential for water to evaporate before it ever reaches the roots. Avoid sprinklers and instead use spot watering at the base of the plant, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation systems to provide water efficiently. Plants in containers and hanging baskets may need water twice a day.
Potted Plants
Even the small amount of water that collects in the saucer under a potted plant is enough to cause a mosquito problem. Follow these tips to prevent mosquitoes. Avoid overwatering plants. Dump out excess water that collects under the pot after watering or after rain.
Saturate the soil with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3% per 1 litre water. Put wet soil in a watertight container and leave overnight before planting. This kills pathogens such as fungi and bacteria including insect eggs and nematodes (roundworms).
Spray with Insecticidal Soap: Before bringing your plants indoors, thoroughly spray their leaves, stems, and trunks with insecticidal soap to eliminate any remaining pests. Allow the spray to dry thoroughly before bringing the plants inside.