Summer is finally here! It’s the perfect time to soak up the sun and enjoy nature. But what about your beloved indoor plants? Are they feeling left out of all the summer fun? Fear not, because taking your indoor plants outside for the summer can be a game-changer for their growth and happiness. However, there are some important things you need to know before making this big move. From acclimating them to outdoor conditions to choosing the right spot, I've got you covered with everything you need to know about taking your indoor plants outside for the summer.
Before you take your houseplants outdoors for the summer, there are a few things you need to do to prepare them. First, acclimatize them gradually by placing them in a sheltered spot outside for a few hours each day, increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors until they are able to stay out all day. You don't want to put any plant in full sun if they've been inside all year long. IT WILL BURN 🔥🔥. Just like your skin, the leaves on your houseplants will change color if they soak up too much sun. But instead of going bright red, they'll turn yellow and/or white. If it's a severe sunburn, they can even become a little brown and crispy around the edges. With sunburned plants, usually only the leaves on the top of the plant, where the sun hits, will change color. The leaves that are closer to the soil (and able to enjoy some shade from the higher leaves) shouldn't experience the same color change.
Secondly, I would suggest using a granule systemic on your soil to protect your plants from pests outside. It'll work with you all summer long to keep any pests at bay that may be using your soil as home!
Choose a location for your plants that receives the right amount of sunlight and is protected from strong winds. Moving your plants outside allows them to be subjected to the elements, in a good way and bad. One night of cold weather or one windy day may be the demise of one of your plants. Once your plants are settled in their new outdoor home, monitor them closely for signs of stress or illness and act accordingly.
If you're like most people, you probably have a few houseplants that you've been nursing along indoors all winter. Come summer, it can be tempting to just take them outside and plop them down in the garden or on the patio. Setting a once struggling plant outdoors can do a lot of good for the plant but you still need to follow some steps that I outlined above to ensure they don't go into shock. Start by placing them in a shady spot for a few hours at a time, then gradually increase their exposure to sunlight over the course of a week or two. If you live in an area with high temperatures and humidity, this process may take even longer.
Remember that watering needs will change when your plants are outdoors. They'll likely need more water than they did indoors, so be sure to check on them daily and water as needed.
Taking your indoor plants outside for the summer can be a great way to add some natural beauty and extra life to your outdoor space. With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a successful transition of your houseplants into the great outdoors.
Enjoy!