Give Your Houseplants a Summer Vacation
Did you know that many of your favorite houseplants actually love spending the summer outdoors?
While we often think of tropical plants as indoor companions, many varieties naturally grow in warm, humid environments. Giving them a summer vacation outside can encourage faster growth, larger leaves, more vibrant color and healthier plants overall.
Some popular houseplants that thrive outdoors during the summer include:
- Monsteras
- Pothos
- Ficus (rubber plant)
- Snake Plants
- Dracaena
- Neanthe Bella Palms
- Crotons
- Caladium
- Alocasias
- Bromeliads
- ZZ Plants
- & more!
Before moving your plants outside, it's important to help them adjust to their new environment. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing stress and keeping your plants looking their best.
Step 1: Wait for Warm Weather
Tropical houseplants are sensitive to cold temperatures. Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55–60°F before moving them outdoors. Even a single chilly night can damage tropical foliage.
Step 2: Help Them Adjust Slowly
Just like people can get sunburned after spending too much time in the sun, plants can too!
Indoor plants aren't used to direct sunlight, wind or changing temperatures. Instead of placing them outside permanently right away, gradually acclimate them over the course of 1–2 weeks.
Start by placing them in a sheltered, shaded location for just a few hours each day. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors until they've fully adjusted.
This process, known as "hardening off," helps prevent leaf scorch, sunburn and transplant shock.
Step 3: Choose the Right Location
Most tropical houseplants prefer bright, indirect light rather than full sun.
A covered porch, patio, shaded deck or beneath the canopy of a tree often provides the perfect environment. Too much direct afternoon sun can bleach or scorch leaves, leaving brown or crispy patches that won't recover.
As a general rule, if your plant prefers indirect light indoors, it will likely appreciate partial to full shade outdoors as well.
Outdoor Care Is Different Than Indoor Care
Once your plants have settled into their new summer home, you'll notice they need a slightly different care routine.
Make Sure Pots Have Drainage
Summer thunderstorms can quickly leave pots filled with water. Always use containers with drainage holes so excess water can escape. Sitting in soggy soil for extended periods can lead to root rot, one of the most common causes of houseplant decline.
Water More Frequently
Warm temperatures, sunshine and wind cause potting soil to dry much faster outdoors than it does inside.
Check the soil every few days, sometimes even daily during periods of extreme heat. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry, adjusting based on your plant's specific needs.
Feed During the Growing Season
Summer is when most tropical houseplants are actively growing. If you normally fertilize your houseplants, continue feeding them according to the product directions. The extra nutrients help support lush foliage and vigorous new growth throughout the season.
Before Bringing Plants Back Indoors
As temperatures begin to cool in late summer or early fall, it's time to bring your tropical plants back inside before nighttime temperatures dip below 55°F.
Before moving them indoors:
- Inspect the leaves, stems and soil for insects such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs or scale.
- Rinse the foliage with a gentle stream of water to wash away dust and hitchhiking pests.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
- If needed, treat for pests before bringing plants inside to avoid introducing insects to your other houseplants.
Once indoors, your plants may need a week or two to readjust to lower light levels, but they'll continue growing happily through the colder months.
Give It a Try!
If you've never moved your houseplants outside for the summer, this is the perfect year to try it. With warm temperatures, bright shade, fresh air and a little extra attention, many tropical plants will reward you with healthier growth and beautiful foliage.
Your houseplants will thank you for their summer vacation, and you'll love watching them flourish.
Happy gardening!