Inside Out With Houseplants

Just like us, indoor plants love being outside in the summer. With a small amount of preparation, you can move existing indoor plants outdoors; or put new ones outside, planning to bring them back inside in the fall.

1. The first thing to consider is the temperature. It’s best to wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the high 40’s or low 50’s. Very few houseplants can handle temperatures cooler than that.

2. Once it’s safe to take them outside, give your plant(s) a thorough soaking; most plants benefit from a good rinse of the foliage too. This is also a good time to fertilize with an all purpose slow release fertilizer with about a 10-4-8 ratio. For blooming plants, add a little extra phosphorus to boost blooms.

3. The next, and most important key to “Inside Out” success is finding the right spot for your plants. We tend to think that tropical plants can handle full sun, but in reality, they sunburn as easily as we do. But relax, you don’t have to go out and apply the SPF 30 sunscreen on their leaves every morning, just chose a location that provides shade during the hottest part of the day, (1:00 to 5:00 PM). Morning sun is almost always best.

4. Your indoor plant(s) will probably have very different water needs outdoors than indoors, so be prepared to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

5. Finally, watch your plant(s) for signs of pests. Insects and/or animals may find your favorite orchid or hoya a tasty treat. If insects are present, try rinsing them off with a mild soap solution. If the problem persists, you may want to take the plant back indoors after treatment.

Remember that plants, like us, are individuals, so be sure to check your plants regularly for signs of stress. Chances are you will see only beautiful, thriving plants that enjoy your yard as much as you do. When it’s to come back inside in the fall they will be full and happy and ready for a nice warm winter indoors.

Here is a list of common indoor plants, and their general outdoor sun tolerance.
Sunnier areas (full hot sun NOT recommended)
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Rubber Plant (ficus elastica)
Schefflera
Snake Plant (sansiveria)
Wandering Jew (tradescantia pallida)
Croton
Bird of Paradise (strelitzia reginae)
Pencil cactus (euphorbia tirucalli)
Hoya
Cacti
Sago Palm
Ponytail Palm

Shadier areas
Orchids
Ferns
Anthiriums
Alocasia
Ficus
Kentia Palms
Bamboo Palms
Philodendron
Spider Plant (chlorophytum)
African Violet
Ivy
Chinese Evergreen (aglonema)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Dracaena
ZZ plant (zamioculcas zamiilolia)