House plants are an excellent way to enhance the airflow in your house while also adding beauty to your décor. But what if the weather warms up and you want to transfer your plants outdoors? Can house plants go outside?, we’ll look into this question and answer your concerns and offer advice on caring for your plants outdoors.
Can House Plants Go Outside: Checklist to Help You Decide
Spring is a perfect time to freshen your home with new houseplants. But if you’re like most others, you might be curious: can house plants survive outside? It’s a valid question – wouldn’t they prefer to be in the sun and fresh air? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but fortunately, there’s a checklist you can use to help you decide:
Consider the Climate
When deciding whether or not to move your indoor plants outside, the climate is among the most significant aspects to think about.
Most house plants do best in temperatures around 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is going to be too hot or too cold for your plants, they will not be able to thrive.
Always check the forecast before you move your plants outside. If there is a chance of frost or freezing weather, it’s best to wait until the temperature has warmed up before putting your plants out.
The Amount of Light Your Plant Requires
Plants require light to perform photosynthesis, which is how they produce food. But different plants need different amounts of light to do this effectively. Some plants, for example, require full sun (6-8 hours of full sun per day), whereas others require moderate sun (3-6 hours of direct sun exposure per day).
Once you know how much light your plant requires, you can determine whether it’s getting enough light in its current location in your home.
The Humidity Level
Spring is the perfect season to give your houseplants a vacation outdoors. But before you do, there’s one crucial factor to consider: humidity. If the air outside is too dry, it can cause your plants to wilt and suffer from leaf burn. On the other hand, if the air is too humid, it can encourage fungal growth and promote pests.
The best way to gauge the humidity level is with a hygrometer, which you can find at most hardware stores. Most plants demand an atmospheric humidity level of 40-60%. So if the outdoor humidity is lower, you may want to wait a few days or weeks before moving your plants outside.
Pests and Predators
While many outdoor plants are resistant to pests and predators, indoor plants are often not. Taking your indoor plants outside may be quickly overrun by aphids, scale insects, or spider mites. Predators such as birds and rodents can also pose a threat. Predators can damage plant leaves and roots and carry diseases that can infect your other plants.
If you notice any pests or predators on your plants, you must act quickly to prevent further damage. The best way to do this is to bring your plants inside and scrutinize them. If you see any pests, remove them by hand or use an organic pesticide.
Consider the Pots of Your Plants
As any gardener knows, choosing the right pot for your plant is essential. It is not enough to have the correct dimensions; it must also drain well and come from sturdy material.
However, one factor that frequently gets overlooked is whether or not the pot is suitable for indoor and outdoor usage. If you plan on transferring your plants outdoors for the summer, make sure that the pots come from durable material that can withstand sun and rain. Also, ensure that the pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent water logging.
Consider Your Habits
Do you like to water plants regularly, or do you often forget? If you’re not confident that you’ll be able to keep up with watering, it’s best to keep your plants indoors, where they’re more likely to receive the attention they need.
On the other hand, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, moving your plants outside can be an excellent way to enjoy some fresh air while caring for your plants. Just make sure you give them a thorough watering before leaving them for the day.
How to Care For Your Houseplants Outdoors
Once you’ve chosen to relocate your house plants outside, there are certain things you should do to ensure their health and happiness.
Acclimate Your Plants
Before you put your plants outside, gradually acclimate them to the temperature and light levels change. Begin by exposing them to direct light for a few hours each day, then progressively extend their outside time for a week or two.
Water Plants More Frequently
When caring for houseplants outside, frequent watering is one of the crucial things you can do. It is especially true if they are in pots without drainage holes. Be sure to check the soil daily and water as needed; if the topsoil is too dry to touch, water the plant until it is moist.
Fertilize Plants Every Two Weeks
Another essential step in caring for houseplants outdoors is to fertilize them every two weeks. It will encourage the development of deep, robust roots. For best results, use a high-quality fertilizer and follow the package directions. Generally, you should fertilize your plants every two weeks during the growing season.
Mulch Around Your Plants
Mulching is the process of layering material, such as straw, bark chips, or shredded leaves, around your plants. It aids in maintaining moisture in the soil and can make your plants withstand harsh weather conditions. When you first move your plants outdoors, add a layer of mulch around them to help keep the roots cool and moist.
Check for Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are more likely to attack plants when they are outside. Scrutinize your plants every week and look for signs of problems. If you find any pests, gently remove them by hand or use an environmentally friendly pesticide. If you notice any diseased leaves, pick them off and throw them away.
What to Do if a Houseplant Dies After Putting It Outside?
If your houseplant dies after putting it outside, you can do a few things to try and revive it.
- Check to check if the roots are still alive. White or green roots indicate the plant has a good chance of survival. Unfortunately, the plant is most likely dead if the seeds are brown and mushy.
- Check the leaves for signs of life. Symptoms of a plant not getting enough water include wilting and yellowing of leaves. Give the plant a good soak and observe if there are any hints of fresh growth. If the leaves are green, that’s usually a sign that the plant is alive and doing well.
- Replant the plant in a new potting mix and water it well. Put the plant in a shady spot out of direct sunlight, and wait a couple of days to see if it starts to improve. If your plant starts to recover, gradually introduce it to sunlight, so it doesn’t get sunburned.
Final Words
Most houseplants enjoy being outdoors during the spring and summer months. However, it’s essential to consider when exposing them to the elements.
Acclimate your plants to the outdoors gradually, and be sure to protect them from extreme weather conditions. With a bit of care, your plants will thrive all season long.