Can You Put Indoor Plants Outside? (With Examples)

Indoor plants are happy living inside your home but can be moved out in the summertime after they have cooped up in the frost. However, they might go in shock when they are suddenly moved outdoors.

The leaves might drop, turn yellow, droop, and the plant growth can also stunt due to stress. So what can we do to deal with the same? Let’s find out!

Most indoor plants can be moved outdoors during late spring through summer. These plants can survive outdoors if the humidity, temperature, and lighting are in check. Adjust the watering regime accordingly and make sure the plants are kept away from the scorching sun.

All you need to make sure is they are getting everything in moderation and should not be shocked due to sudden change.

We have put down all related queries regarding moving your indoor plants outside. Please read till the end to get all your doubts cleared up.

Can indoor plants survive outside?

Most indoor plants can survive outside, provided you take extra care of their needs.

However, you have to keep in mind a few things before moving houseplants outdoors. First, all the cultural conditions should be in check.

The season when you are keeping your houseplant outdoors plays a crucial role.

Most of the houseplants are sensitive to cold weather and drafts. Thus, make sure you keep everything in mind before moving them outside.

At what temperature is it safe to put houseplants outside?

It is safe to put houseplants outside when the temperature level is above 50°F the night consistently.

However, they should be kept under shade to protect from direct sun and high-temperature levels in the daytime.

The weather and temperature in June through the end of August is when you can keep your houseplant outdoors.

First, you must see the weather conditions in your area. Then, start moving your plant outdoors two weeks after the spring begins.

How long should I leave my indoor plants outside?

You can leave your houseplant outside for a few hours during the daytime.

However, since they are not used to direct sun or this much light, you need to keep them under shade and bring them back indoors as it gets dawns outside.

Gradually when they get used to the outdoor environment, you can keep them outdoors completely without any more movement.

Avoid moving your houseplants outdoors during the winter season as cold drafts can lead to many problems in these plants.

In summer, you can keep your houseplant outside in the early morning and move them back in the daytime to protect them from the scorching sun.

Can I leave my indoor plants outside overnight?

Yes, you can leave your indoor plants outside overnight, but there are few things that you need to keep in mind.

First, the plant needs to get used to the outdoor environment slowly. Second, keep them outdoors only when the weather is not freezing.

When the temperature drops below freezing, immediately move your plant indoors.

Your houseplant can die in freezing climates, so you can keep them outdoors overnight from spring through summer to avoid any side effects.

How often should I put my indoor plants outside?

Indoor plants are used to the indoor atmosphere, so it may shock them if you keep them outdoors for too long.

During spring and summertime, you can put them outside in the early morning and bring them back as the sunlight gets intense in the afternoon.

Ensure the plants are kept under shade and not exposed to direct scorching sun at any time of the day.

What happens when you put indoor plants outside?

When you put indoor plants outside, the outside weather can shock them to the extent that they can die.

Especially during winter, the plants cannot tolerate freezing temperature levels due to their cultural need restrictions.

Indoor plants are so used to and settled in an indoor environment where they have enough space, light, and the right level of temperature that, when moved from one spot to another, they can feel a sense of discomfort.

Their leaves are the first ones to show that the plant is stressed due to sudden change.

Outdoors plants get more light, more air which they are not used to indoors, which can stress them if not done correctly.

Moreover, they get shocked due to sudden changes in temperature, sun exposure, humidity change, etc.

How do you acclimate indoor plants to the outdoors?

Moving Houseplants Outdoors for Summer! | How To Move Indoor Plants Outdoors!

By now, you must have understood that moving your indoor plants to the outdoors is not a one-time thing.

Instead, you have to put some effort and time into making sure your indoor plants are adjusted successfully in the outdoor conditions.

We don’t want you to just put your houseplants outdoors in winter just like that. There is a specific period when you can move your plants outdoors following simple rules.

Acclimating your houseplants to the outdoor environment is the right way to lessen the shock and help them adjust to the change.

Start with keeping your plant outdoors in the early morning for a few hours so that it gets small doses of sunlight and temperature.

Keep moving them outdoors and increase the time by about an hour every few days. You should do this for at least two weeks.

By this time, they are ready to stay outside. However, it would be best if you kept your houseplants outdoors under a shade to avoid direct sun exposure.

You can move them in indirect bright sun gradually till they can get used to the sun, but it’s still not recommended to keep them in the scorching sun in the summer heat.

Also read: Why Do My Houseplants Keep Dying? (13 Common Problems)

What indoor plants can go outside?

Following houseplants can be kept outdoors, considering you provide appropriate care and cultural needs. 

Of course, the needs of a plant may vary from, but once you know what your plant needs, you can easily keep them growing and glowing. 

Cacti and succulents

Cacti and succulents can thrive outdoors as they prefer bright light and like their soil to dry out completely between watering. 

They are desert plants but still moving outdoors from indoors at once can be a shock for them too. Acclimate them by moving them outdoors for a few hours, giving them time to adjust outside.

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palms are sturdy plants and can easily thrive outdoors, even with some neglect. They produce flowers and grow in height up to 20 feet outdoors. These plants prefer full sun and like their soil to stay dry.         

Croton

Croton has variegated foliage and can be moved outdoors if their care requirements are taken care of. 

These plants prefer moderate watering, bright light, and high humidity. Their leaves drop if the temperature level gets too low.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis likes a bright location with regular watering. They produce beautiful flowers and are easy to care for. 

These plants will thrive outdoors without much complaining and will bloom gracefully.

Fiddle leaf fig

Fiddle leaf fig is also an easy-growing houseplant. You can move them outdoors if you make a gradual change.

Few leaves might drop when moved outdoors, but that’s okay. They will acclimate with time.

Snake plant

Snake plants can survive anywhere in almost all conditions. They are hardy plants and low maintenance. 

These plants can thrive in various light conditions and prefer their soil to be on the drier side.

Hoya

Hoya is vine houseplants with thick waxy foliage that live forever that you can move to the other side of the window as well. 

They like indirect bright light and slightly moist soil. Since their leaves store water, moving them outdoors will help them to protect themselves from the outdoor heat.

Calatheas

Calatheas are eye-catching plants with their attractive strive and veining. 

They are quite fussy about their growing conditions, but they can easily flourish once they adjust to the outdoor environment. 

However, they are sensitive to chilly temperatures so move them indoors once the temperature gets low.

Bird’s Nest Ferns

Bird’s nest fern will stay wholesome in ample warmth, humidity, and moisture. You can move them outdoors if their humidity level is kept in check. 

They will trail on other plants and objects but need some extra care outdoors. Temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can harm them.

English Ivy

English ivy is a low-maintenance houseplant that can be invasive outdoors. 

Provide water when the soil is completely dry, and do not water from the leaves; Keep them dry. 

Give them sufficient food, moderate lighting. Try to avoid direct sun outdoors, and you are good to go.

Monsteras

Monstera plants thrive and are easy to maintain. They can be moved out, making sure they are away from direct sun. 

However, they require well-drained soil, high humidity, and warmth levels. Therefore, keep their soil mix dry between waterings.

Philodendron

Philodendron enjoys occasions to stay outdoors, and if you want to keep them outside the entire summer, you need to make sure to follow the process. 

They should be kept under a shade, and the soil should be kept dry. In addition, proper fertilizing is essential when keeping philodendron outside.

FAQ

Do indoor plants need outside air?

Indoor plants do need fresh air, and keeping them outdoors will provide enough air circulation and will help in photosynthesis. But you can supply a good air flow indoors too by improving the ventilation in the room.

Can you put houseplants outside in the rain?

You can keep houseplants outside in the rain and rain water is really good for the overall health of your plants. However, make sure the drainage system is good else your plant may get soaked resulting in root rot.

Also windy weather and low-temperature levels during the rain can wreck your houseplants so be extra careful. They can be showered in rainwater and then moved indoors occasionally too.

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Ref: Growing Indoor Plants with Success, Moving Houseplants Outdoors