Many indoor plants thrive when moved outdoors during the summer months. If you have some houseplants that you’d like to enjoy outside, here are the top 5 plants that can easily adapt to outdoor conditions during warmer weather:
1. Succulents
Succulents, such as the money tree, agave, Goethe plant, elephant foot, and living stones, are easy-care indoor plants that can be moved outdoors from May to September. These plants thrive in a warm, bright location and love direct sunlight. In fact, they grow even more vigorously when exposed to the sun.
Tip: Place succulents in a sunny spot on your balcony or patio for optimal growth.
2. Ferns
Certain ferns, like the lady’s hair fern, stag’s tongue fern, and spotted fern, also do well outdoors in warmer weather. These plants prefer shady or semi-shady spots on your balcony or terrace. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid letting it dry out.
Care tip: Protect ferns from strong winds and summer storms, and bring them indoors once temperatures drop below 8°C.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can be placed outside from June onwards. Like other succulents, it loves sunny spots and benefits from plenty of sunlight. Keep the substrate moist, but make sure it doesn’t become waterlogged.
Reminder: Bring the aloe vera back indoors by September, as it cannot tolerate temperatures that are too cold.
4. Arched Hemp
The arched hemp (also known as Hemp Palm) is an easy-care houseplant that can enjoy the outdoors from June to August. It prefers a sunny location, but be mindful of the temperature—if it drops below 15°C, it’s time to bring the plant inside.
Tip: Keep an eye on the thermometer and make sure the plant is not exposed to too much cold.
5. Yucca Palm
The yucca palm thrives outdoors in the summer, but it has a few specific needs. It enjoys an open-air location, but it is sensitive to direct sunlight and strong winds. It’s best to place the yucca in a shady spot and shelter it from the wind to avoid damage.
Placement advice: Find a protected location for your yucca palm to keep it safe and healthy throughout the summer.
What Indoor Plants Are Best Not to Put Outside?
While many indoor plants can be placed outdoors in the summer, some are much more sensitive to heat, sunlight, or even changes in their environment. It’s best to avoid putting the following plants outside:
- Aralia
- Bromeliads
- Arrowroot
- Spike Filament
- Leafy Begonias
- Coffee Tree
- Lepiota
These plants are particularly sensitive to the heat and sun, and may not adjust well to the fluctuating outdoor conditions.
General Care Tips for Plants Outdoors
Once you’ve moved your indoor plants outside, they don’t require much extra care. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Water regularly: The soil outdoors can dry out faster than indoors, especially in direct sunlight, so make sure to keep the soil moist.
- Rain: Most indoor plants handle summer rain well, but be cautious of strong winds and heavy storms, which can damage your plants.
- Drainage: Ensure rainwater can drain properly to prevent stagnant water and avoid root rot.
Tip: Allow your plants some time to adjust to their new outdoor location. If they don’t seem to be settling in after a few weeks, it’s okay to bring them back inside.
By carefully choosing which plants to move outdoors and providing the right care, you can enjoy your indoor plants in a new environment during the summer, while ensuring they stay healthy and productive.
