This is the time of year when many people bring their houseplants outdoors. They appreciate the vacation, but here's what you need to know before they go!
Many houseplants enjoy a stay outdoors, and if you'd like to give yours a vacation from the windowsills, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Take it slow! Never place your houseplants in direct sunlight outdoors. Most houseplants aren't prepared to handle the strong rays, and will quickly yellow and wilt. Instead, place them in a shady spot (shade outdoors is brighter than any sunny spot inside your home), and gradually move them to brighter and brighter spots. Make sure their final spot provides at least partial shade during the hot midday hours (11am to 3pm).
Take a stand! Try and put your houseplants on stands or tables whenever possible. This will prevent pests like slugs, centipedes, and ants from getting to your plants via the drainage holes. For larger plants that must rest on the ground, try and avoid putting them directly on grass or dirt and use a plate or saucer underneath(remove when you water to allow the soil to drain properly
Keep an eye on the weather. The hotter the weather the more often you'll have to water your houseplants, especially those in small or clay pots. The smaller the container, the faster it dries out. If the weather is both hot and dry, mist your plants regularly with a hose to keep spider mites away. If a hurricane or tropical storm is headed toward your area, bring your plants inside, and always be sure to go out and check them after a heavy rain or thunderstorm to remove any saucers and allow their pots to drain.
Protect local wildlife. Some houseplants can make your pets sick if they nibble on them, and those same plants can have the same effect on birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other local wildlife. To avoid this, and to keep your plants from becoming unsightly from being eaten, Place them in an area where they aren't easily gotten to, such as a high plant stand or hanging planter near your house.
Do bug checks regularly. Houseplants brought outdoors for the summer are much more susceptible to insect problems than those kept indoors. Check your plants everyday for problems and treat any you find right away. Use a commercial insecticidal soap with pyrethrum, such as Safers, or make your own using a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water. Add a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, (the kind for dishes, not dishwashers) a tablespoon of cooking oil, shake well and spray.
When you're ready to bring your plants back inside, check the pots carefully and replace any that have cracked from the elements and make sure they are free of bugs. They will reward you for their summer vacation with lots of lush growth and renewed vigor!
