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!
The copyright of the article Bringing Your Houseplants Outdoors in Houseplants is owned by Susan Walsh. Permission to republish Bringing Your Houseplants Outdoors must be granted by the author in writing.
Sue, I have the worst luck with houseplants! I moved all of my houseplants outdoors. Two of them were African violets. After one day outside, both violets had beigey-brown patches on several of the leaves...I'm assuming it's sunburn? How should I take care of them? Do I pinch off the burned leaves (there are several...)? Should African violets be outside at all? I just shoved every houseplant I have onto the front porch, which has an awning but still gets quite a bit of late afternoon sun. Any ideas?
Jul 11, 2007 4:29 PM
Rose Cheek
:
I am certainly no expert, but I noticed nobody has responded. I do have many houseplants, so I can give you a general answer. Some houseplants enjoy spending some time outdoors when it is warm; many do not! It really all depends on what the plant's needs are as to which ones can take advantage of being outside. Depending on the climate where you live, it may not be appropriate for any houseplants to be brought outside. One thing you have to take in consideration is acclimating them gradually. After all, they have been in a certain climate indoors, & you have to slowly enable them to adjust. Start by putting them in a very shaded part of your porch, & gradually move them to a bit more sun over a 2 week or so time period. If you see that the leaves start to brown, take a step back. Also, in the summer, it usually means watering more often. Next, you are definitely exposing them to pests. I've had a couple outside for a bit, & they had plenty of bugs to remove when bringing back inside. (Which could spread to other plants inside.) Lastly, some plants are very fragile, & can't take a lot of wind. The wind can be very damaging to some plants. As far as African Violets go, I do not have any, but I have heard they are generally not great candidates for being outside. I don't think the leaves like to get too wet, or get too much sun. You should be able to pinch the damaged leaves without damaging the plant. I personally like putting my cacti out for the summer because they show a substantial amount of growth, & enjoy the extra sun. Hope this helps you some!
Hi Colleen, I am so sorry for not responding sooner, I've been away getting married and going on my honeymoon! African Violets don't like direct sunlight as you've now noticed. You can remove the damaged leaves, and move them back inside where they will get bright but indirect light. Hope this helps!
