Are you looking to get your houseplants some much-needed outdoor time? Taking your houseplants outside can be beneficial in terms of promoting growth, and it’s generally a great idea to give them some fresh air every now and then. Before you do, however, there are a few things you should consider so your plants can get the most out of their outdoor time. Knowing when the right time is to take your houseplants outside is key and this article will help you determine when the optimum moment is.
When to Take Houseplants Outside
Taking your houseplants outside is a great way to give them a breath of fresh air and to watch them thrive. The best time to take your houseplants outside depends on the season and the weather.
In the spring, you should wait until late April or early May to transition your houseplants outside. In the summer, you will want to wait until the end of June or beginning of July so that your plants can acclimate to the outdoors.
In the fall, you should wait until the end of September or beginning of October to move your plants outdoors. And in the winter, you should keep your houseplants indoors as the weather is too cold to safely transition them outdoors. When transitioning your plants outdoors, make sure to watch for temperature and humidity levels, as well as the amount of sunlight and wind your plants will be exposed to.
If the temperature drops too low or the humidity is too high, your plants may suffer from damage or even death. Keep an eye out for extreme wind and sunlight, as too much of either can also cause damage to your plants. If you are ever in doubt, it is best to keep your houseplants inside until the weather is suitable for transition.
Spring
As soon as the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to think about taking your houseplants outside. In the spring, you’ll want to head out before the heat and humidity become too intense.
Start by introducing your houseplants to the outside world slowly, taking them out for an hour or two each day. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature and check to see if there’s any wind or rain.
If it gets too hot or too wet, take your plants inside. Since houseplants have been living in your home, they may need to adjust to humidity levels outside.
As you’re introducing your plants to the outdoors, look for signs of stress such as wilted leaves, brown spots, and yellowing foliage. If you see these signs, bring them back inside and wait until the weather is more suited for outdoor living. And don’t forget to check the forecast so you know when you can safely take your houseplants outside for a longer period of time.
Summer
Summertime is often the most conducive time to take your houseplants outside, as long as the temperature is not extreme or unbearable. Of course, the temperature will vary from location to location, so always check your local climate before taking your plants for a spin. Generally speaking, the temperature should be above 55°F (12.8°C).
If the temperature is too hot, your plants could suffer from sunburn or heat stress.
In that case, you should either find a spot with more shade or consider waiting until the temperatures cool down. Aside from temperature, you should also be mindful of the humidity level.
When the air is dry, the plant can experience dehydration, so make sure you’re providing consistent misting or watering. Avoid leaving your houseplants out in a windy location, as this can dry them out even faster. If you do decide to take your plants outside, make sure the area is well-ventilated, but not too exposed to the wind.
Make sure you’re providing your houseplants with enough sunlight. If the area you’re placing them in is too shady, they may not be able to survive. With the right conditions, you can give your houseplants a chance to enjoy the great outdoors!
Fall
Fall is the ideal season to take your houseplants outside for a bit of fresh air! When the days start to cool off and the nights become a bit chillier, but the weather is still warm and pleasant, it is a great time to get your plants some much needed outdoor time.
Make sure the temperatures don’t dip too low and keep an eye on the humidity levels. If the air is too dry, you may need to bring your plants in sooner than expected.
It’s also important to remember the amount of sunlight your houseplants will be getting during their outside adventure. Too much sun can be damaging, so make sure to pick an area with partial to full shade. Look out for gusts of wind; if the air is too gusty, it might be time to bring your plants indoors.
Winter
Winter is a tricky time for houseplants. If you live in a colder climate, you should keep them indoors until the frost has passed and the temperatures outside are warmer. Even then, ensure you bring your plants outside gradually, as exposure to a colder temperature could damage them.
They should be shielded from cold drafts and winds, as this can cause wilting. When the temperature outside is below 60°F, you should keep your plants inside. If you are unsure whether the temperatures outside are too cold, err on the side of caution and keep your plants indoors.
Things to Watch For
When it comes to taking your houseplants outside, there are some things you need to watch out for. Temperature is an important factor to consider before taking your plants outside.
Make sure the temperatures are above the minimums for your particular plant species, otherwise the plant may suffer from cold shock and die. You also need to pay attention to the humidity and sunlight levels. Your plant may do best when the humidity is between 40-50%, and make sure the sunlight it is getting is indirect and not too intense.
Keep an eye on the wind. If it is too windy, your plant may become stressed and its leaves may suffer from windburn.
When taking your houseplants outside, make sure you are setting them up for success. Observe the environment and adjust the plant accordingly.
Gradually expose the plant to more sunlight, and be sure to watch out for any signs of distress. If you see any wilting or yellowing of the leaves, it could be a sign that the plant is not adjusting well to its new environment and needs to be moved back indoors.
When taking your houseplants outside, make sure you monitor the environment and watch out for any signs of stress or distress.
Pay attention to the temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind. Make sure your plants are getting what they need, and if you see any signs of distress, move the plant back indoors. With a little bit of care and attention, you can make sure your houseplants are happy and healthy all year round.
Temperature
When it comes to temperature, the key is to be mindful of the temperature changes outdoors. If the temperature outside is colder than what your houseplants are used to, you should gradually introduce them to the cold weather. Start by placing your plants outside in a shady spot for a few hours at a time and then gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors.
When temperatures reach freezing, it’s best to move your houseplants indoors.
If the temperature outside is much higher than what your houseplants are used to, you should only allow your plants to stay outside for a few hours at a time. If the temperature is too hot, move your plants indoors to avoid them getting sunburned.
If you’re out of town and the temperatures outside are extreme, make sure you find someone to take care of your houseplants and move them indoors if necessary. It’s important to remember that the temperature of your houseplants’ new environment should be similar to the temperature they’re used to. Take the time to check the forecast before moving your plants outside.
You should also monitor your plants while they’re outside to make sure they’re not too cold or too hot. Taking the time to do this will ensure your houseplants stay healthy and happy.
Humidity
When it comes to humidity, it’s important to get the balance just right for your houseplants. Too much humidity and your plants can become waterlogged, while too little can cause them to dry out.
Most houseplants prefer relative humidity of 40-50%. You can measure the humidity in your home with a hygrometer. If you find that the humidity level is too low, you can increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly, adding a layer of damp pebbles to the bottom of a pot, or adding a room humidifier.
It’s also important to ensure that the plants are not exposed to sudden changes in humidity, as this can shock the plants and cause them to lose their leaves. If you need to increase the humidity suddenly, try adding a humidifier to the room and setting it on a low setting.
This will give the plants time to adjust to the increased humidity without being overwhelmed.
If you live in a very dry area, such as a desert, it may be difficult to find the perfect humidity level for your houseplants. In this case, it’s best to look for plants that are naturally adapted to dry climates, such as succulents and cacti. These plants are more tolerant of dry air and will not require as much humidity as other houseplants.
Sunlight
When it comes to sunlight, houseplants need a very specific amount. Too much can burn the leaves and too little won’t allow them to thrive. During the summer months, it’s a good idea to bring your houseplants outside and give them some sunlight.
Be sure to keep an eye on them, as certain plants may need more or less direct sunlight.
Keep in mind that the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if you want to take your houseplants outside, make sure to give them a break from the direct sunlight during those times. Make sure to also keep an eye on the temperature.
During the summer months, temperatures can easily reach into the 90s and higher, which can be too hot for most houseplants to handle. If the temperature gets too hot, it’s best to bring your plants inside to a cooler area.
You should also pay attention to the humidity. High humidity can be beneficial to some houseplants, while too much will cause mold and mildew. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to keep your houseplants inside.
Wind
Wind can be a tricky element when it comes to taking your houseplants outside. Too much wind can damage delicate foliage or make it difficult for the plant to take in moisture.
If you’re worried about wind, try putting your houseplants in a sheltered area like a porch or balcony, or use a windbreak like a fence or wall to give them some protection. Whenever possible, make sure the wind isn’t blowing directly onto your plants. It’s also a good idea to monitor wind speed and direction.
Wind speeds that are too high can be damaging to your plants, so it’s important to make sure that the wind isn’t too strong when you take your houseplants outside. You can use an anemometer to keep an eye on the wind speed, or if you’re in a particularly windy area you can check the local weather report.
In extreme weather conditions, it may be best to keep your houseplants inside. If it’s too windy outside, it’s best to keep your plants in a safe, sheltered area. Pay attention to wind speed and direction when taking your houseplants outside, and if the wind is too strong, opt to keep them indoors.