How to Transition Your Indoor Plants for Summer Outdoors
When summer rolls around and the weather warms up, many indoor gardeners wonder: Should I move my houseplants outside for a summer vacation? The idea is tempting – after all, more sun and humidity can make plants thrive. But there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to safely transition your indoor plants to the outdoors for summer (and back in again), as well as how to adjust care for those that stay indoors. By the end, you’ll know how to give your green friends the best of summer, no matter where they live.
Benefits of Summering Houseplants Outdoors
Moving indoor plants outside for the summer can yield impressive results. Increased light levels (even in shade, outdoor light is often brighter than indoor light), natural humidity, and rainwater can all boost growth. You might see your philodendron push out twice as many leaves, or your lemon tree finally set blossoms thanks to a sunny patio spot. Outdoor time can also strengthen a plant – gentle breezes encourage sturdier stems, and the natural day/night light cycle is as Mother Nature intended. Essentially, you’re giving your plants a taste of their natural habitat. However, the outside world is also harsher: intense sun, pests, wind, and temperature swings. That’s why preparation is key.
Step-by-Step: Moving Plants Outside Safely
If you decide to send some of your indoor plants on summer holiday, follow these steps to minimize shock and sunburn:
Check the Weather: Wait until night temperatures are consistently above 50–55°F (10–13°C). Tropical houseplants don’t appreciate cold nights. Late spring is usually a good time.
Pick the Right Candidates: Not every plant should go out. Hardy tropicals (monsteras, pothos, philodendrons, ficus, succulents) typically do well. Ferns and calatheas can too, but they’ll want shade and moisture. Very delicate plants or ones already struggling might be better staying in to avoid additional stress.
Hardening Off (Acclimation): Just like seedlings being hardened off for a garden, houseplants need a gradual introduction. Start by placing plants outdoors in full shade for a few days. Then, if they like more sun, slowly move them to a brighter spot (morning sun or dappled light) over a week or two. Pro tip: Overcast days are great for starting the transition, as the light is gentler.
Mind the Sun’s Path: Even shade-loving plants should never go straight from indoors to direct afternoon sun – their leaves can literally get sunburned (bleached or brown patches).
Water and Feeding: Outdoor conditions dry pots faster. Be prepared to water more frequently than you did indoors. You might also start a regular fertilizer routine if you don’t have one, since active growth will ramp up. Many outdoor growers fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks in summer. Just don’t overdo it – follow the product directions.
Pest Prevention: Outside, your plant is part of the ecosystem again. Inspect leaves often. You can even proactively treat with an organic pesticide (like neem oil spray) at the beginning of the outdoor stay. I like to sprinkle some diatomaceous earth on the soil surface of potted plants outdoors to deter crawlers like slugs or ants from taking up residence.
Shelter from Extreme Weather: If a severe storm or heavy winds are forecast, it doesn’t hurt to temporarily move plants to a protected area (under an awning, or bring them in garage) to avoid shredded leaves or tipped pots. Steady gentle rain is fine (great, even – free watering!), but downpours can flood pots, so check that your drainage is swift.
Bringing Plants Back Indoors
Summer can’t last forever (sadly for us and our plants). When autumn approaches or nights dip below ~50°F again, it’s time to bring your vacationing plants back inside. Do this before it gets too chilly – sudden cold can stress them or trigger dormancy.
Acclimate (Again): Essentially reverse the process. First, move outdoor plants to full shade for a few days (to adjust from high light to lower light). If possible, bring them in on a mild day rather than a shockingly cold one.
Debugging Ritual: This is crucial. You don’t want to also bring in hitchhiking bugs. Thoroughly inspect each plant. Rinse leaves with water, wipe them down. I often soak the entire pot (plant and soil) in a bucket of water with a mild insecticidal soap dilution for 15 minutes – this can drive out any soil pests. Alternatively, a good spray-down of the foliage and soil surface with neem oil or soap will help evict any unwanted guests.
Expect Some Adjustment: Even with care, plants will drop a few leaves or pause growth as they readjust to indoor conditions. Don’t panic – this is normal. Just ease them back into your indoor routine of slightly less frequent watering, etc. They’ll often perk up once they settle, and you might notice they’re a bit larger or fuller than when they went out.
Caring for Indoor Plants During Summer
What about the plants that stay inside all summer? They might not get the outdoor boost, but they still experience seasonal changes:
Light: Summer sun can be intense. Watch for any “hot spots” where sunbeams may hit your plants through windows. I had to move a philodendron that suddenly got a sun stripe at noon and was developing pale patches. Conversely, if you have a very shaded apartment, the longer days might actually finally give enough light for a plant that was struggling in winter. You might be able to move some plants a bit farther from windows and still get good growth.
Temperature/Humidity: Running air conditioning can dry the air. If you notice crispy leaf tips, it may be the low humidity. Grouping plants together can create a humidity microclimate. Also, avoid placing plants right in the line of an AC vent – the constant cold airflow can chill them and dry them out.
Watering: Generally, indoor plants still drink more in summer due to warmth and active growth. Be ready to step up your watering frequency a bit. Conversely, if you go on vacation (and the AC is off, house warmer), consider asking a friend to water or set up self-watering systems because plants will dry out quicker in the heat.
Growth Spurts and Pruning: You might find some plants go crazy with new growth indoors thanks to the season. Summer is a great time to prune or pinch back for shape, if needed, because the plant will recover faster now than in winter. It’s also prime time for propagation – any cuttings you take will root faster in the warm, bright conditions. Hello, more plants!
Keep Feeding: If you use fertilizer, continue your regular schedule during summer for indoor plants. I follow a “weakly, weekly” approach for many of mine (a weak diluted feed every week or two during watering) from April through September.
With the right approach, your plants can enjoy (or at least gracefully handle) the summer just as much as you do. Whether they’re soaking up the sun outside or keeping you company indoors, adjusting your plant care routine for the season will set them up for success. I love how summer brings out the best in my plants – my fiddle leaf fig develops its biggest leaves in July, and my pothos vines seem to grow a foot overnight. By autumn, I often feel like I have a whole new jungle thanks to the summer growth spurt. Embrace the season, stay observant, and your green buddies will thrive. Happy summer gardening – both indoors and out! 🌱☀️
