6 Things: Our Favorite Indoor Plants to Move Outdoors for Summer

We’re not the only ones who prefer spending most of our time outside once the weather warms up—our indoor plants also appreciate the fresh air and bright sunshine too. Bringing indoor plants outside for the summer is a generally simple process, but there are some guidelines to follow that’ll make the transition easier for you both. We chatted with Kerry Ann McLean from our green goods team to get her expert tips on transitioning your indoor greens to the great outdoors. Read on to learn more and discover our six favorite indoor-to-outdoor plant varieties.

1. Citrus Trees: “First, just about every indoor plant can be an outdoor plant, but it must be transitioned from one growing environment to the other. This process is called acclimating and can take one to two weeks of daily attention to do it successfully,” Kerry Ann says. For instance, citrus trees can handle full sun, but only after beginning in the semi-shade for a week or so.

2. Bismarckia Palms: Indeed, “the plant’s new location must accommodate the plant’s specific light needs, whether that’s full sun, dappled light, or shade, but not before spending time in partial sun to get used to the light” Kerry Ann explains. Bismarckia palms are another plant that thrives in full sun and summer heat.

3. Jade: Kerry Ann reminds that “sunlight is incredibly strong, and just like people, plants will develop a sunburn when they’re exposed to too much sun too quickly.” Starting your indoor plants in a shady section of your patio or garden and gradually moving them to sunnier spots in the garden is the best way to keep them healthy long term.

4. Alocasia: Pests and weather are two other factors to consider when moving indoor plants outdoors, so be sure to check the leaves and soil of your new patio plants while they’re outside. And even though many plants can withstand wind and rain, some (like the Alocasia) may be damaged by summer storms.

5. String of Pearls: Succulents like the string of pearls thrive outdoors in the summer, since they’re built to withstand heat and sun. With that said, remember that even the most hardy houseplants will get thirstier during the hotter months (just like we do!), so don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule to accommodate their summertime needs.

6. Bird of Paradise: Bringing indoor plants outdoors often results in faster growth, more vibrant flowers, and more lush fill-in, so eye-catching varieties like the Bird of Paradise will really flourish!

Be sure to visit your local terrain nursery to stock up on plants for your outdoor spaces this spring and summer!