Can Indoor Plants Go Outside Yet? Not So Fast!
It might be a little early for this topic, but with a few warm 50-degree days rolling in, I’ve been getting this question a lot. So, I figured a few weeks before the last frost would be a great time to drop some knowledge. First of all, y’all if you are in zone 8a, like me —it’s not time yet. (We will get into this later.) We’re lucky to have warm days here and there, but let’s be real: some days still feel like winter got full custody. I mean why did the groundhog have to see his shadow.
Anyway, once the weather starts acting like it’s got some sense, we can start thinking about taking our plant babies outside. Here’s what you need to know before making the move:
Factors to Consider:
Find Your Hardiness Zone: The biggest factor is the last frost date. Most indoor plants come from tropical climates, meaning they thrive in consistent warmth. Before moving them outside, make sure overnight temps are holding steady at 50°F or higher. You can check your hardiness zone here: USDA Hardiness Zone Map.
Bugs! If you’re not a fan of unexpected critters setting up camp in your plants, outdoor life may not be for you. Soil and leaves make perfect homes for spiders, gnats, and even little frogs. On watering days you may have some critters hanging out. If you’d rather not deal with these guests, it’s okay to keep your plants indoors!
Prepare for Their Return Indoors: Before bringing plants back inside, do a thorough inspection to evict any unwanted hitchhikers. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth on dry soil a few weeks before bringing them in can help prevent pests from tagging along.
Light Requirements Matter: Not all plants can handle full sun. Some will scorch if placed in direct sunlight too quickly, while others may not get enough light in a shady spot. Know your plant’s needs before placing them outside, and be ready to adjust watering accordingly—more sun means thirstier plants!
Spring Is Fertilizer Season: If you plan on moving your plants outside, spring is also the perfect time to start fertilizing. As temperatures warm up, plants enter their active growing phase and benefit from added nutrients. Choose a fertilizer that suits your plant type and apply it sparingly at first to avoid shock. Click here for some options on our online store.
So yes, plants can go outside, but not quite yet if you’re in Zone 8a like me. I’m impatiently waiting too! In the meantime, take this time to analyze your outdoor space and plan your plant placement. Check your hardiness zone, use your phone’s compass to figure out sunlight conditions, and monitor your soil moisture—because outdoor plants need different care than indoor ones. Take a visit to our online shop for plant care tools and products to help ease your transition to Spring.
Just a few more weeks y’all!
At The ZEN Succulent, we know that patience is key when transitioning plants outdoors. Checking temperatures, adjusting for sunlight, and keeping an eye on pests will set your plant babies up for success. Take your time, prep your space, and get ready for the season ahead!
Are you planning to take the plunge and move your plants outside this spring? Let us know! Tag us or drop a comment—we’d love to see your plant plans. Let’s grow together!
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™
