Taking the Indoors Outdoors: A Guide to Mastering the Climates
“Happiness is watching your plants grow”
Indoor plants are a great way to add greenery and life to your home, but what if you want to enjoy them outdoors too? One of the most common questions we get in the shop is “can this plant live outdoors? Well, with a little planning, you can easily transition your indoor plants to the great outdoors. Let’s take a look at how to do so.
To start, here’s what you’ll need to consider
Choose the right plants: Not all indoor plants are suited for outdoor living. When choosing plants for your outdoor space, consider the following factors:
Sunlight: How much sunlight does the area receive? Some plants, such as succulents and cacti, require full sun, while others, such as ferns, prefer partial shade.
Water: How often does the area receive rain? Some plants, such as drought-tolerant succulents, can go long periods of time without water, while others, such as ferns, require regular watering.
Temperature: What is the average temperature in the area? Some plants, such as tropical plants, cannot tolerate cold weather, while others, such as hardy succulents, can withstand frost.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start choosing plants that are suited for your outdoor space.
For full sun: Succulents, cacti, and some herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.
For partial shade: Ferns, hostas, and impatiens.
For cold weather: Hardy succulents, such as sedum and sempervivum, and evergreens, such as juniper and holly.
-Harden off your plants: Before you move your plants outdoors, you need to harden them off to the sun and wind. This process helps to acclimate your plants to the outdoor environment and reduces the risk of transplant shock.
To harden off your plants, start by placing them in a sheltered spot outdoors for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outside, over the course of a few weeks. Be sure to bring them back indoors at night, until they are fully hardened off.
Here are some tips for hardening off your plants:
Choose a sheltered spot that is protected from the wind and direct sunlight.
Start by placing your plants in the shade for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the sun, over the course of a few days.
Water your plants regularly, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight.
Watch for signs of transplant shock, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. If you see any signs of transplant shock, bring your plants back indoors for a few days.
Tips, tricks, and reminders:
Water your plants regularly: Outdoor plants need more water than indoor plants, especially in hot weather. Make sure to water your plants deeply and regularly, and check the soil often to make sure it doesn't dry out.
Protect your plants from pests and diseases: Outdoor plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases than indoor plants. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of pests or diseases, and treat them as needed.
Choose the right plants for your climate. Not all plants are suited for all climates. Do some research to find plants that will thrive in your area.
Plant your plants in the right spot. Make sure your plants get the right amount of sun and water.
Fertilize your plants regularly. Outdoor plants need more nutrients than indoor plants. Fertilize them according to the package directions.
Prune your plants regularly. Pruning helps to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.Pruning your plants regularly helps to keep them healthy and looking their best. It can also help to improve the shape of your plants and encourage them to produce more flowers or fruit.
Keep your plants out of harms way
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Keep your plants out of harms way 〰️
Protect your plants from the elements. Outdoor plants can be damaged by wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Take steps to protect your plants from these elements:
Wind: Protect plants from strong winds by placing them in a sheltered spot, such as against a wall or building. You can also build a windbreak around your plants.
Rain: Water can damage plants by washing away soil and nutrients, and by creating conditions that are favorable for pests and diseases. Water your plants deeply and infrequently, and mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture.
Snow: Snow can weigh down branches and cause them to break. Remove snow from your plants as soon as possible, especially if the branches are thin or weak.
Extreme temperatures: Heat and cold can damage plants. Protect your plants from extreme temperatures by providing them with shade during hot weather and by covering them with a frost cloth during cold weather.
Here are some additional tips for transitioning your indoor plants to the outdoors:
Start by moving your plants to a spot that gets partial sun for a few days. Gradually increase the amount of sun exposure over time.
Water your plants more frequently when they're outdoors. The sun and wind will dry them out more quickly.
Fertilize your plants regularly. Outdoor plants need more nutrients than indoor plants.
Protect your plants from pests and diseases. Outdoor plants are more susceptible to these problems.
As advocates of green living, we at The ZEN Succulent would love to hear your stories about how indoor plants have influenced your life. Share your experiences in the comments below or tag us on social media with your indoor garden photos. Let’s spread the word about the healing power of plants! See something in bold? Click on it to find out more!
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.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™ .