Now is the time to begin thinking about moving your houseplants outside for the summer. Here in Central Virginia, I usually aim for the first week of May, but now I always check the long-range forecast first.
May Freeze, Really?
Six years ago, we had a frost on May 10th. I had forgotten to check the long-range forecast before moving them out. So, a couple of days later, when I watched the weather forecast, I was running around the yard throwing sheets over everything and dragging in what I could. I don’t want to do that again!
When To Put Plants Outside
Aim for nights staying above 60 degrees, if possible. Yes, temperatures dropping into the 50’s won’t kill a plant native to the tropics (and 95% of the plants we grow as houseplants are native to the tropics), but it can stress them. As you move them out, put even your sun-lovers (like citrus and succulents) into part-shade. Even if they have been in a sunny window indoors, direct overhead beating sun can burn or scorch the foliage. After a week or so you can inch them into more sun. Shade loving plants can go under a porch or the heavier shade from mature trees in the yard.
Your Plants Are Outside! Now What?
Once you’ve moved them all out for the summer, remember to keep them fed. Summer is their time of active growth. Also, remember that watering needs will change outside. The temperatures are warmer, the light is brighter, and the plants are actively growing so they will dry out faster. Do keep an eye on the weather so you don’t mistakenly water when you come home from work, after we had a mid-day shower.
When you first move them outside, it is a good time to prune most houseplants since they’re going to be entering a phase of active summer growth.
The Really Important Thing!
Last, and most important, occasionally sit on your deck, porch, or patio and ENJOY!