When the weather outside is bright and beautiful, you may be tempted to bring your indoor plants outside to soak up some sun and spruce up your patio decor. And that’s totally cool to do, provided you take some precautions to make sure they don’t get too warm or too dry.

Here are things to keep in mind and look out for when moving your indoor plants outside:

Temperature: The safest time to let your houseplants bask in the summer weather is when the average temperatures aren’t falling below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night (typically between May and September). Your plants will also do best if the high temperatures don’t go above 90, so keep an eye on the daily temperatures to keep your plants happy. 

Humidity: Depending on where you are, the ambient humidity will make an impact on which plants you can keep outside. For tropical plants and foliage, you’ll need higher humidity levels. If you live in a dry climate, foliage plants will dry out too fast and we wouldn’t recommend taking them outdoors. Succulents, however, will thrive in the desert-like environment! 

Light: While you might think your plant would enjoy some sunshine, it is best for your indoor plants to stay placed in a shady area that does not receive harsh, direct sunlight. The intensity of outdoor light, even in the shade, is far stronger than any sunny location found indoors. 

Water: With warmer and drier weather, plants will be using more nutrients and will require more water to stay hydrated. Make sure to water succulents when they are completely dry, which might be as frequent as every other day depending on the heat. Foliage plants need to be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out, so check on them daily to assess their water needs. Remember to watch for signs of underwatering such as wilted leaves, dry soil, and dried-out brown leaf tips. 

Pests: In the great outdoors, there is always a chance of bugs and pests. You’ll want to watch out for common bugs such as aphids, caterpillars, slugs, snails, and mealybugs. If you notice any pests, a wipe-down with rubbing alcohol and a mild soap should help remove small infestations. 

Inclement Weather: While a little drizzle or sprinkle would do wonders for your plants, a large rainstorm or heavy winds could take a big toll on them that might be hard to overcome. 

Summer weather is typically warm and humid- an ideal environment for many of our houseplants. However, some plants may appreciate outdoor time more than others. Here are a few plants that would love to sit in a shady spot on your patio!

• Succulents - Native to desert-like regions and a perfect addition to patio side tables, succulents can handle the dry heat and some direct sun. Just be sure they’re not overexposed to harsh sunlight- they can still get sunburnt!

• Snake Plant - Snake plants are known to handle periods of drought and will add some interesting height to your outdoor planters.

• ZZ Plant - This easy-going plant is native to Africa and is similar to a succulent or cactus in its watering needs. 

• Spider Plant - Adaptable to pretty much any environment, spider plants will often produce spiderettes (baby plants) that will cascade and look great in a hanging basket.

• Alocasia - The Alocasia thrives in high humidity environments, but be sure that it is protected from any direct sunlight. Keep it in a shady spot, provide it with plenty of water, and add a dramatic flair to your outdoor decor.

• Pothos - Add trailing green vines to your space with this hardy and easy-going plant. Pothos plants will grow faster and have more variegation in brighter light, so a little outdoor time may kick it into growing gear!

Before packing your plants up and sending them off on a little outside summer vacation, be sure to slowly acclimate them to the outdoor conditions. Indoor plants are used to a certain level of light, humidity, and temperature, and if they are placed outside too quickly, they can suffer. 

On the flip side, if you choose to leave your plant babies indoors this summer, remember to keep them safe from cold air conditioner drafts too! This cooler, drafty environment can dehydrate and strip plants of their moisture leaving them wilted and unhappy. 

Do you take any of your houseplants outside during the summer? Tag @wild_interiors to show off your outdoor oasis set-up with us!