When It Rains, Can Houseplants Be Left Outside?

Indoor plants have adapted to their indoor conditions, and sudden changes in their environment can be stressful for them. It is important not to leave houseplants outside shivering too long, especially in cold overnight hours. Houseplants appreciate fresh air during springtime after being cooped up all winter. Acclimating your houseplants outdoors can provide many benefits, such as rain falling on their leaves, which they cannot benefit from in the home. However, there are two risk factors to bringing your plant outdoors while it’s raining: temperature and light.

Rainwater contains more oxygen than tap water, which is beneficial for plant roots. If it gets cold, bring them in before the sun goes down. Rain cleans their foliage, removing dust and other contaminants that can block stomata and prevent proper breathing. Indoor plants are not used to significant changes in temperature, so it is best to keep them outside for 1-2 hours during the day.

If temperatures are close to or below 50 degrees, skip it as the colder air and colder rainwater may cause roots to get too stressed. Plants adapt to where they are placed, and constant changes in the atmosphere do nothing beneficial. In summary, indoor plants should be kept indoors for 1-2 hours during the day, avoid significant temperature changes, and pull them in before the sun goes down.

Can you leave potted plants in the rain?

Houseplants can be damaged by harsh conditions, such as sudden temperature changes, such as those caused by high desert winds in Southern California. Even light rain can be beneficial for plants, but it’s important to remember that they are indoors. Many people forget to leave their plants outside, only to discover they’ve been fried once the sun returns. This can lead to the plant being completely fried the next day.

At what temperature is it safe to put houseplants outside?

When it’s safe to bring your plants outside, it’s best to keep them indoors when the outdoor temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. If nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, bring them indoors for the night and return them when temperatures rise. If you forget to bring them outside, they should be fine in the long run. However, temperatures below 50°F may stunt growth for a few weeks, and temperatures below 35° may cause leaf damage. Freezing temperatures can kill most houseplants’ leaves, but roots typically survive.

Watering frequency depends on various factors, including temperature, light exposure, wind, humidity, and rainfall. Higher temperatures, light levels, and wind speeds cause plants to use water faster, while lower temperatures, light, and wind slow down water usage. Low humidity plants need more watering, while high humidity plants need less. Rainfall can also reduce watering, so it’s important to check the soil for enough rainfall and remove the plant saucer on outdoor plants that receive rain to allow excess water to drain away.

Will my plants be okay in the rain?

Rainwater is generally safe for potted plants, but excessive water can cause fungal and pest issues, leach necessary nutrients and minerals, and cause poor plant health. Plants need to breathe and in a boggy environment, roots cannot take up oxygen, leading to drowning. To protect potted plants, move them under the eaves or cover them with a barrier like plastic to prevent root rot. Empty saucers after rain events to reduce moisture uptake.

To prevent overwatered plants, ensure the planting medium is well draining and add a soil mixture of top soil with sand, pebbles, or rocks to keep plants on the dry side. This will help prevent plants from holding onto too much water and ensure they receive adequate nutrients and minerals.

In summary, while natural rainwater is generally safe for potted plants, excessive moisture can cause issues such as wilting, yellowed leaves, and poor plant health. Proper drainage and proper soil composition can help prevent overwatering and maintain plant health.

Should I put houseplants out in the rain?

Houseplants are typically grown under rainforest canopy, but heavy rain or storms can damage delicate leaves and bend stems. It’s crucial to monitor weather conditions and pull plants indoors if necessary. Group plants tightly to prevent wind damage and reduce casualties. Prop them against a wall or hard surface for support. Limit the time plants are outside to 1-2 hours during the day, avoid significant temperature changes, and pull them in before the sun goes down. This will help prevent shock and ensure the plants are well-supported and protected from potential damage.

Is rain good for indoor plants?

Rainwater is an effective method for maintaining clean and green indoor plants. It washes away dust and debris, allowing the plants to absorb CO2 and nutrients for photosynthesis. In the absence of rainwater, dechlorinated tap water may be employed as a viable substitute. To prepare the water for use, simply fill a bucket with tap water and allow it to sit for a few days, allowing the chlorine to evaporate naturally.

Should you cover plants when raining?

Cover plants with containers like buckets, pots, or cement blocks to protect them from rain and wind damage. Wrap plants with fabric like burlap for weather protection. For larger plants, use heavy twine to tie the fabric in place. For new trees, cover the trunks but make the frame from posts that exceed the tree’s height by around a foot. This ensures wind protection and keeps the tree safe from cold weather. For larger plants, shrubs, or vines, use burlap but use a heavy twine to tie it in place. Wrapping a tree entirely ensures it is safe from cold weather.

How long can I leave my indoor plants outside in the rain?

Check your plants regularly for pests like slugs, snails, and caterpillars, as they can quickly infest other plants. Leave them out for a day or two to avoid a significant problem. Protect indoor plants from kids or pets, especially those with toxic leaves, as they may not play well together. Provide your plants with rainwater when possible for good health. This will help them maintain their health and attract more beneficial insects.

Which houseplants like to go outside in summer?

Succulents and cacti are desert-dwelling plants that flourish in the summer sun, resulting in striking blooms. They are therefore ideal for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of patio and garden spaces.

What happens if you put an indoor plant outside?

Acclimating houseplants to brighter environments is crucial, as moving them outside can cause damage to their fleshy stems and leaves. Avoid exposing them to full sun, as this can cause leaf burn, discoloration, and drop. Instead, move them to a full-shade location outside and introduce more light over 10-14 days. If a full-shade location is not available, protect them with cloth or shade material. Some houseplants can be in full shade throughout the summer, while others can be moved to part shade once acclimated.

Monitor plants closely for burning or discoloration of foliage, and find a spot with brighter light if the plant starts to lean or stretch towards it. Some indoor plants, like weeping fig and tropical hibiscus, are prone to leaf drop when moved to a new location. Watering and fertilizing houseplants as needed, checking soil moisture frequently, and grouping them together with a hose and spigot nearby for easier watering.

Can plants get overwatered by rain?

Overabundance of moisture can cause spotting, streaking, and disease-related browning of leaves, primarily due to fungal diseases that thrive in warm, humid, or wet conditions. Lawns are typically resilient to flooding but can suffer from rust, mildew, and other fungal diseases. Wet lawns often produce mushroom-like growths, such as slime mold, which can be harmless to pets and people but can be removed if not liked. Most lawn mushrooms are harmless, but some are poisonous.

Leaves may turn yellow or discolor due to lack of nutrition, not disease. This problem usually resolves itself, but if plants have poor color that were rich and green before the rain, consider a fertilizer treatment. Products containing nitrogen and iron are most effective.

Leaning trees are a sign of losing root support, possibly due to soggy soil, rotted roots, and the weight of water and wind on wet leaves. Call a tree professional to evaluate large leaners and stay away from them, as they could fall at any time. For small, non-hazardous leaners, try to salvage them by pushing them back upright and staking them for up to a year.

Is rain water OK for indoor plants?

Rainwater is an ideal soil pH for plants, as it naturally falls around a pH 7 scale, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It helps flush out chemicals in the soil and keeps it clean and green by washing off dust and debris on indoor plants’ leaves. This improves their ability to take in CO2 and nutrients for photosynthesis, promoting healthy plant growth. If rainwater isn’t available, dechlorinated tap water is another healthy option for indoor plants.