When Should Houseplants Be Moved Outside?

Sally Allsop, founder of All That Grows, recommends moving houseplants to the outdoors between late spring and early summer. By May or June, the risk of frost has passed. Factors to consider when deciding the right time to move houseplants outside include temperature, light, and humidity. Temperature is the most critical factor, as most houseplants appreciate fresh air during springtime after being cooped up all winter. Acclimating houseplants outdoors in the spring helps ensure they enjoy a good summer outdoors.

Houseplants are best moved back indoors when nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop below 10C (50F), and if possible, move them into a cool room until they have re-acclimatized. Justin Hancock of Costa Farms in Miami suggests waiting until the weather is right before moving plants outside. If it’s warm during the day but cold at night, move them outside after frost, which is about early to mid-April in the Coastal Plains and mid-to-late April in the Upstate.

In Iowa, this is typically mid to late September. Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures. Most houseplants should be placed outside between May and September, with timings varying around the country and from year to year. To be safe, wait for about 2-4 weeks.

Pottered plants may see a growth spurt during their time outdoors, so they may need a late-summer repotting sesh. Look for signs your potted plants may need a late-summer repotting sesh. Late spring and summertime are the best time to move your green friends outside, depending on your location and the danger of the last frost.

What time of year should you move plants in the garden?

Transplanting plants is crucial for their growth and health. Most plants are best lifted between late autumn and early spring, while they are dormant. This allows roots to re-establish in the ground before bursting into growth. Evergreen shrubs should be left until early spring, as they can take up water from the warming soil, helping them establish quickly. Avoid moving plants in summer, as it can stress them and cause them to wilt or shed leaves.

Plants typically lose about half of their root system when being moved, making it difficult to take up enough moisture for above-ground growth. To move a shrub, dig a 30cm (12in) deep, circular trench around the shrub, using its branches as a guide. Undercut the soil core to remove a large root ball, using a spade to slice in at a 45-degree angle and tunnel underneath. It is inevitable that some roots will be severed during the process.

When can I put my monstera outside?

Monsteras, native to tropical forests of Central America, prefer temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit / 4 degrees Celsius. They can withstand high heat and humidity as long as they are not in direct sunlight. To bring your Monstera indoors, start planning for late fall and monitor overnight temperatures to avoid frost or cold. Before bringing your plant indoors, thoroughly scout for pests by wiping down leaves and stems, examining the soil, and bringing the plant into a quarantined holding area to ensure all signs of pests have been cleared. This will help ensure a healthy and happy Monstera plant.

When can I move my indoor plants outside?

During the winter months, houseplants may experience fatigue, necessitating their relocation to an outdoor setting during the summer months to replenish their vitality. Once nighttime temperatures remain above 60°F, place the plants in a shady area. Over a period of two weeks, gradually introduce the indoor plants that prefer sun into a sunnier location. It is recommended that indoor plants be fertilized and watered more frequently in outdoor environments due to the increased photosynthetic activity and growth that occurs in such conditions.

What plants should not be transplanted?

Some plants can be started as seeds in the garden or transplanted as seedlings. Root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes should be sown as seeds, while corn and beans should be planted as transplants. Some plants, like squash and cucumbers, can be planted either way. Direct seeding is beneficial for certain plants, such as corn, basil, lettuce, peas, spinach, zucchini, beans, melons, carrots, beets, and radishes. However, these plants have delicate roots systems that may not thrive in transplanting.

Direct sowing also offers the selection of seed varieties, but it comes with challenges such as exposure to elements like rain, wind, and drought, as well as weed pressure. After direct seeding and germination, it is important to thin seedlings to ensure adequate space for growth. Too close plants can compete for nutrients, light, and water, and diseases can arise when spacing is too tight.

Transplant establishment allows for succession planting, growing the same vegetable crops in the same garden space in a season, and increasing harvest. Plants that thrive best being transplanted include celery, eggplants, collards, kale, broccoli, kohlrabi, leeks, onion, peppers, scallions, Brussels sprouts, tomatillo, and tomato. Transplants can help avoid the introduction of weeds into the garden, but they can be easily pulled by hand.

Before planting transplants, it is essential to harden them off by exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Transplants grown in controlled environments need gradual exposure to cooler temperatures, wind, and direct sunlight to avoid transplant shock.

Can I put my monstera outside in summer in the UK?

By the advent of summer, it is advisable to expose the plant to the elements for the entirety of the day, as the curling of leaves inwards is an indication of excessive direct sun exposure.

What time of day should I transplant plants outside?

Transplanting annuals is best in cloudy conditions, but it is also acceptable to plant in late afternoon or early evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. Use a trowel to dig holes two times larger than the soil mass around the roots, not setting plants deeper than the depth of the soilless mix in the germination container. The top of the root ball should be just under the soil surface. To remove plants from pots or cell-packs, turn them upside down and press on the bottom and sides of the plastic cell or tap on the pot.

To reduce transplant shock, water plants within an hour before transplanting and apply a light layer of soil or mulch after transplanting. Plants grown in peat pots directly into well-prepared soil should be shredded after planting to prevent water evaporation from the surrounding soil. Remove the bottom of the pot and make vertical slices through the peat walls to encourage root contact with the soil.

After setting plants in the garden, firm the soil around them, water them, and fertilize them with a high phosphorus starter fertilizer solution to promote root development. Follow the product label for dilution rates.

What is the best month to transplant shrubs?

Tree and shrub transplanting is a crucial process that requires careful planning and timing. The ideal time for transplanting is during the dormant season, with early spring being the best time for rapid root growth. Digging should be done when the soil is moist and the plant is not under moisture stress. Conifers move best in early August through September, while hardwoods move better after they are dormant. Plants can be moved “bare-root” or “balled-and-burlapped” with an intact soil ball.

Bare-root transplanting is typically limited to deciduous shrubs and small trees, while balling-and-burlapping is preferred for all evergreens, trees greater than two inches in diameter, deciduous shrubs and trees moved during the growing season, and deciduous trees considered difficult to transplant. The size of the soil ball depends on the plant’s size, with heavier soils being preferred for better holding together.

Loose, sandy soils may make transplanting with balled-and-burlapped techniques difficult or impossible. Trees and shrubs that receive excellent post-planting care may be moved with a slightly smaller soil ball than the minimum recommended.

How long does it take for plants to get over transplant shock?

Transplant shock is a common challenge faced by gardeners when planting new plants or moving them to new locations. To help plants recover from transplant shock, it is essential to provide consistent care, such as adequate watering, proper sunlight exposure, and regular monitoring for signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies. By understanding the causes of transplant shock and using transplant fertilizers and triple-mix soil, gardeners can provide plants with the necessary nutrients, moisture retention, and soil structure for a smoother recovery.

However, it may take several weeks for plants to fully bounce back and thrive in their new environment. Nurturing plants through the recovery process with transplant fertilizers and triple-mix soil will result in healthier, more resilient green companions in the long run.

When should you transplant houseplants?

Plants should be repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on their growth rate. Slow growers, like cacti, can live in the same pot for years but only need soil replenishment. The growing season, early spring through late summer, is the best time to repot plants, as they get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients. If you notice signs of repotting, such as roots growing through drainage holes, the plant pushing up and out of the pot, slower growth, top-heavy plants, drier potting mix, larger foliage, noticeable salt and mineral build-up, or it’s been over a year since last repotted, it’s a good time to repot your plants. This helps ensure they receive the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients.

Which houseplants like to go outside in summer?

Succulents and cacti are ideal for adding color to your patio and garden decor during the summer. They thrive in direct sun and can be used as centerpieces for outdoor dining tables and patio sets. If placed in direct sun, water them daily as the heat evaporates moisture in their small pots. Spider plants, air purifying plants, can live outdoors for the summer and have a significant growth spurt, resulting in baby plants sprouting from their long stems.

These plants can be planted in their own pots, filling your patio with lush greenery. The rubber plant, a hardy breed of ficus, can thrive outdoors during the summer and is particularly well-suited for outdoor use. If the plant shows signs of being rootbound, repot it into a larger container at the start of the season to accommodate its new growth.

Can I put my palm plant outside in the summer?

Winter protection is crucial for indoor palms that move outside for summer. Once nighttime temperatures fall near 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring them back indoors for winter. In spring, wait until frost passes before moving them back outdoors. If your landscape palms are borderline for winter hardiness, they may need extra protection. Consult your local county extension agent for information on expected frost dates and successful winterization methods.

Choose palms with growing goals in mind and match their needs with proper care and nutrition to enjoy their breezy beauty all year round. Pennington offers specialty fertilizers and expert tips for creating indoor and outdoor gardens.