How to Transition Your Indoor Potted Plants to the Outdoors in Spring
Indoor potted plants can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine in the spring, but they need to be moved outside carefully and gradually to avoid shock and stress. Moving indoor potted plants outside can also help them grow more vigorously, flower more profusely, and prevent pest infestations. Here are some steps to follow when moving your indoor potted plants outside in the spring:
Check the Temperature
Indoor potted plants are usually tropical or subtropical species that don’t like the cold. So don’t move them outside until the nighttime low temperature is consistently above 55°F (13°C) in your area. Otherwise, they might freeze their leaves off and give you the cold shoulder.
Increase the Light Exposure Incrementally
Increase the light exposure incrementally. Indoor potted plants are used to lower light levels than outdoor plants, so they need to adjust to the higher intensity of sunlight gradually. Start by placing them in a shaded spot outdoors for a few hours each day, then slowly increase the duration and brightness of their exposure over two weeks. Avoid direct sun at first, as it can scorch their leaves or cause sunburn.
Protect from the Wind and Rain
Protect from the wind and rain. Indoor potted plants are not accustomed to strong winds or heavy rains, which can damage their leaves, stems, roots, or soil. Choose a sheltered location for your plants outdoors, such as near a wall, fence, or under a tree². If possible, move them indoors or cover them with a tarp during storms or windy days. Use these Plant Rollers to easily move heavy potted plants around the property. Or if you want to get serious, try this one from the Sharper Image.
Water and Feed Accordingly
Water and feed accordingly. Outdoor potted plants tend to use more water and nutrients than indoor potted plants due to higher temperatures, evaporation, and growth rates. Monitor your plants’ soil moisture and water them when the top inch feels dry. You may also need to increase the frequency and amount of fertilizer you apply, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much water or fertilizer can cause root rot, leaf burn, or nutrient toxicity.
Check and Treat for Pests Often
Check and treat for pests often. Outdoor potted plants are more exposed to insects and other pests than indoor potted plants, so you need to inspect them regularly and treat any infestations promptly. You can use natural remedies such as neem oil, or our favorite insecticidal soap, or if you want to get fancy, try diatomaceous earth to control common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. You can also use sticky traps or predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to reduce pest populations.
Reverse the Process Before Winter
As the weather cools down in fall, you need to prepare your indoor potted plants for their return indoors. Reverse the acclimation process by gradually reducing their light exposure and bringing them indoors for longer periods each day until they are fully indoors. Check them for any pests or diseases and treat them before bringing them inside. Prune any dead or damaged foliage and repot them if necessary.
Have Fun
Moving indoor potted plants outside in the spring can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your plants, as long as you do it carefully and gradually. By following these steps, you can help your indoor potted plants thrive outdoors and enjoy their beauty and benefits all spring long.
And remember: if you love your plants, let them go (outside). If they come back (inside), they’re yours forever. As H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said, “Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.”
