Houseplants Outside

Give Your Houseplants a Summer Vacation and Bring Your Houseplants Outside: Simple Outdoor Hack for Lush Growth

Warm, breezy days aren’t just good for us—our “indoor” plants crave them too. When night-time temperatures stay above 60 °F, moving shade-tolerant houseplants outside for a few weeks exposes them to brighter light, higher humidity, and natural air-flow, all of which turbo-charge photosynthesis and stem strength.

“We recommend placing plants outdoors if the environmental factors are preferable for the plant and/or they are able to be controlled a bit. We only label a few [plants] as ‘houseplants’ because they are considered shade tolerant. Certain plants do not need as much light to grow and we are able to grow them indoors.”— Matt Aulton, Head Grower, Plant Proper

Houseplant expert Matthew Aulton reminds us that because all houseplants came from outside in the first place, they’re ususally more than happy to go back. From our perspective at Plant Proper, Matt’s advice to bring houseplants outside is the cornerstone of an easy, cost-free growth booster: a short, well-managed “outdoor holiday.” 

How to Make the Move (No Spreadsheet Needed)

• Check the roots first. Rapid outdoor growth can overcrowd a pot in weeks; repot cramped plants up just one container size before the move.
• Harden off gently. Start in full shade for a few days, then introduce morning sun before settling light-lovers into brighter spots.
• Expect a thirstier, hungrier plant. Outdoor light means faster water loss and nutrient uptake—water consistently and feed every two weeks.
• Scout for pests. Wind and rain invite hitch-hikers; flip leaves and treat early with insecticidal soap before bringing plants back indoors.
• Bring them inside once nights drop below 60 °F. In most regions that’s mid-September; clean foliage and inspect roots at re-entry.

Handled with this measured approach, even finicky fiddles or prayer-plants can shift from merely surviving to genuinely thriving—all thanks to a bit of fresh air by bringing your houseplants outside.

We were featured in a The Spruce article! Explore the full interview here: If You’re Not Doing This One Thing For Your Houseplants, You’re Keeping Them From Thriving with Matt and fellow expert Alexia Leeser to dive deeper into placement tips, repotting tricks, and a month-by-month outdoor schedule.