Complete Gardening
Navigating the world of plants can be a tricky business, especially when contemplating moving them outdoors. Some plants thrive with the fresh air and sunlight, while others are best left cozy indoors.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 plants that might not fare so well outside and 10 that adore outdoor living.
Whether you’re thinking of giving your greens a summer vacation or just looking to optimize their environment, read on to discover which plants to take outside and which to keep sheltered.
1. Calathea
Calathea, with its striking leaf patterns, is a true houseplant aficionado. While it thrives in controlled indoor environments, it reacts poorly to the harshness of outdoor conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, and dry air doesn’t help its cause either. If exposed to the elements, you’ll notice its leaves curling or browning at the edges.
Keeping it indoors, where it’s shielded from harsh rays and enjoys humid air, is key. Make sure its soil stays moist, but not waterlogged, for a happy and vibrant plant.
A little care keeps Calathea flourishing beautifully in your home.
2. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a beloved household plant, known for its pure white blooms and graceful green leaves. While it appreciates bright indirect light indoors, taking it outside can spell trouble. Cold drafts and intense sun exposure can stress this plant quickly.
When outdoors, its leaves may turn yellow or brown as a cry for help. It loves stable conditions, so avoid fluctuations in temperature and light.
To keep your Peace Lily happy, ensure it’s in an environment with consistent warmth and humidity, and give it regular waterings to enjoy those lovely blooms year-round.
3. African Violet
African Violets are cherished for their vibrant blooms and fuzzy leaves, demanding a gentle touch. These beauties dislike drastic changes, making outdoor life challenging. Wind and temperature swings can lead to wilting and leaf damage.
African Violets thrive in stable, warm environments with consistent lighting and humidity levels. They prefer a cozy nook indoors, away from drafts and direct sunlight.
Keep their soil slightly moist and use lukewarm water to maintain their health. With a bit of tenderness, these violets will reward you with continuous bursts of color.
4. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Phalaenopsis Orchids, often called ‘Moth Orchids,’ are prized for their stunning, long-lasting blooms. Yet, they are not fans of outdoor living. Sunburn and wind damage are common if exposed to full sun and harsh elements.
Indoor life, with filtered light and a stable climate, suits them best. Orchids love humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen can be ideal spots.
Water them sparingly, letting the roots dry out between waterings. This care routine ensures they maintain their beauty and elegance, bringing a touch of exotic flair to your home.
5. Spider Plant
Spider Plants are famed for their easy-going nature and cascading green leaves. While hardy, they can be surprisingly delicate outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. Strong rays can lead to leaf burn, and inconsistent watering may stress them out.
Indoors, they flourish in indirect light and with regular moisture. They even purify the air, making them perfect companions in any room.
To keep them content, place them in a hanging basket where their foliage can spread freely, and provide weekly waterings to ensure vibrant growth and happy little “spiderettes.”
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens, with their lush, variegated leaves, are favorites for low-light indoor spaces. Outdoor conditions, however, pose challenges. They favor stable, warm, and humid environments, and fluctuating conditions can lead to leaf discoloration or droopiness.
These plants thrive in consistent indoor climates, away from cold drafts and direct sunlight. Regular watering and occasional misting keep their foliage lush and vibrant.
Position them in a spot where they can savor indirect light, and you’ll have a plant that not only beautifies your space but also purifies your air.
7. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant, known for its resilience, is a low-maintenance indoor favorite. However, sudden outdoor exposure can cause stress. Direct sun and rain can lead to leaf burn and rot, despite the plant’s hardy nature.
Indoors, they thrive with minimal care, enjoying indirect light and infrequent watering. Their glossy leaves make a stunning addition to any indoor space, with the added benefit of air purification.
To keep your ZZ Plant healthy, place it in a medium-light area and water only when the soil is completely dry, ensuring lush growth and happy leaves.
8. Pothos
Pothos, with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, is a versatile indoor companion. While it tolerates low light and neglect, it doesn’t fare well in direct sun. Outdoors, its leaves can quickly scorch, leading to browning and stress.
Indoors, Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, where they can grow vigorously. They require occasional watering, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Hang them high or let them trail from a shelf for a luscious green display. With minimal care, Pothos will reward you with lush, cascading foliage.
9. Dracaena
Dracaenas are elegant plants known for their long, arching leaves, making them popular indoor choices. Outdoors, however, they don’t appreciate strong sunlight or fluctuating humidity, which can lead to leaf damage.
Indoors, they prefer stable conditions with bright, indirect light. Consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, keeps them healthy.
Position your Dracaena in a bright, airy room where it can reach upwards, adding height and greenery to the space. With these conditions, your Dracaena will thrive, exuding elegance and charm.
10. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
The Prayer Plant is admired for its bold patterns and unique leaf movements. Sensitive to outdoor conditions, it prefers indoor tranquility. Wind and intense sunlight can lead to fading and wilting, compromising its beauty.
Indoors, it thrives with warmth, humidity, and indirect light. Regular watering and a spot away from drafts ensure its leaves stay vibrant and healthy.
Place it where you can enjoy its nightly “prayer” movement, as its leaves fold up at night, creating a dynamic and engaging display in your home.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular choice for plant lovers, known for its striking, large leaves and architectural presence. This plant thrives with bright, indirect light and can greatly benefit from a stint outdoors during summer months. However, it needs a sheltered spot to avoid direct sunlight and harsh winds that could damage its leaves.
Outdoor air can invigorate growth, resulting in a lusher appearance. Just be sure to acclimate it gradually to prevent shock, and water it regularly.
With careful attention, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can become a stunning centerpiece in any garden or patio.
2. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant, with its bold, glossy leaves, is a robust choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. It thrives on a covered patio or a shaded spot where it receives indirect sunlight. This plant can handle outdoor conditions provided it’s sheltered from harsh sun and cold drafts.
Exposure to fresh air encourages vigorous growth, enhancing its lush, green foliage. Water consistently to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
When cared for properly, the Rubber Plant can become a magnificent addition to your outdoor greenery, offering both beauty and air purification.
3. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is a resilient, adaptable choice known for its striking vertical leaves. It loves the summer sun and can thrive outdoors, just as long as it’s not exposed to excessive direct heat.
Its hardy nature makes it ideal for beginners. Outdoors, it can enjoy brighter light than indoors, which encourages robust growth. However, be cautious of overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions.
With minimal care, the Snake Plant provides both beauty and air purification, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor space. Let it soak up the sun and enjoy its effortless charm.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, renowned for its soothing gel, is a sun-loving succulent that thrives outdoors. It adores full sun and dry conditions, making it perfect for a sunny patio or balcony.
Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to withstand drought. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
With proper care, Aloe Vera offers not only aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits with its healing properties. Let it bask in the sun, and you’ll have a robust, healthy plant that adds a touch of desert beauty to your home.
5. Jade Plant
Jade Plant, a symbol of prosperity, enjoys basking in the sun and can thrive outdoors in warm weather. Its thick, glossy leaves store water, making it a drought-tolerant choice.
This succulent prefers full sun, so place it in an area where it can soak up rays without shade. Just be mindful of overwatering, as it likes its soil to dry out completely between waterings.
With minimal care, the Jade Plant will flourish, bringing a touch of greenery and a hint of prosperity to your outdoor space. It’s a perfect addition for those seeking beauty with low maintenance.
6. Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is a tropical beauty known for its striking flowers resembling a bird in flight. It thrives outdoors, soaking up the sun and flourishing in a well-lit environment.
This plant loves warmth and humidity, so offer it a sunny spot with plenty of space to grow. It can reach impressive heights, adding a dramatic and lush tropical feel to your garden.
Regular watering and occasional feeding keep it blooming beautifully. Embrace its exotic charm, and enjoy a vibrant display that brings a slice of the tropics to your garden.
7. Cactus (Various Types)
Cacti are iconic symbols of resilience, thriving in full sun and low humidity. These desert plants are perfect for outdoor spaces where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight and minimal water.
Their spiky exteriors deter pests, while their ability to store water allows them to withstand dry spells. They require well-draining soil to prevent root rot, so consider a sandy mix for best results.
Group various types together for an intriguing visual display that offers texture and shape. With little maintenance, cacti provide a unique and hardy option for sun-drenched gardens.
8. Schefflera (Umbrella Plant)
The Schefflera, or Umbrella Plant, is a versatile greenery that adapts well to outdoor life, especially in summer. Its lush, umbrella-like leaves handle outdoor light and air circulation well, provided it’s not in direct sun.
This plant enjoys warm, humid conditions, so a sheltered patio can be ideal. Regular watering keeps its foliage vibrant, but ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Position it where it can enjoy the breeze and indirect light. With care, the Schefflera will transform your patio into a lush and inviting spot, offering both beauty and shade.
9. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are classic favorites, known for their lush fronds and love for humidity. They thrive in shady outdoor spots, such as a covered porch, where they can soak up moisture and gentle breezes.
These ferns prefer indirect light and should be watered regularly to keep their soil moist, mimicking their natural habitat. Occasional misting helps maintain their lush appearance.
Hang them in baskets for a cascading effect that adds elegance and greenery to any outdoor setting. With the right care, Boston Ferns offer a touch of classic beauty and tranquility to your garden space.
10. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb Cane, known for its striking variegated leaves, thrives best in warm, shaded outdoor environments. It enjoys indirect light and protection from harsh sun, making it suitable for patios or shaded garden spots.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. With its vibrant foliage, it adds a pop of color and interest to any outdoor space.
Regular care ensures it remains lush and healthy, offering both beauty and a touch of the exotic. Dumb Cane’s adaptability makes it a great choice for shaded areas that need a lift in greenery.