Take houseplants outside during summer to revive them

    Do you move your houseplants outside during the summer? Has it been a successful project to do? Have the houseplants done well by placing them outside for the summer?
    Taking houseplants outside helps to revive them. The best practice in doing this is to acclimate the plants. Acclimation is different than deciding to move all the plants out in the sun on one warm day. Acclimation is a gradual adjustment period which is beneficial for giving the plants time to adapt to their new environment. Not all houseplants need direct sunlight.
    During acclimation it is important to harden off plants by placing them in a shaded area first. If the houseplants that you move outside need to be in full sun, then gradually continue to transition them into full sun. I recommend doing this over a week’s period. Before you start this process, do it after the last frost. Then be sure that the night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For northeastern Colorado, this could mean from May 15-30 before the weather is ready.
    Houseplants that prefer full sun include jade, poinsettia, asparagus fern, cactus, hibiscus, crotons and succulents.
    Houseplants that prefer shade include Christmas cactus, umbrella/schefflera, weeping fig, diffenbachia, philodendron, pothos, snake plant and citrus.
    Be very careful when you do place your precious houseplants outside. Northeast Colorado is famous for some very extreme weather. Take precautions to protect the plants from hail and/or wind damage. It’s not always an easy task, but it is worthwhile if you want to revive your houseplants.
    While houseplants are outside, fertilize them on a regular basis. When you water, make sure the water drains out the bottom. Do the same when you fertilize. Do not let the pots sit in water. Allowing the water to drain away allows some of the salts to drain out of soil as well. Watering with distilled water once or twice a month can help drain salts.

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