Move House Plants Back to Nature

Conditions outdoors are similar to the environment from which many of them came. With proper care, they will thrive in it and become more attractive for next fall and winter. Sometimes the most difficult part of moving plants outdoors is finding a location which allows them gradually to get adjusted to the change while they are still well protected.

Sudden direct sunlight on plants that have been growing indoors can quickly scorch their leaves, causing them to drop or be discolored. The north side of a building, dense shrubbery or screen is usually suitable. Protection from strong winds is also important. If no location with some windbreak is available, move the plants back indoors during storm periods when strong winds might damage plants. Large tender foliage that is torn by wind cannot be repaired.

After plants have been outdoors for one to two weeks, most can be moved to a brighter location. However, most indoor foliage plants do not tolerate direct summer sunlight, even after adjustment. They must be kept in full shade or in filtered sunlight under large trees. Typical plants needing these conditions are rubber plant, dieffebachia, philodendron, ferns and peperomia. Some of the plants that can gradually be moved to full sunlight include cactus, succulents, amaryllis, oleander and citrus. Potted plants outdoors must be watered well. During hot, dry periods the oil mass can dry very rapidly. Plants will be damaged by excessive drying.

Set up a watering schedule to keep plants wet at all times. Do not use saucers or water-holding containers outdoors. Heavy rains may fill them, and if they are not emptied promptly, too much water may remain to drown and kill the roots. The need for frequent watering can be reduced in several ways. One of the best methods is to submerge the pots in garden soil, placing them so that the tops of the pots are at soil level. This will also keep the plants from tipping over during wind. Another method is to place the plants together on the soil surface and fill in around the pots with aged sawdust, peatmoss, soil or other available material.

When pot are surrounded by soil or organic materials, roots from the plants often grow through the drainage holes and become established in them. To prevent this, twist or lift the pots occasionally. A plant rooted into outside the pot can be weakened when the roots are torn out or cut off then moving the plant back indoors.

The best time to repot or prune plants is when they are moved outdoors. Under good growing conditions, cuts heal quickly and new growth rapidly covers the pruning wounds. Fertilization about every two weeks during the summer is beneficial. Use a soluble house plant fertilizer. Keep a close watch out for pests so that a remedy can be applied promptly.

Mac Perry's Florida Lawn and Garden Care, by Mac Perry.