10 Houseplants That Thrive Outdoors in the Summer!

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Disclaimer: Product stock, prices, and information is subject to change after blog publish date.

There are many benefits to moving your tropical plants outside in the warmer months, such as better light conditions and the development of stronger root systems as a result of exposure to wind and rain. Nevertheless, there are some factors to consider when moving your indoor houseplants outside, including acclimatization, fertilizing and pest prevention/treatment.

Below we will go over ten houseplants that thrive outdoors in the summer and how to care for them when moving them outdoors.

Succulents are a fantastic option for outdoor spaces in the warmer months as they are drought-tolerant and can handle a variety of light conditions.

When watering succulents, it is important to avoid water build up in the center of the plant as this will result in irreversible rot (see photo). This is especially true for echeveria, aloe and haworthia.

Jade and haworthia may turn brown/grey if they are exposed to too much light outdoors. Thus, placing them in a location with morning sun or partial shade is best. If the foliage starts to change colour, you may want to remove the affected foliage, but this does not impact the overall health of the plant. This issue can resolve itself over time if the plant is exposed to less light.

If you have a spot in your backyard that receives hot afternoon sun, a firestick cactus is a great option! The sun stress will cause the foliage to turn a fiery orange/red colour!

Moving your fishbone cactus outside in the summer can encourage blooming! This is due to one or a combination of the following stressors: sun, cooler temperatures at night, and drought.

For all succulents kept outdoors, we recommend using a gritty or well-draining mix. Terracotta or clay pots are also beneficial as they will absorb any extra moisture.

Jasmine will tolerate full sun outdoors, but smaller, less established plants should be acclimated to full sun. Jasmine is an invasive species in several parts of the world. When kept outside in the warmer months it should be cut back as soon as it has finished blooming (about a third of the plant). Please note that jasmine is not a perennial in this area (zone 6b).

In warmer climates, schefflera plants are often used in landscaping as they are fast-growing and sun-loving! Schefflera arboricola ‘Trinette’ is one particular variety that loves the sun. Its yellow variegation intensifies with increased sun exposure. What’s great about moving your schefflera outdoors in the summer is that it can be shaped to your liking (remain bushy vs. topiary).

In nature, bromeliads naturally mount themselves onto the trunks of trees where they receive partial shade throughout the day. Therefore, bromeliads will not tolerate intense all-day sun as their leaves will burn. Partial sun or full shade is best. One noteworthy tip is to shake your bromeliad after watering, or only water along the base of the soil, to avoid excess water build up in the base of the plant as this can result in rot.

Ferns are great for shady spots outdoors, such as under a patio or a covered porch. With thorough, routine watering, your fern will reward you with rapid growth outdoors in the summer as a result of the warmth and humidity.

Snake plants love low light, but has anyone ever told you that they love the sun too? You may notice your snake plant growing faster after moving it to a brighter area, so when placed in full sun these plants truly shine! Be cautious of where you are watering your snake plant. Trapped water in the base of the plant will result in leaf drop and rot. It is also important to plant your snake plant as high above the soil as possible. This will prevent water from getting trapped in the base and minimize the risk of rot.

ZZ plants will do well in most lighting conditions, except for full sun. They can tolerate some morning to midafternoon sun, but direct, all-day sun can scorch the leaves. Much like snake plants, it is important to plant your ZZ plants as high above the soil as possible. Do not bury the tubers completely in the soil. This is how rot begins. Instead, allow about 1/2” to 1” of the tuber to remain above the soil level.

Dracaena can become several feet tall in tropical areas where they receive ideal conditions year-round. Most dracaena varieties require partial shade and cannot take full sun, however, some varieties can be acclimated to full sun. Dracaena varieties with lime or white foliage, like the one pictured, are especially susceptible to sunburn.

Let’s talk about watering and fertilizing your tropical plants outdoors! When moving your tropical plants outside, you will need to increase watering frequency due to high heat and humidity.

Ensuring your plants are in a pot with adequate drainage is important, especially if they are not sheltered from the rain. If your tropical plants are sitting in standing water, this can be a problem.

Specialized fertilizer is not necessary for most tropical plants. A balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is best, but be sure to dilute it if you are using an outdoor all purpose fertilizer.

Slow release fertilizers can be sprinkled on top of the soil, or mixed into a newly repotted plant, to allow a slow release of nutrients every time you water. Water soluble fertilizers are ideal for those who use a watering can to water their plants. Fertilizer spikes work in the same way a slow release fertilizer would, but the application is much easier. The diameter of the pot will determine how many spikes are required per plant. If you’re unsure of what fertilizer to use for your tropical plants, we’re always happy to help!

Tropical plants cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Therefore, if they were placed outside during the summer they must be brought indoors during the winter. Before bringing your tropical plants indoors, it is extremely important to check for insects and mites. Insects and mites are usually unable to infest your tropical plants when they are outdoors as certain factors, such as rain, wind, etc., help keep pests under control. These factors are eliminated when tropical plants are brought inside, thus creating the perfect opportunity for pest infestations to occur.

For more information on what you can do to control pests on your tropical plants when bringing them inside after they have been outdoors all summer, check out one of our previous blog posts on this topic.