TL;DR:
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Many common houseplants can live outside during summer and actually benefit from it
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Transition plants gradually, a few hours outside at a time before leaving them out fully
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Always use pots with drainage holes outdoors; rainwater buildup causes root rot
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Check for pests before bringing plants back inside in the fall
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Boston ferns, jade plants, geraniums, cacti, and coleus are all solid outdoor candidates
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Keep fuzzy-leaved plants, rootbound plants, and anything in a non-draining pot indoors
If your porch or balcony is in need of a little greenery, why not decorate it with some of the houseplants you already own? Many indoor plants can not only survive, but actually benefit from being put outside while the weather is nice. Here are some tips for houseplants that can live outdoors in the summer.
Can My Houseplant Go Outside This Summer?
|
Plant |
Outdoor-Friendly? |
Light Preference |
Key Watch-Out |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boston Fern |
✅ Yes |
Morning light + afternoon shade |
Needs humidity; keep between 45–95°F |
|
Jade Plant |
✅ Yes |
Bright light to shade |
Must have a draining pot |
|
Geranium |
✅ Yes |
~6 hours of sunlight |
Not cold-tolerant; summer only |
|
Peace Lily |
✅ Yes (with care) |
No direct sun |
Keep soil evenly damp at all times |
|
Cacti & Succulents |
✅ Yes |
Full sun (once acclimated) |
Transition slowly to avoid sunburn |
|
Coleus |
✅ Yes |
Bright indirect or morning sun |
Don't let it dry out |
|
Top-Heavy Plants |
⚠️ Use caution |
Varies |
Wind damage risk |
|
Fuzzy-Leaved Plants |
❌ Keep indoors |
Varies |
Excess rain and humidity cause damage |
|
Plants in Non-Draining Pots |
❌ Keep indoors |
Varies |
Rainwater buildup causes root rot |
Helping Your Plants Adjust
There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your houseplants make a smooth transition between your house and yard.
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Let your plants adjust to new temperature and humidity levels by gradually moving them in or out. At the beginning of summer, set indoor plants outside for a few hours at a time, and when you bring them inside in the fall, set them next to an opened window for a while.
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When you first bring your plants outside, consider gently hosing them off to remove dust. This will let them take in more moisture and sunlight through their leaves.
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Be sure to check your plants for pests while they are living outside, and especially before you bring them back in. Outdoor pests can sometimes be controlled by releasing praying mantises, or ladybugs into your yard. These can be ordered online or purchased at some hardware or garden stores.
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You may need to increase or decrease watering due to changes in wind, heat, or humidity.
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While most indoor plants can be safely kept outside for at least part of the year, you should always research your plants to make sure it’s a good idea and to check for specific care requirements.
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If you plan to keep plants anywhere they could be rained on, be sure their pots have drainage holes. Otherwise, rain water could build up and cause root rot.
Houseplants that can live outdoors in the Summer?
Most common houseplants can be kept outdoors, if the climate meets their needs. You should always research each specific plant to make sure that it will be safe outdoors. However, most species will be fine as long as they aren’t especially susceptible to damage from wind. Which plants will do well outside will depend on where you live, but here are a few recommendations to get started.
Boston ferns
These can be the perfect plant for your porch, as long as they receive mainly morning light, and shade throughout the rest of the day. Place them on the ground, on a railing, or in a hanging basket to add an elegant look to your house’s exterior. As long as the temperature stays between 45 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, your ferns should be fine, especially if they have enough humidity. In USDA zones 9, 10, and 11, they may be able to live outside all year long.
Jade plants
They do well outside because they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They will grow best with bright light, but will also be fine in the shade. They are resistant to pests and drought, and should thrive in almost any yard as long as they have a draining pot.
Geraniums
Geraniums are an indoor/outdoor classic because of their year-round flowers and easy care requirements. These plants are not tolerant of cold temperatures, but in most places they can be kept outside during the summer with no issues. They like plenty of drainage, high humidity if possible, and about six hours of sunlight per day.
Peace lilies
Peace Lilies can do well outside as long as they do not receive any direct sun, and are watered enough to keep the soil evenly damp.
Cacti and succulents
These do well outdoors and can often be acclimated to full sun. Some varieties will begin producing brighter colors once they are left outside.
Coleus Plants
These plants provide a nice splash of color inside or out. They’re a popular choice for garden planters and hanging baskets during the summer, but can also grow well indoors all year. If you’re looking for a low maintenance plant, cuttings can even grow in water indefinitely. This plant likes bright, indirect light, or morning sun, and should not be allowed to dry out.
Which Houseplants Should You Keep Indoors?
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If your area gets a lot of wind, you probably don’t want to keep top heavy plants, or plants with very delicate leaves outside.
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Plants living in non draining pots should be kept indoors or under an overhang.
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Rootbound plants may not do well outside, as they are more likely to dry out quickly.
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Plants with fuzzy leaves may be damaged by excess humidity or rain.
Conclusion
Moving your houseplants outside for the summer is one of the easiest ways to give them a growth boost, more humidity, better air circulation, and natural light all add up. The key is a gradual transition, a watchful eye for pests, and making sure every outdoor plant has proper drainage before the rain hits.
Not every plant is cut out for the outdoors, and that's okay. Fuzzy-leaved plants, rootbound specimens, and anything in a non-draining pot are better off staying inside. For everything else, a summer outside, even just a few hours a day on a shaded porch can make a noticeable difference by the time fall rolls around.
When it's time to bring them back in, don't rush it. A slow transition back indoors, paired with a quick pest check, keeps your plants happy and your home pest-free heading into the cooler months.
