Running out of space indoors for your beloved houseplants? There’s no reason why your green family can’t enjoy the great outdoors while providing you with a beautiful, natural ambiance on your balcony. In fact, a smartly cultivated balcony can offer the perfect environment for many indoor plants. Certain houseplants thrive outdoors, where they can access sunlight, fresh air, and even pests who help to keep them healthy and happy.
Before diving into which plants are the best to take outside, it’s essential to consider the climate you live in. You need to know when to bring your plants inside during harsh weather, how frequently to water them, and whether they will receive direct or indirect sunlight on your balcony.
Understanding Your Climate
Most indoor plants originate from sub-tropical or tropical regions, which means they prefer warmer temperatures. However, many can still cope with cooler climates, provided you protect them properly.
Bring indoor plants outside once the temperatures don’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Make sure to take them inside when temperatures start to cool in early fall. In warmer climates, most indoor plants can live outside year-round.
Light, Wind, and Rain Exposure
It’s often more challenging to control the amount of light an outsourced indoor plant receives compared to the one inside. So, choose a location on your balcony that mimics the light conditions your plant got indoors. If a plant sat near a window that received lots of indirect light, place it somewhere on your balcony where it will get the same type of exposure.
Don’t forget to consider the wind and rain exposure as well. Some indoor plants are especially delicate. Heavy rainfall can easily damage their leaves, and wind can dry them out rapidly. You can counter the impact of wind by ensuring your plant has a regular water supply.
1. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
Often favored for their radiant, white flowers, peace lilies are an elegant option to give your balcony a tranquil, natural appearance. They enjoy medium to low indirect light, so there’s no need to place them under the direct sun. Moreover, peace lilies love humid conditions, so they will thank you for the natural air supply provided by your balcony.
2. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are an ideal choice when setting up an outdoor green area on your balcony due to their robustness and adaptability. These creatures are content in a range of lighting conditions (except direct sunlight) and can handle neglect. They usually live happily in hanging baskets, which can add a pleasing level of dimension to your balcony setup.
3. Snake Plants (Sansevieria)
Snake plants, also known as “Mother-in-law’s tongue,” are an easy-care choice. They love outdoor balcony conditions but are quite adaptable to a variety of outdoor situations. These tall, pointy plants can deal with partial shade and less frequent watering, which makes them great for positioning in the corner of your balcony.
4. Succulents
Succulents are a favorite for balconies because they are generally tough, low-maintenance, and deal well with lots of sunlight. They should be watered once a week in summers and once a month in winters. Succulents offer excellent variety in color and shape; some popular options include aloe vera, jade plants, or echeveria.
5. Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants can level up your balcony with their large, glossy, and vibrant leaves. They prefer bright, indirect light, but can still survive under direct sunlight. These plants require well-drained soil and prefer to be slightly root-bound, so don’t use an overly large pot.
As much as we adore these plants, it’s crucial to be mindful of their health when relocating them. A drastic change in environment can stress them, leading to dropping leaves. You can help them acclimate by placing them outside for a few hours each day over a week. This is how these indoor plants can start enjoying outdoor living.
Watering and Feeding
Watering frequency can vary greatly from plant to plant. Factors such as heat, wind, and pot size can affect how often your green friends need watering. As a general rule, plants in the sun tend to need more water than those in the shade.
Moreover, plants in smaller pots will usually need more frequent watering because they dry up faster. Be sure to research each plant individually to understand its specific watering needs.
We often tend to neglect the nutritional needs of plants. An occasional dose of organic liquid fertilizer or slow-release granules will do wonders for your plant’s health and vibrancy. The use of compost is highly recommended as it provides an array of essential nutrients and improves soil structure.
Pests and Diseases
If you do decide to take your indoor plants outside, be vigilant about pests. Outdoor plants are exposed to a wider variety of pests compared to indoor ones. Check regularly for signs of pests or disease. Unusual spots, discolored leaves, or lethargic growth are indications of a potential issue.
Wrapping up, acclimating houseplants to an outdoor environment depends significantly on the plant type, light exposure, temperature changes, and even the potting mix. By understanding the specific needs and demands of each indoor plant, you can nurture a lush, vibrant sanctuary on your balcony, creating an invaluable addition to your living space. You’ll appreciate the splash of nature’s color, and your houseplants will thank you for the fresh air, warm sunlight, and change of scenery.
