Get your plants outside!

Hoping your indoor plants can enjoy some summer sun? That’s a great idea! Putting your plants outdoors will help them grow better, and the rain will clean their leaves. However, it’s important to make sure your plants don’t end up with a sunburn!

When plants are moved from a protected environment like your home to direct sunlight outdoors, there is a high chance their leaves will burn. Black, brown or yellow spots will appear—signs that the plant has been damaged. If this happens, remove the burnt leaves and move the plant to a shady area to allow it to acclimate.

What is acclimation?

Before moving indoor plants or vegetable seedlings outside, it is important to acclimate them. Acclimation is the process of gradually exposing houseplants to an outside environment. To do this, move the plants outside in the morning to a partially shady area and bring them back inside in the evening. These steps should be repeated until nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C. Usually, acclimation takes place over a period of one week.

Which plants can go outside?

All plants can be moved outdoors! Just make sure to keep their sun requirements in mind:

• Hibiscus, mandevillas and majesty palm trees can tolerate full sun.
• Ficus, Pilea Peperomiodes and calatheas prefer partial shade.
• Sansevieria, ferns and pothos should be placed in the shade.

Plants: a great housewarming gift

Have your friends just moved into a new apartment or is there a new business in your neighbourhood? Forget about the age-old apple pie and opt for a plant instead! That said, because you may not have visited the new space beforehand, you have to choose a plant that will work anywhere. Here are my three favourite plants for such occasions:

Monstera:

Everyone loves this plant! It does well in partial and full shade, grows easily, can be pruned as needed and can handle it if you occasionally forget to water it. It’s the perfect choice for a first plant!

Zamioculcas:

This plant is also nicknamed Zanzibar Gem because of its eastern African origin. It can grow anywhere—sun, partial shade and full shade! It grows so well that it’s common to see shoots coming out of the pot, a sign that it is time to repot it. Available in small and large sizes, this plant is considered indestructible!

Pilea Peperomiodes:

This plant is known for its ability to grow baby plants in the same pot that can be easily transplanted and given as gifts. Pilea Peperomiodes prefers light and can be purchased as a small 4- to 6- inch-plant. Its round leaves and small tree shape make it a popular plant.

Whether indoors or outdoors, plants add beauty everywhere. Surround yourself with greenery!