Your plants have been staring out the window for six months. Now that winter is fading into memory, it is tempting to haul them all onto the patio and call it a day. But beware: a single afternoon of Illinois sun can scorch a leaf that has only known LED bulbs or filtered window light.

Think of this as a slow introduction rather than a sudden move. In addition to the intense natural light, you will also have to pay attention to the forecast and be aware of how much water your plants are getting. It is more work than a houseplant usually requires, but it can be very beneficial to your leafy friends.

Why Do Some People Bring Their Plants Outside?

With such great benefits, let's get down to brass tacks and explain how to do this the right way. To avoid plant shock, we recommend a one-week transition period.

• Days 1-2 Place plants in a fully shaded, protected spot. The north side of your house or a deep covered porch is perfect.
• Days 3-5 Introduce an hour of dappled morning sun. Avoid the 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM window when the heat is most intense.
• Day 7 Move them to their final summer home, ensuring they are grouped by light needs.

What Do I Need to Know?

Illinois summers are a mixed bag of heavy humidity and sudden thunderstorms.

• Humidity: Most tropicals like Ferns and Philodendrons will love our air-you-can-wear humidity levels. It mimics their natural rainforest habitat.
• Wind: You may be surprised to learn that wind dries out soil faster than heat does. Check your pots daily. If the pot feels light when you lift it, it needs a soak.
• Drainage: Ensure your outdoor pots have holes. A sudden Carol Stream downpour can turn a decorative cachepot into a drowning hazard in minutes.

Should Some Plants Stay Indoors?

While our high-humidity summers with occasional wind are perfect for many tropical houseplants, a few common favorites are better off staying on your bookshelf.

How Should I Transition Plants Back Indoors?

Bringing your plant back inside can be surprisingly tricky, so whether you are wondering how to do it or when, we have you covered with the tips and tricks.

• When: We like to advise our neighbors and friends to bring them in when we start getting two to three consecutive nights below 55 degrees. If you wait until it gets colder, your plants may not survive, and bringing them in will give them a thermal shock similar to when you originally brought them outside. In the Carol Stream area, that is around the first week in October, but watch those September nights. It is better to be early and safe than late and sorry. Some shock is okay, and your plant can recover.
• Cleaning: This is also a great time to clean your plant, both the plant itself and the pot. After a few months outside, you will want to inspect closely for pests and keep plants away from your other houseplants if you see anything iffy.
• Repotting and Feeding: If your plant has gotten significantly bigger on its summer vacation, it might be time to put it in a bigger pot. That will give you an even closer look at the health of your plant than just a cleaning, as you can check for root issues while giving your plant a nice new home. This is the perfect time to give it one last feeding of fertilizer before your plant prepares for the winter.

Let the Plants Do Their Thing

Moving your indoor jungle outside is a rewarding way to see explosive growth in your plants, but it requires patience. By respecting the strength of the sun and the unpredictability of our local weather, you ensure your greenery stays vibrant until the first frost calls them back inside.