Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

Hey plant lovers! 👋 Are you ready to give your gorgeous indoor greenery a serious summer glow-up? Just like we crave a little sunshine and fresh air to feel our best, many of our favorite houseplants can totally thrive with a summer vacation outdoors! Imagine your leafy friends basking in natural light, getting a nutrient boost from summer breezes, and adding a lush, vibrant touch to your patio, balcony, or garden space.

It’s the ultimate refresh for them and a fantastic way to elevate your home’s aesthetic, inside and out. Did you know that many common houseplants originally come from tropical or subtropical environments where they’d naturally experience varied conditions? Giving them a controlled outdoor experience can mimic this and lead to stronger, healthier growth. So, let’s dive into which of your green babies are ready for their summer adventure and how to make sure they have the best (and safest!) time ever!

1. The Fabulous Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

So, you’ve got this Ficus lyrata, and maybe it’s looking a little sad, a bit droopy, or just not pushing out those big, beautiful leaves like it used to. I’ve been there! My first Fiddle, who I affectionately named Finicky Fred, was a bit of a challenge. He just sort of… existed in his corner, not really thriving, ya know?

Why Your Fiddle Deserves a Summer Glow-Up

I almost gave up on Fred, thinking maybe I just wasn’t a “Fiddle Leaf Person.” But then, a friend mentioned she puts hers out on her covered porch every summer, and it explodes with growth. I was skeptical, not gonna lie. Weren’t they supposed to be delicate indoor souls? Turns out, a little summer outdoor time is exactly what many Fiddles crave to encourage new, larger leaf growth and give them a real boost in overall vigor. It’s like sending them to a spa! Fred, after his first summer stint, was a changed plant – we’re talking bigger leaves, a stronger stem, the works. It was amazing to see the transformation; he finally lived up to the “fabulous” in his name!

Finding That Perfect Outdoor Spot: Location, Location, Location!

Now, you can’t just plonk your precious Fiddle Leaf Fig anywhere outside and hope for the best. Oh boy, did I learn that the hard way with a different plant once – a beautiful calathea that I accidentally fried to a crisp. Lesson learned: not all sun is created equal! For your Fiddle Leaf Fig, you’re looking for bright, indirect light. Think of it as the kind of light they’d get under a lush jungle canopy.

A spot that gets gentle morning sun is usually okay, maybe for an hour or two, but you absolutely want to avoid that harsh afternoon sun. That stuff will scorch those gorgeous, broad leaves faster than you can say “oops.” And trust me, leaf scorch on a Fiddle is a real heartbreaker. Another super important thing: make sure it’s sheltered from strong winds. Their large leaves can act like sails, and you don’t want your prized plant to go tumbling, or have its leaves get all tattered and torn. I found a nice, protected corner on my covered patio that was just perfect. It got good light but was safe from the wind and the worst of the sun’s rays. You gotta find that sweet spot for your outdoor plant decor.

The Gentle Art of Transition: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Okay, so you’ve found the perfect summer oasis for your Fiddle. Before you get all excited and move it straight out, hold your horses! These plants are sensitive to sudden changes. You need to acclimatize it slowly, ideally over a week or so. I made this mistake with a smaller ficus once, moved it out too quick, and it dropped like, half its leaves. Talk about plant parent guilt!

Start by placing your Fiddle in its chosen outdoor spot for just an hour or two on the first day. Then, each day, gradually increase the amount of time it spends outside. This gives the plant a chance to get used to the increased light intensity, temperature changes, and airflow. It might seem like a pain, but it’s so worth it to avoid plant stress.

Once it’s fully transitioned, you’ll probably notice you need to water more frequently than when it was indoors, especially if it’s warm or a bit breezy. The key, though, is to always check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about two inches down; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, hold off. They don’t like to be soggy, that’s for sure, even when enjoying their summer plant care routine. And pests! Oh, the pests. Keep a close eye out for unwelcome visitors like spider mites or aphids, which can sometimes be more of an issue outdoors. A little neem oil solution kept on hand is a good idea, just in case. Early detection is everything when it comes to pest control for outdoor plants.

Fiddle Leaf Decor Magic: Instant Drama!

Once your Fiddle Leaf Fig is happily settled into its summer home and thriving, get ready for the compliments! A healthy, vibrant Fiddle makes such a stunning statement piece on a covered patio, porch, or balcony. It really does bring instant drama and a touch of sophisticated, tropical flair to your outdoor living space. Imagine it as the star of your balcony gardening setup! Fred, my once-finicky Fiddle, became the focal point of my patio, and it just made the whole space feel more lush and inviting. It’s amazing how one plant can totally transform an area.

Seriously, taking your Ficus lyrata outdoors for a summer glow-up can be one of the best things you do for it. Just be patient with the houseplant outdoor transition, find that good spot, and watch it flourish.

Feeling inspired to get your other green buddies some fresh air too? Well, up next, we’re talking about a plant that’s practically indestructible but still loves a good summer breeze. Click the “Next” button below to see who’s getting the spotlight!