Let me second the post by Kay King.
The frost date has passed (or close to passing) in most of the country, which means we can send our houseplants outdoors for their summer vacation. The bright light, fresh air, and rainfall always seem to rejuvenate them.
Every winter my crinums, agaves, aloes, pregnant onions, and other tropicals languish through the dark cold months indoors. Fortunately we have big, south-facing windows, but that just enough to keep them hanging on. Winter in Chicago is very gray. However, when they are outside for the summer, they really shine. The leaves are brighter and stronger. And they build up enough energy to flower spectacularly in the fall.
Before you set your plants outside, do a few things to help them out. Trim out any dead, dying, or broken leaves. Spray them one last time with an OMRI certified pesticide, like Safer aerosol houseplant insect killer. [This aerosol spray saved my plants from thrips this winter.] You don’t want any pest to benefit from the outdoor weather; and you definitely don’t want them to spread to other plants.
A couple years ago when I set all my houseplants outside, I noticed some thrips on an amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plant. I figured ladybugs or some other beneficial would eat them. Wrong! In a few weeks they had multiplied like crazy and spread to most of the other potted plants. I’ve been battling thrips every since. If only I had kept them in check when they were only on one plant. Live and learn.
When you put your plants outside, place them in a shady location first. Let them acclimate for a few days before placing them in the sun. Some houseplants (like African violet, clivia, orchids, etc) should not be exposed to full sun and are best kept in shady areas, if you bring them outside at all.
Water thoroughly once you have set the houseplants outside. Don’t water before you move them to unless you want to carry the extra weight and get messy. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plants. Monitor them closely for the first few weeks to make sure they are adjusting well. Only fertilize when you notice new healthy growth emerging.
Rejuvenate your houseplants with some outside time. Get Out & Grow.
