Tropical plants like philodendrons prefer warm humid environments to grow and thrive. These plants are mostly found in the rainforests of South and Central America where they receive both indirect sunlight and shade. So, keeping a philodendron in a place with the right temperature and humidity level even when growing them at home is necessary.
As philodendrons love indirect, bright light so, you may not be sure whether to put a philodendron outside in summer. Although intense and direct scorching sunlight is not good for the plant, rainwater and a boost in sunlight can make your plant stay healthy and survive well.
So, if you want to know more about whether a philodendron can be placed outside in summer you are in the right place. Here, I have shared some detailed information on when to put the plant outdoors and which varieties of philodendrons thrive well outside in summer. Go through the post carefully so, that you do not miss out on any important information.
When Should You Put Philodendrons Outside?
When putting a philodendron outside in summer you need to make sure that you maintain the right schedule. It is important to give enough time to the plant to adapt to the outdoor environment. For the first few days keep the plant outside for only a few hours. Slowly increase the time so, that your plant becomes more resilient.
Always keep in mind that philodendrons cannot survive in very low temperatures. So, if you want to put the plant outside at nighttime make sure the temperature outdoors is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost can cause severe damage to your beloved plant.
Although it is quite easy to grow a philodendron outside both in a pot or ground, extremely cold climates can damage the roots and foliage of the plant. The ideal temperature for growing a philodendron is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When Should You Bring Back a Philodendron Indoors?
Places with hot summers and warm winters can be best when growing philodendrons as you do not have to move them around due to frequent fluctuations in temperature. You should bring back your plant indoors when the temperature starts dropping and becomes 50 degrees Fahrenheit or less than that.
When kept outside for long, your plant gets adapted to the outdoor environment. So, when you bring back the philodendron inside, it gets a sudden shock. So, it is important to keep the plant away from other house plants for a week so, that if the philodendron gets affected by pests or diseases due to a change in weather conditions it does not spread onto the other plants.
If you notice any signs of diseases or pests then, take immediate action. You can wash off the plant with water and use horticultural soap. Make sure to dry out the foliage properly after this procedure.
Factors to Be Considered Before Moving a Philodendron Outside
Before putting your favorite philodendron outdoors, you need to make sure the outdoor environment is suitable for the plant to sustain. Here are some factors that you need to keep in mind before placing the plant outside.
| Difference | Red Anderson |
| Temperature | Temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous for a philodendron. So, make sure the summer climate of the area you are in is not below than that. |
| Humidity | Extreme dry temperatures are not preferable for these plants. Mist the plant if the climate outside is very dry. When placing a philodendron outdoors make sure the weather outside is warm and humid. |
| Light | Direct intense sunlight is bad for the plant. So, even when putting it outside make sure to place it in a location with dappled shade and enough indirect bright light. |
| Pests and Wildlife | There is a huge chance of your plant being attracted to pests and wildlife when placed outdoors. So, take safety measures like using a protective net, insecticides, and pesticides. |
| Stress | Moving the plant outside can cause some stress until it adapts to the outdoor environment. To reduce stress use well-draining aerated soil and provide enough water. |
| Fertilization | Feed your philodendrons with a balanced fertilizer when putting them outside. Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to different problems. |
Which Varieties of Philodendron Can Thrive Outdoors?
As you all know tropical plants like philodendrons survive best in warm and humid conditions, some of its varieties can even tolerate colder climates. Most varieties of philodendrons can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments. So, you should always choose the right plant that can easily get adjusted to the climate of the place you are in.
Semi-hardy or hardy philodendrons can be the best option for those who live in areas with cold winters as these verities can survive even in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choosing the right variety is not enough to make your plant stay healthy and thrive well. So, after getting the right plant that suits your climate you need to provide other care that a philodendron needs to make it grow fast and stay healthy without any damage.
Always use well-draining, aerated soil rich in organic matter when growing a philodendron. Also, maintain a proper watering schedule and keep the plant in any location with enough indirect bright light.
Watering the plant once a week is enough. However, if you are in an area with excessive dry weather then, increase the watering frequency after checking the moisture level of the soil.
With a little care and maintenance, you will notice beautiful foliage even after keeping your beloved plant outdoors.
Which Varieties of Philodendrons Are More Sensitive to Intense Sunlight or Cold?
Although most philodendrons varieties can be grown indoors and outdoors, some exceptional species are more sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Even philodendrons are considered more tolerant to intense hot or cold needs that require protection. So, to find out which varieties grow and thrive in intense sunlight and cold follow the table below.
Sensitive to Cold:
| Variety | Appearance | Temperature |
| Philodendron Birkin | This plant with beautiful leaves can easily get damaged even from mild cold. | The ideal temperature to grow this plant should be above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Philodendron Micans | This variety of philodendron has small heart-shaped leaves. Frost can cause severe damage to them. | A temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit is best for this plant. |
| Philodendron Hastatum Silver Sword | The large silver-green leaves of this variety can easily get damaged by cold temperatures. | Prefers temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Philodendron Verrucosum | This plant with velvety leaves has cold sensitivity. | Prefers temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Philodendron Mamei | This variety with dark glossy leaves is sensitive to cold. | The ideal temperature to grow it should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Sensitive to Intense Sunlight:
| Variety | Appearance | Temperature |
| Philodendron Brandtianum | This variety with large heart-shaped leaves can tolerate intense sunlight. | Bright, indirect light is best for them. |
| Philodendron xanadu | This philodendron with large lobed leaves cannot survive in scorching direct sunlight. | They should always be placed in indirect bright light. |
| Philodendron Hederaceum | This plant has small heart-shaped leaves and cannot tolerate direct scorching sunlight. | It prefers indirect, bright light. |
| Philodendron Brasil | This variety with orange, green, and red leaves can fade away in direct sunlight. | Always place them in indirect bright light. |
| Philodendron Ring of Fire | It is better to place them in bright, indirect light. | It is better to keep place them in bright, indirect light. |
What Temperature is Preferred by Philodendrons?
Almost all varieties of philodendron love warm and humid conditions without fluctuations in temperature. This plant can grow and survive best in temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, whether you are growing a philodendron indoors or outside make sure the temperature does not go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme low or high temperatures can cause a lot of stress and thus, lead to different problems.
However, a little temperature fluctuation does not cause severe damage to your favorite plant.
What Problems Can a Philodendron Face When Placed Outside?
Here, are some other common problems with outside philodendrons. Go through them before putting your plant outside.
Pests
There is a greater chance of your plant getting affected by pests when placed outdoors. Pests like scale insects, mealy bugs, white flies, and aphids can affect an outside philodendron fast causing damage and death of the plant.
Diseases
Outdoor plants are more prone to diseases than indoor ones. Your philodendron can easily get affected by a few diseases like stem rot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Take immediate action to save your plant.
Too Much Heat
Intense and direct scorching sunlight can cause severe damage to the leaves. Excessive dry and hot air can cause droopy, wilted leaves and stop the natural growth of the plant.
So, always avoid placing your plant in scorching sunlight and use areas with dappled shade. Also, mist the plant from time to time to ensure it gets adequate moisture.
Rain and Wind
When placed outside there is more chance of the plant getting damaged by strong winds. Excessive rain and strong winds can uproot the plant and cause damage to the leaves. So, bring your philodendron indoors during storms.
Animals
Some animals like squirrels and birds can cause damage to the stems and leaves of the plant by nibbling on them. So, for that extra protection, you can use repellents or protective nets.
Too Much Water
Unlike too much sun, too much water is also not good for a philodendron. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot and other problems.
Wrapping Up
With some benefits and drawbacks philodendrons can be grown outside. If you are in any location with warm and humid conditions then, you can put your philodendron outdoors without a second thought.
However, a little care and attention should be taken if the climate outside is extremely cold and dry. I hope the information shared in this post will guide you if you plan to put your beloved philodendron outside this summer.
A little maintenance and choosing the right variety according to the climate you are in can make your philodendron produce beautiful foliage and thrive well.
