USING HOUSEPLANTS AS PATIO DECOR
Plants are a pretty essential part of decorating your patio space. They help to bridge the transition between indoors and outdoors, smoothly blending your patio into an extra room of your home, as well as a connection to the natural world in your yard.
But you don't necessarily need to buy all new plants for your patio design. Many of your houseplants would be thrilled to spend an Indianapolis summer outdoors, and you might even see them put on a growth spurt. Let's be honest, many of our houseplants get a little neglected over summer because we spend so much more time outdoors. If you're getting in your ecotherapy by spending a lot of time on your patio, you're more likely to pay attention to your houseplants and notice when they need watering or care.
DON'T JUST CART YOUR HOUSEPLANTS OUTSIDE
Many of your houseplants will enjoy a summer vacation, and they'll spruce up your patio space, but you need to transition them outside slowly. The windows in our homes cut the power of direct sunlight by up to 50%. Plants don't like sunburns either.
Before you take your plants outside, figure out where you want to put them, and figure out how much sun they need. Don't set plants that require indirect light in a full sun spot, and vice versa. Most of your houseplants will benefit from a bit of shade in the afternoon.
It's also important to consider the care needs of your plants. Because they'll have more exposure to the elements, it's important that they be a little tough. You may also need to water more frequently, and regular fertilizer through the summer will really help your houseplants thrive.
Don't move delicate needy plants outside. Things like African Violets should be left indoors since rain on their leaves will burn them.
Start by placing your plants out in a shady location for an hour the first day, then bring them back inside. Add a bit more time and a little bit more sun exposure (only for sun-loving plants) each day. This process should take approximately 2-3 weeks to ensure your plants acclimate safely.
DECORATING YOUR PATIO WITH HOUSEPLANTS
If you have a specific design style in mind for your patio, get some larger decorative pots to match your style. You don't need to repot your houseplants into these pots unless you want to bring the new planters indoors for the winter. If you get planters that are bigger than the pots your houseplants are currently in, you can set them inside the more decorative pots while still in their current pot.
Group plants with similar light needs together to create the illusion of larger lush plants. This will also help to improve humidity around that group of plants, keeping them all happier.
Make sure everybody has drainage. Drainage is critical for plants outdoors in case of rain. If your houseplant's current pot doesn't have drainage, consider repotting it, or maybe leave that one inside.
Change up the height of your plants. Use plant stands, tables, or plant hangers of varying heights to create visual interest and show off your different houseplants. Lots of plants on different levels helps to keep things interesting and add depth and texture to your patio decor.
Tough and low maintenance plants are the best for patio decor. Things like sedums and succulents will be happy outside in the full sun and don't require much care. Hibiscus, oleander, and yucca will also do well in full sun. Lower light plants like snake plants, ferns, pothos, philodendron, and Chinese evergreen will need to stay in a shady place.
Decorating your patio with your houseplants is a beautiful way to give your houseplants a well-deserved summer vacation, while also making your patio cozy and welcoming. And you'd be surprised what a boost your houseplants will get from being outside for a while!