Putting Your Tropical Plants Outside - Part 3 - Change of Watering Part 2 of 2

Most of your indoor tropical plants will benefit from spending the spring, summer and early fall outside, and by now, you may already have set them out. Here are some guidelines and things to consider to ensure their time is beneficial and well spent for both the plants and you.

Previously, we covered how increases in light intensity and duration necessitates changes to frequency and amount to water. There are other factors that will impact your watering regimen for your indoor tropical plants when you have set them outside.

The outside environment is much more variable than the indoor environment. Blowing wind, whether gusting gales or gentle breezes will dry your plants out and the speed by which the plants will dry out is in direct relationship to the strength and duration of those blowing winds.

Changes in outdoor temperatures will change how quickly your plant takes up water. Consistently warm temperatures will cause the plant to use a lot of water. A sudden drop in temperature will cause the plants uptake of water to be reduced. If the temperature drop is severe enough, it may cause the plant to stop taking up water altogether. This will just be temporary until the plant has adapted to its environmental changes; but be aware of these changes and do not water when your plant does not need it.

The dog days of summer are characterized by searing temperatures and often accompanied by low humidity. When humidity is low, much of the plants moisture is lost through its leaves. Be extra vigilant during these times. Low humidity does not directly translate into dry plants. Adding more water to a pot that is already wet will not solve a low humidity condition. Misting or spraying the plant with water and seaweed will certainly help.

While all of these factors will cause your plant to lose or use more water, remember the rain. Depending on where you have positioned your plant it may be exposed to receiving a lot or a little rain water. After a good rain you may be able to avoid watering for a while. Be sure to check.

What can you do?  As discussed in the last post, water the plant when it needs it and give it the amount of water needed to bring it back to its ideal moisture condition. If you need more detail on that discussion, feel free to check back to the last post.

Heed your local weather reports. Be aware of temperatures, humidity, when rain or drought is expected and water your plants accordingly.

Next time we will address some nutritional requirements when putting your indoor tropical plants outside.

  And one more thing ....

We have posted a new web page featured plant on our web page at http://www.plantsforall.ca . We are offering a Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy)   for $8.85 with a regular price of $12.25, plus a Free extra Bonus.  
 

    

Average temperatures – Bright light

Water thoroughly & let surface dry between waterings

     Go to our web page “Featured Plant” page for a free information pdf download.

      Check it out on the "Featured Plant" page of our web site. That offer expires Wednesday, July 4, 2012.