Moving a Dracaena outdoors for the summer is possible, but only under specific and controlled circumstances. As a tropical houseplant, the Dracaena genus is not genetically prepared for the temperature swings, direct sun exposure, and wind found outside. A successful transition requires careful planning, as rushing the process can severely damage the plant’s foliage and overall health.
Conditions for Outdoor Placement
Temperature is the most important factor, as Dracaena plants are intolerant of cold. Do not move the container outdoors until nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 55°F (13°C), with 60°F (16°C) being a safer minimum to prevent cold stress. Exposure below 50°F (10°C) can cause significant harm.
The ideal location must provide bright, indirect, or filtered light, such as a spot beneath a covered porch or a tree canopy. Direct afternoon sun will quickly scorch the foliage, resulting in irreversible brown or bleached patches, because indoor-grown leaves lack the protective cuticle of plants raised outdoors.
Acclimation Preventing Sunburn and Shock
Moving the Dracaena outdoors requires a gradual process known as “hardening off” to prevent shock and leaf burn. This transition allows the plant to thicken its cell walls and adapt its internal structure to the harsher conditions of wind and sunlight. The acclimation period should span approximately 7 to 14 days.
Begin by placing the plant outside in a shaded, protected area for only one to two hours during the mid-to-late afternoon. Each day, increase the duration of outdoor exposure by one hour, and the light intensity can be slowly elevated. By the end of the two-week period, the Dracaena should be able to remain outside full-time in its final bright, indirect light location.
Monitor the leaves closely for signs of stress, such as wilting, curling, or pale, bleached spots. These indicate that the plant is receiving too much light or is suffering from temperature shock. If signs of damage appear, immediately move the plant back to a more shaded spot and slow the acclimation schedule.
Essential Summer Care Outdoors
Once the Dracaena is successfully hardened off, the care routine must change. Outdoor exposure to heat and wind dramatically increases the rate of water evaporation from the soil. Check the soil frequently; the plant will likely require watering more often than once a week to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Ensure the container has excellent drainage, as saturated soil can lead to root rot. Fertilization should be applied during the active growing season of spring and summer, typically once a month, using a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Outdoor conditions also introduce new pest concerns. Regularly inspect the undersides of the leaves and the base of the stems. A strong spray of water can dislodge many common pests, while insecticidal soap or neem oil can treat persistent infestations.
Common Outdoor Pests
- Slugs
- Snails
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Preparing the Dracaena to Return Indoors
The outdoor period must end when night temperatures begin to drop consistently below 55°F (13°C), usually in early autumn. Bringing the plant indoors too late risks cold damage. The transition back inside should follow a gradual two-week acclimation period, similar to the process of moving it outdoors.
Pest management is the most important step before moving the plant inside. Thoroughly wash the foliage with a gentle stream of lukewarm water, paying close attention to the leaf joints and undersides. Inspect the top layer of soil for pests like millipedes or fungus gnat eggs, which can be treated with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
After cleaning, the Dracaena should be placed in a separate quarantine area, away from all other houseplants, for at least two weeks. This isolation allows for observation, ensuring that any hidden pests do not spread to the rest of the indoor collection. Only after a thorough inspection confirms the plant is clean should it be moved to its permanent indoor spot.