Philodendrons, celebrated for their lush, tropical foliage, are popular indoor plants known for their adaptability. While often cultivated as houseplants, they originate in the warm, humid rainforests of Central and South America. They can be grown outdoors, but only when specific environmental conditions are met.
Determining Your Climate Suitability
Temperature is the primary factor limiting a Philodendron’s ability to survive outside year-round. These tropical plants are highly intolerant of frost; temperatures consistently below 50°F damage foliage and root systems. To thrive, Philodendrons prefer a temperature range between 70°F and 80°F, which mimics their native habitat.
For permanent, year-round outdoor placement, gardeners must reside in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. These zones generally experience winter minimums that do not sustain a killing frost. If a temporary cold snap is predicted, covering the plant with a frost blanket can provide sufficient protection.
In climates colder than Zone 9, Philodendrons must be treated as seasonal outdoor plants, placed outside only during summer months. Move the plant outdoors once nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50°F and all danger of frost has passed. When autumn approaches and temperatures drop toward the 50°F threshold, the plant must be brought inside to prevent cold damage.
Essential Outdoor Care Requirements
Once the climate is suitable, attention must shift to replicating the Philodendron’s native growing conditions in an outdoor setting. In nature, these plants grow beneath a dense tree canopy, requiring bright, filtered light exposure. Placing a Philodendron in harsh, direct afternoon sun will result in scorched or bleached leaves.
The best outdoor placement receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or consistent partial shade throughout the day. This filtered light provides the energy the plant needs without subjecting its tender leaves to intense solar radiation. Rich, loose, and well-drained soil is required for healthy outdoor growth.
The soil must have good aeration and sufficient organic matter to retain moisture without becoming soggy. Outdoor plants generally require more frequent watering than indoor counterparts, especially in warm weather, but excellent drainage prevents root rot. Monitoring for outdoor pests, which may differ from common indoor varieties, is necessary to maintain plant health.
Safely Transitioning Plants Outdoors
The process of moving a Philodendron from stable indoor conditions to variable outdoor conditions is known as “hardening off.” This gradual acclimation prevents severe leaf damage (sun scald) and general plant shock. The transition should begin after the last expected frost date when daytime temperatures are consistently warm.
Start by placing the potted plant in a completely shady, protected spot for one to two hours on the first day. This initial exposure allows the plant to adjust to increased air movement and humidity without the stress of intense light. Over the next one to two weeks, increase the duration of outdoor exposure daily by one to two hours.
As hardening-off progresses, gradually expose the plant to more light, moving it from full shade to bright, indirect light. This slow introduction allows leaf tissues to develop protection against stronger outdoor ultraviolet rays. Before permanently situating the Philodendron outside, inspect it thoroughly for any introduced pests.