Philodendrons are diverse tropical plants, widely adored as houseplants for their lush, vibrant foliage and easy care requirements. Originating primarily from the rainforests of Central and South America, these plants are accustomed to warm, humid, and sheltered conditions. The question of whether a philodendron can be moved outside is answered with a careful qualification: they can thrive outdoors, but only when specific environmental conditions are met and maintained. Success depends on replicating their native tropical habitat, making outdoor placement a conditional arrangement.
Climate Suitability and Hardiness Zones
Temperature is the most significant factor determining a philodendron’s ability to survive outside. As tropical understory plants, they are highly sensitive to cold, and any exposure to freezing temperatures will cause severe damage or death to the foliage and root system. Most species require temperatures to remain consistently above 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60 degrees Fahrenheit being a safer minimum for nighttime temperatures.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone map provides the best metric for assessing year-round viability. Philodendrons can typically be grown outside permanently only in Zones 10 through 12, where frost is rare or nonexistent. Certain arborescent varieties may extend their range into Zone 9.
For gardeners outside this tropical range, philodendrons are treated as seasonal outdoor plants. They are moved outdoors for the summer once all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures reliably exceed the 55-degree threshold. This seasonal approach allows the plant to benefit from increased light and natural rainfall, but requires bringing it back inside before the weather turns cool. Ignoring this temperature mandate risks immediate plant shock.
Optimizing the Outdoor Environment
Once suitable temperatures are confirmed, the next consideration for outdoor philodendron care is light exposure, which differs significantly from indoor conditions. Outdoors, the intensity of sunlight is far greater and can easily scorch the leaves of a plant accustomed to filtered indoor light. The ideal placement is in a spot that receives bright, indirect light or dappled shade, such as beneath a patio cover or a large tree canopy.
This positioning mimics their natural habitat on the rainforest floor, where they are protected from direct overhead sun. Species with thinner or velvety leaves are particularly prone to sun damage and require more consistent shading. Morning sun is generally tolerated better than the intense heat and light of the afternoon, which can quickly burn sensitive foliage.
The outdoor environment also affects the plant’s hydration and nutritional needs due to increased air circulation and heat. Wind and higher temperatures cause water to evaporate from the soil and leaves more rapidly than indoors, necessitating more frequent watering. The goal is to provide consistent moisture without allowing the roots to sit in soggy conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Whether planted directly in the ground or kept in containers, philodendrons require a rich, loose, and well-draining soil mix. The outdoor growing season often results in rapid growth, which depletes soil nutrients faster than when the plant is indoors. Therefore, regular fertilization—typically a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every four to six weeks during active growth—becomes more important to support the accelerated development.
Safely Transitioning Plants Outdoors
Moving a philodendron that has spent its life indoors directly outdoors can cause severe stress, known as transplant shock, primarily due to sudden exposure to intense sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations. To prevent this, a gradual process called “hardening off” is required to acclimate the plant slowly over one to two weeks. This process allows the plant to thicken its leaf cuticles and adjust its internal mechanisms to manage the harsher conditions.
Acclimation should begin with the plant placed in a heavily shaded and sheltered location for only two to four hours a day. A protected porch or under a dense shrub provides an excellent starting point, shielding the plant from direct sun and strong winds. Over the following days, the duration of outdoor exposure should be increased by one to two hours daily.
Gradually, the plant can be moved to a location that receives slightly more light, such as morning sun, while still avoiding the harsh mid-day and afternoon rays. Throughout this transition, inspect the plant thoroughly for any existing pests before the final move, as outdoor conditions can sometimes lead to increased pest pressure. By the end of the two-week period, the philodendron should be ready for its permanent or seasonal outdoor spot.