Houseplants inside And out

Why not give them a holiday in the garden, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

WE aren’t the only creatures to love a British summer outdoors – many of our houseplants do, too! Not all plants will thrive outside –moth orchids and African violets, in particular, will suffer – but many varieties can be popped into the garden to benefit from the sunshine, wind and rain. Breezes strengthen them, more intense sunlight will stimulate growth and rain will wash their leaves clean of accumulated indoor dust and pests.

Having said that, houseplants will be vulnerable to outdoor pests while they are ‘on holiday’, so remember to check their leaves before returning them indoors. Check compost for vine weevil larvae, too.

When moving plants outside, don’t just plonk them in a sunny spot and leave them, as the direct sun and ‘real’ weather conditions will be too much of a shock.