I live in a high-floor apartment in Miami with plenty of windows, and I've got a bunch of tropical plants that are doing well. I'm considering moving some of them outside this summer to take advantage of Miami's humidity and warmth. However, I've noticed that many of my plants, like Monstera and Fiddle Leaf Fig, seem to get burned even when placed on my north-facing balcony. Only my tomato and basil plants seem to thrive outdoors. I'm confused about the situation and wondering if I should transition my plants outside more gradually to avoid damage.
3 Answers
Definitely take your time with it! It usually takes a few weeks for plants to adjust to Florida's sun. Also, keep an eye on their watering needs because outdoor heat can dry them out quickly. For instance, I’ve noticed my plants need a lot more water when they're outside.
You're on the right track! The key is to acclimate your indoor plants to the brighter outdoor sun gradually. Consider putting them outside for just a few hours in the afternoon and then gradually increase their time outdoors. Using some shade cloth can help ease that transition too, especially for those sensitive plants.
One thought is that your plants might be facing wind stress as well. You could set up some plexiglass barriers to lessen the wind impact, or create a vertical wooden screen for additional protection while they acclimate.