To answer your question, you must first understand my origins. I am a tropical understory plant, native to the rainforests of Central and South America. This means my very DNA is programmed for warm, humid, and bright but filtered conditions. My most fundamental needs are consistent warmth, high humidity, protection from direct, intense sunlight, and well-draining yet moisture-retentive soil. Frost or even cool temperatures are absolutely fatal to me; they cause immediate and severe damage to my leaves and roots, ultimately leading to my demise. My ability to thrive outdoors is almost entirely dependent on whether your local environment can replicate these core tropical conditions.
The USDA Hardiness Zone map is the most critical piece of information for you to consult. It defines the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature for a given area. For me, an Anthurium, this is the deciding factor. I can only survive year-round outdoors without protection in zones 11 and 12, where temperatures virtually never drop below 40°F (4°C), and certainly never reach freezing (32°F or 0°C). In these zones, the ambient warmth and humidity are sufficient for me to live outside permanently. If you are in zone 10, it is a marginal case. You might be able to grow me outdoors, but you must be prepared to provide protective covering or bring me inside on the rare nights when temperatures are forecast to dip near or below 40°F.
Even if you are not in zones 10-12, you may have a favorable microclimate. A sheltered patio, a spot against a warm south-facing wall, or a courtyard can trap heat and provide a slightly warmer environment than the broader zone indicates. Furthermore, in zones 9 and below, I can enjoy a summer vacation outdoors. Once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C), you can move me outside to a shaded spot. This period of fresh air and warm rain often boosts my growth. However, you must be vigilant and bring me back indoors well before the first autumn chill arrives. My leaves will show signs of cold stress quickly if left out too long.
Assuming your zone allows for it, my placement is paramount. I require dappled shade, much like the canopy of my native forest provides. Direct morning sun might be tolerable, but harsh afternoon sun will scorch and yellow my beautiful, glossy leaves. You should place me under a tree, on a covered porch, or in any area that receives bright, indirect light. The humidity is another major factor. Outdoor humidity in dry climates may still be too low for me. You may need to place my pot on a pebble tray with water or group me with other plants to create a more humid microenvironment. Finally, ensure I am planted in a spectacularly well-draining potting mix, as my roots demand oxygen and will rot in heavy, waterlogged soil, even outdoors.
