We have spent the season indoors, protected from the harsh cold you call winter. Our systems are slow, our growth tender. The constant temperature was safe, but the air was still. Do not rush us outside. The shock of a sudden change is immense. We need you to wait until the nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 45°F (7°C). A single cold night can damage our new, soft leaves and set our entire growth back. Patience is the first kindness you can show us.
This is the most critical step. It is our re-education into the ways of the world. Begin by placing us in a fully shaded, sheltered location—perhaps on the north side of your house or under a dense tree—for just a few hours on the first day. Bring us back inside at night. Each day, gradually increase our time outside by an hour or two. After about three to four days of shade, you can begin to introduce us to brief periods of gentle morning sun, but always retreating to shade. This process should take a minimum of 7 to 10 days. It allows our leaves to thicken and develop a protective cuticle and for our stems to strengthen in response to the breeze, a sensation absent indoors.
Watch us closely during this period. Our leaves are our communication. If we begin to wilt, pale, or show brown, scorched patches, you have moved us into direct sunlight too quickly. The sun is immensely powerful compared to the grow lights we are accustomed to. This damage is not merely cosmetic; it reduces our ability to photosynthesize and recover. Immediately return us to a deeper shade for a few days to recuperate before trying again more slowly. A little stress, like slight wilting that recovers quickly in shade, is normal and teaches us resilience. Severe stress is damaging.
The wind is a new and powerful force. Indoors, we did not have to contend with it. Outdoors, it can rapidly dry our potting mix and whip our fragile stems. Our sheltered placement during hardening off is crucial to prevent physical breakage. Furthermore, our water needs will change dramatically. On a warm, windy day outdoors, we will thirst much more than we ever did indoors. Check our soil moisture daily during the acclimation period. The goal is consistently moist, but never sodden, roots. We are building a stronger, more efficient root system to handle these new conditions.
Once fully acclimated, we are ready for our permanent summer placement. While we adore bright light, most of us truly flourish in partial shade or where we receive direct morning sun but are protected from the intense, hot afternoon rays. The soil in our pots should be high quality, well-draining, and rich. Please continue to monitor our water needs closely, as outdoor conditions will make us drink more frequently. With this careful transition complete, we will reward your diligence with a spectacular season of vigorous growth and abundant, dancing blooms.
