Hello! As a Peace Lily, I am fundamentally a tropical understory plant. This means my ancestry lies in the warm, humid, and dappled-shade environments beneath the forest canopy. My leaves are broad and designed to capture filtered light; they are not equipped to handle the intense, direct rays of the midday sun, which will quickly scorch and brown my beautiful foliage. My ideal temperature range is a consistent 65-80°F (18-27°C). I thrive in high humidity, which keeps my leaves lush and helps prevent pests. While I appreciate warmth, a sudden shift from your stable indoor conditions to the variable outdoor world is a significant shock to my system.
If done correctly, a summer outside can be a period of rejuvenation for me. The increased air circulation can help strengthen my stems and reduce the risk of fungal issues that stagnant indoor air sometimes encourages. The natural humidity of the outdoors is far superior to the often dry air-conditioned environment inside your home. This humidity will make my leaves appear glossier and more vibrant. Furthermore, the gentle morning or late afternoon sun provides a perfect quality of light for photosynthesis, potentially leading to a growth spurt and even encouraging me to produce one of my lovely, white spathes (often mistaken for flowers).
You cannot simply move me from your coffee table to the patio in one step. This sudden change would be incredibly stressful, leading to sunburn, wilting, and shock. My transition must be gradual. Begin by placing me in a deeply shaded, protected outdoor spot for just 2-3 hours during the warmest part of the day. Bring me back inside afterward. Over the next 7-10 days, slowly increase my time outside by an hour or two each day, gradually introducing me to a spot with very gentle, filtered morning light. This slow process allows my leaves to develop a tolerance to the increased light levels and wind, a process you know as "hardening off."
My ideal summer residence is on a patio, deck, or under a tree where I will receive bright, but indirect, light. A north or east-facing location is often perfect, as it offers the gentle morning sun without the harsh afternoon rays. I must be completely shielded from direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I also need protection from strong winds, which can tear my leaves and dry me out rapidly. Ensure my pot has excellent drainage holes, as I despise sitting in waterlogged soil, especially after a summer rainstorm.
My watering needs will change outdoors. Evaporation from wind and heat means I will drink much more frequently. You must check my soil moisture daily, watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. I may need water every day during a heatwave. However, be vigilant that I am not sitting in a saucer full of water after a rain. You should also fertilize me a bit more often, as my increased growth will use up soil nutrients. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the summer is sufficient. Please remember to bring me back inside well before nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 60°F (15°C), as I am very sensitive to the cold.
