Chinese evergreen, a popular indoor plant known for its beautiful foliage coloration and low-maintenance requirements, is often desired as an outdoor addition. However, the suitability of Chinese evergreen for outdoor living depends on factors such as climate and location. If you’re considering adding this vibrant plant to your outdoor space, you should be aware of its requirements and the conditions it needs to flourish.
These tropical plants typically thrive in USDA zones 10-12, where they can enjoy a warm, humid environment similar to their native rainforest habitat. If your area falls within these zones, Chinese evergreen can potentially be grown outdoors with proper care. It’s crucial that the plant is placed in indirect sunlight and protected from cold temperatures below 55°F. While these plants can brighten up an outdoor space, understanding their specific needs is essential to keep them healthy and happy.
In summary, Chinese evergreen can live outdoors under certain conditions, mainly in warmer climates with adequate humidity and indirect sunlight. Knowing the necessary environmental factors and properly tending to the plant will help ensure its successful integration into your outdoor garden or patio.
Can Chinese Evergreen Live Outside
Native Habitat
Chinese evergreen, also known as Aglaonema, is a popular houseplant with stunning foliage that originates from the rainforest floor. Its natural habitat provides it with indirect sunlight and consistently warm temperatures, making it a versatile and low-light-tolerant indoor plant. However, when considering whether the Chinese evergreen can thrive outdoors, it’s essential to keep this native habitat in mind.
Temperature Requirements
If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12, you can grow a Chinese evergreen outside. These zones have a climate similar to its native habitat, with temperatures seldom dropping below 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. This warmth is vital for the Chinese evergreen because it cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
When planting outdoors, choose a garden spot that provides partial shade and no direct sunlight. The plant prefers:
- Indirect light or medium to low light conditions
- Warm temps
- Somewhat humid conditions
The soil should be slightly acidic, well-draining, and fertile. Amendments may be necessary to create the optimal environment for your Chinese evergreen to thrive outside. Here are a few tips for preparing the soil:
- Loosen the soil and remove debris such as sticks, rocks, or leaves
- Add organic matter to improve drainage and aeration
- Check the soil pH level and use appropriate amendments if needed
In summary, Chinese evergreens can indeed live outside, but only under specific conditions that mimic their native habitat. It’s crucial to provide them with adequate warmth, light, and humidity, along with suitable soil composition. Happy gardening!
Preparing to Move Chinese Evergreen Outdoors
Transplantation Methods
When it’s time to move your Chinese Evergreen outdoors, there are a few transplantation methods to consider. First, you can plant it directly in the ground if you live in a suitable climate such as USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. Ensure you choose a garden spot with partial shade and no direct sun. Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any sticks, rocks, and other debris to create a welcoming environment for your Chinese Evergreen.
Another option is to place the Chinese Evergreen in an outdoor container. This method allows for more control over its growing environment but requires careful monitoring of moisture levels and exposure to sunlight to prevent leaf burn. To successfully grow a Chinese Evergreen outside, consistently maintain temperatures above 55°F’ and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, cold, or dry air.
Acclimation Process
To help your Chinese Evergreen successfully transition from indoors to outdoors, you must follow a gradual acclimation process. This process will get it used to outdoor conditions and reduce the risk of shock or damage caused by the change in environment.
- Start by placing the Chinese Evergreen in a shaded outdoor location for a couple of hours each day, progressively increasing the length of exposure over two weeks.
- Make sure to provide consistent watering. Test soil moisture by touching the top 2 inches, and when it feels dry, give the plant a thorough drink. Be careful not to let it sit in water as this may result in root and stem rot.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature. Limit outdoor exposure on days when the temperature goes below 55°F. Bring your Chinese Evergreen back indoors if temperatures drop consistently to avoid frost damage.
Following these steps should help your Chinese Evergreen acclimate to its new outdoor environment while keeping it healthy and thriving. With proper care and attention, your Chinese Evergreen can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor space.
Chinese Evergreen Outdoor Care
Watering and Fertilizing
When growing Chinese evergreen outdoors, it’s essential to provide adequate water and nutrients. Start by ensuring the plant gets enough water to keep the soil consistently moist. Outdoor plants generally need more frequent watering than those grown indoors. During the growing season, fertilize your Chinese evergreen with slow-release houseplant fertilizer pellets or water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, but remember to stop fertilizing during winter months.
Sunlight and Shade
Chinese evergreen plants thrive in indirect sunlight and can be grown outdoors if situated in a shaded spot that doesn’t expose them to direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range for this plant is above 55°F, so ensure the outdoor area you choose maintains suitable temperatures year-round. Chinese evergreens are well-suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, which typically include regions like Southern California, Florida, and Hawaii.
When caring for Chinese evergreen outdoors, it’s essential to find a balance between providing enough light for growth while protecting the plant from harsh sun rays. A spot with bright, filtered sunlight is an excellent option for allowing light to penetrate deep into the leaves without causing any harm. Remember that these plants are native to tropical rainforest floors, where they receive dappled light through the canopy. By recreating such conditions, you’ll give your Chinese evergreen plant the best chance at thriving outdoors.
Potential Risks and Threats
Pests and Diseases
Chinese Evergreens are generally quite resistant to pests and diseases. However, when grown outside, they may be more susceptible to certain issues. Common pests that can affect outdoor Chinese Evergreens include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent or treat these infestations, regularly check your plant for signs of pests and use appropriate insecticides or natural remedies as needed.
Diseases are less common but still a potential risk for outdoor Chinese Evergreens. Root rot can occur if the plant is subjected to over-watering or poor drainage. To avoid this issue, ensure the plant is placed in well-draining soil and only water when the top two inches are dry1.
Weather Conditions
Chinese Evergreens thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 122. If your region experiences temperatures below 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to grow the plants indoors instead3. Outdoor Chinese Evergreens should be placed in a partially-shaded location, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and result in damage.
Apart from low temperatures, exposure to cold drafts, dry air, and sudden temperature changes can also cause stress to your Chinese Evergreens4. When placing the plant outdoors, ensure it is protected from these factors to keep it healthy and maintain its lush appearance.
- Cold drafts: Position your plant away from windy areas or use a windbreak to shield it from strong breezes.
- Dry air: Increase humidity around the plant using a tray filled with water and pebbles or by grouping it with other plants.
- Sudden temperature changes: Avoid placing your Chinese Evergreen near heat or air conditioning vents, and gradually acclimate it to new environments.
When to Bring Chinese Evergreen Back Indoors
Chinese Evergreens, known for their easy-to-care-for nature, are predominantly indoor plants. However, you might wonder when to bring them back inside if they have spent some time outside. This section will help you understand the appropriate conditions and timing for the transition.
First, it’s important to know that Chinese Evergreens prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit but no lower. Keep a close eye on the temperature and be ready to shift the plant inside when outdoor temperatures drop near that range.
Next, consider the plant’s exposure to drafts. Chinese Evergreens are sensitive to drafts, which can cause browning of the foliage. If your outdoor space experiences sudden gusts of wind or a constant draft, it’s best to move the plant indoors.
Lastly, bear in mind the humidity levels. Chinese Evergreens thrive in humidity levels of at least 30 percent. If the air outside becomes too dry, particularly during winter months when humidity declines, ensure that you bring your plant back indoors.
In summary, closely monitor temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and drafty conditions when deciding when to bring your Chinese Evergreen back indoors. These factors will guide you in maintaining the health and vitality of this stunning houseplant.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
