Oleander, lemon trees and angel's trumpet: As soon as it gets warmer again in spring, the time comes when the green balcony decorations can be put outside. You can find out how to do this correctly and which care measures make sense in this article.
How do I get potted plants used to being outside?
To move potted plants outside, you should slowly acclimate them to the sun by first placing them in a partially shaded spot for a few hours and then increasing the time outside. Pruning and repotting in fresh soil support a good start to the summer.
Get used to the sun slowly
Balcony plants that have overwintered indoors and are suddenly placed in the already strong spring sun do not cope well with this change. However, it is also not ideal if you take the plants outside too early, as cold nights could kill them.
A gentle transition
Slowly get your potted plants used to the changed conditions. Proceed as follows:
- Initially only place plants in a partially shaded spot for a few hours.
- The morning or evening sun is well suited.
- In the next step, leave it there all day on warm days.
- If the nights are guaranteed to be frost-free, the plants can stay outside.
- Slowly expose your green favorites to more and more sun. How to avoid sunburn on the leaves.
Water regularly, according to water requirements, don't forget.
Cutting back potted plants
Shortly before budding, potted plants are cut back. This stimulates new shoots and bushy growth. Sparsely growing plants such as citrus plants, fuchsias and geraniums can be brought back into a pretty shape by pruning.
However, you should be careful with plants like oleander, which already sets flower buds in autumn. Cut back here carefully and always a little.
Fresh earth for a good start to the summer
Spring is the right time to put potted plants in a larger container:
- So that the plant can be easily removed from the pot, water it first.
- Grasp the plant directly above the substrate and carefully pull it out.
- The roots should remain intact.
- If this is not possible, for example because the roots have already grown out of the water drainage hole, it is better to sacrifice the planter.
- You can cut plastic pots open with sharp scissors. Clay pots may need to be broken with a hammer.
Tip
Check all plants thoroughly for pests in spring. Since you're cutting back anyway, you can get rid of pests without using chemicals by shortening infected shoots.
