Short answer: Yes — but with care. 

Long answer: It depends on your climate, your plants, and seasonal sunlight.

Summer Sunlight: A Houseplant’s Greatest Friend and Foe

All plants need light to make food (via photosynthesis), and most of our indoor favourites would love a bit of outdoor sunshine. The catch? Too much of a good thing can scorch them.

If your plants have lived indoors — especially in lower light — their leaves aren’t used to the intensity of the midday sun. Exposing them too suddenly can cause sunburn (those bleached, crispy patches that never recover). 

If you’re placing your plants outside in summer…

Midday sun, when the sun is positioned highest in the sky, is harsh. Avoid placing houseplants in direct, exposed sunlight between 10am and 3pm unless they’re naturally sun-hardy (like succulents or cacti). Otherwise, start slow: a few hours of gentle morning sun or filtered light under shade cloth or trees is plenty.

Winter Sun: A Gentle Boost

Winter’s softer light and cooler temperatures are perfect for giving your plants an outdoor recharge. A bright patio or balcony spot out of the cold wind is ideal.

Just avoid this tip if you live somewhere that frosts or snows! Even if it looks sunny, those cold snaps can freeze roots and foliage fast. If your nights dip below 5°C (41°F), it’s best to keep them indoors, and reposition by a bright window or use a grow light instead.

The Sweet Spot: Bright but Protected

The sweet outdoor spot for an indoor plant’s brief time in the great outdoors? A patio, balcony, or under a shaded tree canopy. These spots give filtered sunlight that’s strong enough to energise your plants but gentle enough to prevent burns. Gradually increase outdoor time over a week or two to “harden” them off. 

Bonus Horti Tip: The Solar Battery Trick

Think of plants like living solar panels. If your Willow Sensor keeps alerting you that your plant isn’t getting enough light indoors, take it outside for a recharge!

Even a few hours of bright light every couple of weeks can make a huge difference in growth and colour. You can even roster your plants between indoors and outdoors — give them a few weeks of sunlight therapy outside, then back indoors to decorate your space.

Track your plant’s light levels (lux) with your Willow Sensor before and after outdoor time. You’ll literally see the difference in how much energy they’re soaking up! Think of it as topping up their solar battery for greener, happier growth.