Spring might be the season of bloom, but not every plant thrives indoors during this vibrant time. While the sun shines and temperatures rise, some plants find indoor conditions less than ideal. This list highlights 35 such plants that, despite their beauty and benefits, might want to enjoy the spring air outside rather than being cooped up inside.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
In the world of trendy houseplants, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a rock star. Yet, come spring, its broad, lush leaves might not sing the same tune indoors. With the season’s changing humidity levels, these beauties crave consistency, often found wanting in indoor environments. This means it might just droop a little or lose some leaves when kept inside.
This plant has a flair for drama, needing just the right balance of warmth and moisture. While indoors, it often struggles without proper air circulation. So, letting it bask in outdoor spring breezes could be the ticket to keeping its striking appearance intact.
2. Peace Lily
Graceful as its name suggests, the Peace Lily brings a touch of elegance to any room. However, as spring rolls in, the dry indoor air might leave it feeling less than tranquil. With its natural habitat being humid and warm, indoor conditions can turn its lush green leaves brown at the tips.
This delicate darling thrives on consistent moisture, and spring’s fluctuating temperatures can confuse its watering needs. While it loves the shade, too much indoor dryness can make it look tired and worn. Allowing it to enjoy a bit of outdoor springtime might keep this beauty blooming beautifully.
Interesting tidbit: The Peace Lily is not only a symbol of peace but has also been known to help remove toxins from the air.
3. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are like the bohemian artists of the plant world, thriving on high humidity and indirect light. As spring arrives, indoor air becomes drier, making these ferns long for the moisture they adore. Without it, their feathery fronds might yellow and drop, leaving them looking a bit lackluster.
Though they add a lush vibe to any space, the misty morning air of springtime outdoors is closer to their natural habitat. Providing that extra humidity indoors can be a real challenge, making them better suited for outdoor living during this season.
Did you know? Boston Ferns were a staple in Victorian-era indoor gardens, where high humidity was easier to maintain.
4. Spider Plant
With their arching leaves and tiny offshoots, Spider Plants are adored for their playful appearance. Yet, they can seem a bit under the weather indoors during spring. These plants enjoy indirect light and a bit more humidity than most homes offer during the season.
Spring’s indoor temperature swings can confuse them, causing leaves to curl or tips to brown. While they’re tough cookies, they still appreciate the chance to stretch their green limbs under the gentle, consistent warmth and moisture found outdoors in spring.
5. English Ivy
Though often seen draping elegantly from pots, English Ivy can be more fussy indoors than it appears. During spring, the low light levels typical in homes can leave it looking sparse and sad. It’s a plant that loves changeable environments but thrives on the brighter side of life.
Indoors in spring, English Ivy may fall prey to pests like spider mites, who adore the warm indoor temperatures that the plant finds less than ideal. A little time outside can help it combat these issues naturally.
6. Rubber Plant
Even the mighty Rubber Plant struggles a bit with spring’s indoor conditions. Known for its glossy, robust leaves, this plant enjoys bright, indirect light. However, the indoor conditions during spring often result in dust accumulation on leaves, blocking their light absorption.
The plant’s tropical nature means it craves more moisture than indoor air typically provides this time of year. Without regular misting or increased humidity, you might notice wilting or leaf drop. Giving it a springtime stint outdoors could make all the difference.
7. Calathea
The Calathea is like the fine art of the plant kingdom, with its striking leaf patterns. Yet, it’s one plant that finds spring’s indoor dryness quite a challenge. It’s a humidity-loving plant, and without adequate moisture, its leaves can curl or brown at the edges.
While it appreciates a warm environment, the fluctuating temperatures of an indoor spring can leave it confused and looking a bit worse for wear. Allowing it a breath of fresh air might just help it maintain its artistic allure.
8. Aloe Vera
This succulent might seem low-maintenance, but spring can put its patience to the test indoors. Aloe vera thrives on bright light and dry conditions, but the temptation to overwater it during spring can lead to droopy, unhappy leaves.
Indoors, it can struggle to find the bright light it craves, leading to slower growth and less vigor. Letting it sunbathe outside during spring might just restore its natural vibrancy.
9. Philodendron
Philodendrons bring a tropical feel to any space, but spring’s indoor environment can be a bit of a letdown. Under low light, they tend to grow leggy and pale, losing their lush, vibrant appeal. These plants love a bit of extra humidity, which indoor air often lacks.
Spring is a great time for these beauties to enjoy some outdoor air, where they can indulge in the bright, filtered light they adore. Just keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn.
10. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens are sturdy, reliable plants, but spring’s indoor conditions can test their resilience. They prefer consistent warmth and humidity, and without it, their leaves can yellow or droop.
While they tolerate low light, they thrive in brighter conditions that spring outdoors can provide. Moving them to a shadier spot outside might help maintain their striking appearance.
11. Cactus
And now the epitome of hardy plants, cacti! But did you know that indoor conditions in spring can confuse even these resilient desert dwellers. They naturally seek bright, direct sunlight, and without it, they can become pale and elongated as they stretch towards any available light source.
The fluctuating indoor temperatures can also disrupt their usual watering routine, leading to either over or underwatering. Allowing them to bask in outdoor sunlight during spring can prevent such woes.
12. Orchid
Orchids are like the celebrities of the plant world—stunning, but a bit particular about their surroundings. While they thrive in consistently humid environments, indoor conditions during spring can leave them with wilting flowers and browning tips.
They prefer bright, indirect light, but indoors, they might not get enough of it, leading to poor blooming. A little time outside in a shaded spot can do wonders for their health.
13. Jade Plant
Finding the right indoor conditions for jade plants during spring can be tricky. They love bright light, but without enough of it, their leaves can become droopy and discolored.
Overwatering is a common issue indoors, as their thick, fleshy leaves store water efficiently. A stint outside in spring can help them receive the sunlight they crave, enhancing their rich green color.
14. Pothos
Pothos are climbing champions, but indoors during spring, they might not get the climb they need. In low light, their vines can grow long and sparse, losing that full, lush look.
They thrive in higher humidity and brighter light, making outdoor spring conditions more appealing. Placing them outside where they can enjoy some dappled sunlight might keep their vibrant foliage intact.
15. Bamboo Palm
You should know that Bamboo Palms indoors can struggle with dry air during spring. Their tips can brown and leaves may droop if humidity isn’t just right.
They love consistent warmth and moisture, which can be challenging to maintain indoors. Moving them outdoors during spring can mimic their natural habitat, helping them stay lush and green.
16. Dracaena
Dracaenas are like the laid-back surfers of the plant world, easy-going but craving just the right wave of care. During spring, their indoor environment can lead to yellowing leaves, especially if watering is inconsistent.
They love moderate humidity and indirect light—conditions often lacking indoors. Letting them catch some outdoor rays during spring can enhance their vibrant colors and overall health.
17. Snake Plant
Mother-in-law’s Tongue plants are indeed resilient, but indoor spring conditions can bend their resolve. While they tolerate low light, their leaves might twist or droop if light levels are too low.
They enjoy being left alone but do appreciate a consistent environment. Spring air outside can provide the bright yet indirect light they thrive on, keeping those sword-like leaves upright.
18. Zebra Plant
Zebra Plants are known for their striking, striped leaves reminiscent of their animal namesake. Yet, indoors during spring, low humidity can leave their leaves drooping and curled.
They love bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, hard to achieve indoors. An outdoor spot in the spring can offer them the conditions they need to truly shine.
19. Parlor Palm
Are you enchanted by the Victorian charm? Well, Parlor Palms are perfect for indoor elegance, but spring’s dry air can brown their leaf tips. They prefer higher humidity and consistent warmth, often hard to maintain indoors.
While they thrive in low light, a bit of outdoor spring air can rejuvenate their lush foliage. Giving them a little time outside can help them maintain their delicate poise.
20. Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plants, with their quirky leaf holes, add a fun touch to any space. But indoors during spring, they might yellow without enough sunlight, losing some of their charm.
They love bright, indirect light and a bit of humidity, making outdoor spring conditions more suitable. Giving them outdoor time can help maintain their unique appearance and growth.
21. Begonia
Begonias bring splashes of color, but indoors during spring, their blooms might fade without sufficient light. They thrive with bright, indirect sunlight and a bit more humidity than indoor air offers.
Spring outdoors can enhance their vibrant blooms, providing the light and moisture they need. Allowing them to bask in the mild spring sun can keep their colors vivid and leaves healthy.
22. Fuchsia
With their vibrant, pendulous flowers, fuchsias can struggle indoors during spring. Without enough bright light, their colorful blooms might fade and droop, losing their vivid appeal.
They require consistent moisture and higher humidity, difficult to maintain indoors. Letting them enjoy the spring air outdoors can help them keep their stunning appearance.
23. Azalea
Azaleas are like the show-stoppers of the floral world, but indoors during spring, they can be less than dazzling. Without enough sunlight, their vibrant flowers might be sparse and lack their usual luster.
These plants adore bright, indirect light and slightly acidic soil—conditions that are easier to find outdoors during spring. A little time outside can help them bloom more fully.
24. Daffodil
You must admit that daffodils are what spring is all about but indoors, they might not trumpet as loudly. Without the bright, direct sunlight they crave, their blooms can be sparse and stems droopy.
These cheerful plants do best with consistent outdoor light, making an indoor spring setup less than ideal. Moving them outside can bring back their sunny disposition.
25. Geranium
Unfortunately, geraniums can look less lively indoors during spring. Low light levels can lead to leggy growth and sparse flowering, dimming their vibrant presence.
They thrive in direct sunlight, making outdoor conditions more favorable. Letting them enjoy the spring sunshine can help maintain their lushness and flowering.
26. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are like the romantic poets of the plant world, needing just the right conditions to flourish. Indoors during spring, their blooms can wilt without sufficient sunlight and humidity.
These plants prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, more easily achieved outdoors in spring. Allowing them some time outside can help maintain their dramatic blooms.
27. Lilies
Every experienced gardeners knows that lilies find indoor spring conditions a bit offbeat. Without enough bright light, their petals can droop and lose their graceful appearance.
These beauties thrive on sunlight and slightly humid conditions, making an indoor stay less than ideal. A bit of time outside can help them regain their poise and vibrant blooms.
28. Tulips
Tulips usher in spring with their bold colors and stately blooms, but indoors, they might not stand as tall. Low light and dry air can lead to bent stems and faded hues.
These iconic plants prefer outdoor conditions where they can enjoy the full spectrum of sunlight. An outdoor stint in spring can revive their strong, vibrant presence.
29. Petunia
If you’re a beginner gardener, you should know that petunias can appear less jubilant indoors during spring. They crave bright sunlight and warmth, and without it, their blooms might fade and foliage appear sparse.
Spring offers the perfect outdoor conditions to keep them vibrant and full. Letting them bask outside might just restore their jubilant personality.
30. Lavender
Well, one is for certain, lavender finds indoor spring conditions less than fragrant. Without bright sun, their growth can become leggy, and the aroma may diminish.
These plants thrive on full sunlight and well-drained soil, conditions best met outdoors. Moving them outside during spring can restore their lush foliage and soothing scent.
31. Gardenia
Gardenias bring a timeless charm with their fragrant blooms, but indoors during spring, they can struggle. Without enough light, their leaves may yellow, and blooms can become sparse.
They prefer outdoor conditions with bright, indirect light and consistent humidity. A touch of spring air can help keep their beauty and fragrance intact.
32. Hibiscus
With its tropical flair, hibiscus finds indoor spring conditions a bit flat. Without bright sunlight, their vibrant flowers might wilt and leaves lose their rich color.
They thrive on sunlight and warmth, more easily provided outdoors. Springtime outside can help keep their blooms bold and lively.
33. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, the stars of fall, might dim a bit indoors during spring. Without enough sunlight, their blooms can become sparse, and leaves might yellow.
They enjoy bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, making outdoor conditions more appealing. Letting them enjoy spring breezes can help maintain their showy blooms.
34. Daisy
Daisies, the picture of innocence and simplicity, can appear droopy indoors during spring. They crave bright sunlight, and without it, their petals might lose their perkiness.
These cheerful plants do best outdoors, where spring sunlight can keep them standing tall. A bit of outdoor time can help preserve their youthful charm.
35. Sunflower
Ah, sunflowers! They’re absolute sunshine lovers—but when it comes to being indoors in spring, they’re not fans.
Sunflowers are true sun-chasers. In spring, indoor sunlight is often still weak or inconsistent (especially through windows), which leads to leggy, weak stems and stunted growth.
Indoors, the air can be stagnant and overly humid, which can lead to fungal issues. Sunflowers do best in well-ventilated outdoor environments where they can stretch out.