How to Move an Indoor Cactus to the Outside

Most houseplants grow much better in outdoor conditions. Indoor plants are often moved outside during the summer months for beneficial light and rainfall, and for the resulting improvement in growth. Cactuses respond well to a summer vacation outdoors, but you can't just carry them out into the sun and leave them there. Plants must be acclimated to the higher light intensity outside to avoid sunburned foliage.

Instructions

- 1
  Move the cactus to a spot outside that remains shaded all day. Watch to make sure the shifting sun doesn't hit the cactus at different times of the day.
- 2
  Water the cactus thoroughly by soaking the entire root ball until water runs out the bottom of the pot. This drenching flushes out accumulated soil salts and stimulates the cactus to start growing.
- 3
  Grow the cactus in the shaded location for about three weeks. Water whenever the soil is dry.
- 4
  Move the cactus to a location where it gets early morning sun. The morning sun is less intense and helps acclimate your cactus to more light without burning the skin. Leave it there for another two to three weeks.
- 5
  Move the cactus to half-day sun for another two weeks. It will grow well in this amount of light and can remain there permanently, or move it to a full sun location if desired.

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