Plants are a great way to add a touch of the tropics to your home indoors and out. During the warmer months, house plants can vacation outdoors to create an oasis on your patio or any outdoor space. Here are top picks for house plants this month that will enjoy a summer vacation outside.

CORDYLINE

Cordylines are stunning tropical plants with leaves ranging in color from deep pink and purple to deep green and red. Enjoy them this summer on your patio, then bring them indoors for the winter to enhance your home’s decor.

Light: Because these are tropical plants they love the sun, but try to avoid direct sun, which may burn the leaves. The brighter the light available the more vibrant the leaves will be. These plants will also do well in medium light but their colors will fade.

Water: Cordylines need moist soil. Watering your plant thoroughly once a week is a great way to keep it thriving. If it is outdoors, check it several times a week to make sure the soil stays moist.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer. For indoor plants, dilute the fertilizer to half strength before applying.

BROMELIADS

Bromeliads are beautiful tropical plants with interesting foliage and flower spikes. The flowers are long-lasting and are available in a variety of colors and shapes. These plants add some bright, bold color to your home or patio.

Light: Bromeliads prefer a bright spot shaded from direct sunlight. They will do well in lower lighting conditions, but their blooms won’t last as long.

Water: Bromeliads are somewhat drought tolerant — they can go a period of time without water.  If outdoors, keep soil moist without letting it get soggy.  If your home’s humidity levels are high, Bromeliads won’t need as much water. Water the soil thoroughly once a week during the growing season (March thru October), and less often during the winter.

Fertilizer: Bromeliads don’t need much for fertilizer. Use a  half-strength liquid fertilizer once a year, and your Bromeliad should continue to looks its best.

CACTUS

Cactus plants are the ultimate in low-maintenance. Available in many sizes, shapes and colors, these are perfect plants for the first-time plant parent.

Light: Cactus like lots of sun, but not direct sun-light. Keep them near a south-facing window, or outdoors in a bright spot away from direct sun. Your plant will become leggy (stretched out) if it isn’t getting proper light. Green succulents can tolerate lower lighting conditions than pinks, purples and whites.

Water: Water once a week, or when the soil dries out completely.

Fertilizer: Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer like, Miracle-Gro Succulent and Cactus Food,  every 8 weeks during the Spring and Summer. Do not fertilize during the Winter and Fall, as cacti are in a semi-dormant state and do not need extra nutrients.

SUCCULENTS

Succulents are a great low-maintenance option for people looking to add some greenery to their indoor space. These plants thrive on neglect and will do great if you forget about them for a few weeks (or months).

Light: Succulents love bright indirect sunlight. Place them in a well-lit location, but protect their leaves from direct sun, even through a window. They can get sunburned and will turn brown. Dark green succulents will need less light than purple, who are bit pickier.

Water: Water your succulent once a week. Although these plants can go a bit between waterings, the more regularly they are watered the better they will be.

Fertilizer: Succulents don’t need much food. You can use succulent plant food once a year to give them a boost.

 Learn how to bring your plants outdoors for the summer

For more plant care information, visit any English Gardens location and talk with an expert.