If you’ve ever wished your houseplants could follow you outside in summer, you’re in luck.
Many plants can thrive both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for:
- small homes
- balconies
- beginner gardeners
- anyone who wants flexible, low-maintenance plants
These versatile plants can move between your home and garden depending on the season — giving you the best of both worlds.
🌿 Why Grow Plants Both Indoors and Outdoors?
Growing plants this way gives you:
- more flexibility
- faster growth in summer
- better use of small spaces
In the UK especially, many plants benefit from being moved outdoors during warmer months, then brought back inside when temperatures drop.
🌿 15 Plants That Thrive Indoors and Outdoors
1. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley)
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow anywhere.
They thrive:
- on kitchen windowsills
- on balconies
- in garden beds
They also grow faster outdoors in summer.
👉 If you love growing herbs, you might enjoy:
https://chlorophile.co.uk/2025/07/02/herbs-that-grow-indoors
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants adapt easily to different environments.
They grow well:
- indoors in bright indirect light
- outdoors in shaded areas
3. Geraniums
Geraniums are popular outdoor plants, but they also do well indoors in bright light.
They’re perfect for:
- windowsills
- patios
- balconies
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe can live indoors year-round but enjoys being outside in summer.
Just make sure it’s:
- in a sunny spot
- protected from heavy rain
5. Snake Plant
Snake plants are incredibly adaptable.
They can tolerate:
- low indoor light
- brighter outdoor conditions
6. Pothos
Pothos grows beautifully indoors but can also thrive outdoors in warm, shaded areas.
7. Peace Lily
Peace lilies can move outside in summer as long as they’re kept in shade.
8. Ferns
Ferns thrive outdoors in shade and indoors in humidity — making them perfect for:
👉 bathrooms
9. Calatheas
Calatheas can live outdoors in warm, shaded conditions and indoors in humid rooms.
10. Ficus (Rubber Plant)
Rubber plants grow much faster outdoors during summer.
11. Monstera
Monsteras love being outdoors in warm weather but should be kept in indirect light.
12. Begonias
Begonias are ideal for:
- indoor decoration
- outdoor pots
13. Jade Plant
Jade plants are hardy and can move outdoors in summer.
14. Citrus Plants (Dwarf)
Dwarf lemon or lime trees can:
- grow indoors in winter
- thrive outdoors in summer
15. Chillies
Chilli plants are perfect for:
- windowsills
- balconies
- patios
🌿 Tips for Moving Plants Indoors and Outdoors
Transition Slowly
Avoid shock by gradually introducing plants to outdoor conditions.
Watch the Temperature
Most indoor plants shouldn’t go outside until temperatures stay above 10°C.
Check for Pests
Always inspect plants before bringing them back indoors.
Use the Right Pots
Plants that move frequently benefit from lightweight pots with drainage.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Growing plants both indoors and outdoors is one of the easiest ways to get more from your plants without needing more space.
Start with a few versatile plants like herbs, spider plants, or geraniums, and experiment with moving them between your home and garden.
You might find your plants grow faster, healthier, and more beautifully than ever before.