Question
I have a 4Ft defenbachia that I have split several times.  I have never put one outside for the summer but would like to move my pot onto the porch.  Can defenbachia handle outdoor conditions, should I put it in the sun or shade?


Answer
Hello Nancy,

Your plant should do fine outdoors.
Make sure its in a mostly shady area that doesn't get exposed to the afternoon sun. You should also bring it back indoors if the temp ever drops below 50 degreesF. Keep an eye on the soil as well; it may dry out faster in the summer heat than it would in an air conditioned home. I would also keep an eye out for pests as it might be at a higher risk for infestation outdoors.
I might be being a little bit of an alarmist here but i think it bares mentioning. You probably already know this plant is pretty poisonous to animals and small children, so you might want to keep an eye out for that. Never had it happen with this plant but the neighborhood cats and raccoons love to chew up my outdoor bromes. I may put one of these out just to get rid of them...just kidding...that would be too much to clean up ;-)

Good Luck,
Justin