Why you should put your indoor plants out in the rain

Rain has been a constant for much of Australia during 2022, causing plenty of problems for outdoor gardens, which barely get a chance to dry out before it pours again.

But while our houseplants have been kept safe inside, they could actually benefit from having some time out in the rain.

With talk of a third La Nina and more rain expected for winter, there are plenty of chances for you to give your plants a completely free nutrient boost outside.

According to garden care product supplier Love the Garden, rain water is good for plants because it has different benefits to tap water.

One of these benefits is that rain water is richer in nutrients.

"The rain contains more nitrogen and oxygen than most tap water, and because your plant roots are receiving them directly, you'll notice them grow quicker and greener with rainwater," Love the Garden wrote in an article.

Rain also has the perfect pH level for plants, which means they're receiving water with the right amount of acidity.

If you put your indoor plant out in the rain, this water will also help flush away any chemicals that have built up in the soil from tap watering. This results in the soil also being the best pH level for plant health.

Another benefit of rain for indoor plants is the water helps to clean off dust and dirt on leaves, which can block their pores. Given many of us either forget or don't even know we need to dust plant leaves, popping them out in the rain is an easy way to clean them.

"This greatly improves their ability to take in CO2 and nutrients for photosynthesis, promoting healthy plant growth," Love the Garden explained.

When putting your indoor plant in the rain, keep in mind the conditions outside to ensure your plant stays in top condition. Avoid heavy rain, storms, strong winds and the coldest times of the day to prevent damage.

If leaving them outside for a while isn't an option, you can collect rainwater in a bucket to use on your plants later.

With so many benefits, there's no reason not to try this completely free and easy plant care tip.