The major difference between an indoor plant and an outdoor plant is plant’s temperature tolerance.
- Temperature Tolerance
Most indoor plants are tropical plants that grow well in 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range. They do not require constant sunlight and enjoy warm temperatures and humidity. Outdoor plants can tolerate a large temperature range. The USDA Hardiness Map separates the United States into 11 hardiness zones, ranging from Zone 1 (in Alaska) to Zone 11 (in Hawaii), and outdoor plants are depending on zone they are suitable for. - Types
Some common indoor or houseplants are Ficus elastica (rubber plant), Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant) and aloe vera. Some common plants for outdoor gardens are ornamental trees and shrubs, vines, vegetables and herbs, perennial flowers and annual flowers, which grows only for one season. - Dormancy Period Differences
Most of the outdoor plants have desperately visible signs of death or dormancy (inactive period). Plants become dry, lose leaves and decay. Indoor plants also possess a dormant period. They generally stop growing during autumn and winter; some plants look faded and tired during their dormant period.
All types of plants were primarily outdoor plants, but certain plants are now regarded as indoor plants, or houseplants, due to their low tolerance for cool temperatures, their long life span and their ability to survive in containers.
