When is it safe to move tropical houseplants outside?

When is it safe to move tropical houseplants outside? - chicagotribune.com

Can I move my tropical houseplants out into the garden now?

— Jerry, Evanston

Can I move my tropical houseplants out into the garden now?

— Jerry, Evanston

Tropical plants add interesting foliage color and texture as well as flowers to your annual garden displays. But since most of the plants we grow as houseplants come from warm regions, they cannot tolerate temperatures below about 50 degrees. They also need to be gradually accustomed to the shift from the low light and protection of the indoors to stronger light and variable conditions outside.