African Violets and Gesneriads: what's outdoors?, 1 by Keyring

Keyring wrote:
I decided that indoor and outdoor temps have equalized enough that I can kick out some plants. Some orchids went outdoors over the weekend, and this evening I actually got home while there was still some light, so I sent the Streptocarpellas and Sinningia Tampa Bay Beauty (x self) out there.

Some summers I've grown episcias outdoors, as well as a big annual Chirita that grew to be 2-3 feet tall and about the same wide. Last year I put one Smithinantha Texas Freckles (see pic) out, and having broken the tip, it branched and grew to be about 3 feet wide. Mind you, I've also had this one bloom from me (probably from a cutting) in a 3" pot and about 5" tall.....

The Titanotrichum oldhamii (which looks like a golden mini foxglove) is hardy here so it lives outdoors year round. Some Achimenes are supposed to be borderline hardy, so I might try leaving one out come fall.....

This year, I'm also considering trying an Aeschynanthus or Columnea outside for the summer. What about you?