But does this travelling plant system really  accomplish the objective?  For most, the object of plants is design.  No one can deny that a healthy, corner filling plant is one of the strongest design statements in the room. However, the travelling plant may not meet this description.

Plants habituate to conditions that are within their range of environmental acceptability. The concept of improving the plant's living environment is why plants are brought outdoors.  Invariably the plant will receive better light outdoors and watering is easier.  Under these conditions the plants thrive!  When it is time to return them to that semi-lit corner in the living room, they go into  a period of reverse acclimation, and decline barely holding on until next spring.  This tells me that the original plant selection was incorrect for the space.  It is a better strategy to select the right plants for the right places so they can improve our living environment all year long. Properly selected, there is a plant shape and size suitable to practically every indoor location and you don't have to let them in and out like the cat.

Even so, plants have a life expectancy which varies depending upon the environment.  A plant may last a year or ten years.  Unlike pets, a plant should be considered a perishable item.  Have no regrets  if your plant lived  a reasonable life expectancy. Toss out the old one and buy  a fresh one. Your local plant professional can help you make the right selection, suitable to your environment and life style.

Oh, and seriously, don't forget the cat!