Have you ever noticed how some plants seem to thrive no matter where you place them, while others throw a bit of a tantrum over the slightest change in their environment? Pothos, often hailed as a “beginners plant,” is one of those that can adapt to various conditions, making it a popular choice among plant parents. But while it seems unfussy, understanding its temperature tolerance is key to helping it grow its best.
In this article, well uncover what temperature ranges pothos plants prefer, how to spot signs of temperature-related stress, and practical tips to keep your pothos happy year-round. Whether youre a seasoned plant lover or just starting out, these insights will help you create a cozy home for your leafy friend.
Pothos are popular houseplants known for their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. But being native to tropical regions they prefer warm conditions and can struggle in cold temperatures. So how cold is too cold for a pothos? Let’s explore the ideal temperature range for these plants and how to keep them healthy even when things cool down.
Understanding Pothos Cold Tolerance
Pothos plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C – 32°C). This warmth mimics their native tropical habitat. Below 50°F (10°C) a pothos will show signs of stress and potential damage. Prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental.
While pothos can survive brief cold snaps, they should not remain in temperatures below 50°F for extended periods. Their growth will slow and leaves may yellow, brown, wilt, or drop off entirely if it gets too chilly.
Ideally, keep your pothos around 70-90°F year-round. In the winter, pay close attention to any cold drafts inside and be ready to move plants to warmer spots as needed. For outdoor pothos, extra winter insulation is a must.
Recognizing Symptoms of Cold Stress
Cold-stressed pothos may exhibit:
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Wilting, drooping, or curled leaves – The foliage will appear limp, saggy, or rolled inward if temperatures drop too low.
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Leaf discoloration – Expect yellowing or browning of the leaves. Dark brown spots or edges are common.
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Slowed growth – Pothos growth will stall in cold conditions. Fewer new leaves will emerge.
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Leaf drop – The plant may shed many of its leaves suddenly if experiencing cold stress.
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Tip burn – Brown, crispy spots may form along the tips and margins of the leaves.
Monitor your pothos carefully in winter and watch for these signs of discomfort. Address any cold issues right away.
Ideal Winter Temperature Range
While pothos enjoy summer heat, cooler conditions call for some adjustments:
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Daytime – 65-85°F is best during winter days. Don’t let it dip below 60°F.
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Nighttime – At night, the temperature can safely drop to 50-65°F. Below 50°F risks cold damage.
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Fluctuations – Try to keep the temperature stable. Quick temperature drops can stress pothos.
Aim to keep your home, greenhouse, sunroom, or anywhere else you keep pothos within this ideal winter range. Move plants away from drafty windows or doors.
Caring for Pothos in Cold Conditions
Here are some tips to keep pothos thriving even when temperatures drop:
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Move pothos plants indoors before frost arrives. An east or south facing window is ideal.
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Insulate any outdoor pothos by wrapping pots or using row cover fabric.
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Keep pothos away from cold drafts from windows, doors, or air vents.
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Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry winter air. Pothos prefer 40-50% humidity.
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Water a bit less in winter since pothos growth slows. Let soil partially dry out between waterings.
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Monitor for pests that may enter homes as weather cools. Treat any issues promptly.
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Avoid repotting or propagating in winter so plants aren’t stressed.
With a few adjustments, your pothos can stay healthy and happy despite winter’s chill. Be vigilant and act quickly if cold damage appears.
Transitioning Outdoor Pothos Plants Indoors
As temperatures drop in fall, pothos living outdoors will need to move back inside. Here’s how to make the transition smooth:
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Gradually acclimate the pothos by bringing it inside for short periods, then increasing time indoors.
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Inspect for pests and thoroughly clean leaves before bringing inside permanently.
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Choose a warm spot near an east or south facing window for winter.
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Monitor watering closely, as indoor conditions change drainage and soil moisture.
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Expect some yellow leaves or slowed growth at first as the plant adjusts.
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Avoid any major maintenance like repotting right away. Let it recuperate from the move.
With attentive care both before and during the move inside, you can ensure your outdoor pothos thrives despite leaving its garden habitat.
Coping With Unexpected Cold Spells
Even indoor pothos can experience occasional cold snaps, especially in older homes prone to drafts. If temperatures unexpectedly drop, act quickly:
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Move plants to the warmest spot possible, like near a sunny window or heating vent.
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Add an extra heat source like a space heater or grow lights to warm the surrounding air.
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Enclose plants in a plastic bag or cloche to retain warmth and humidity.
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Avoid misting plants until temperatures rise again since moisture exacerbates cold damage.
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Remove any heavily damaged leaves or stems to reduce stress and conserve energy.
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Resume normal care once back in ideal conditions. Damaged plants will need extra time to recover.
With rapid action, your pothos can bounce back after a cold spell. Just get it back into warmth as soon as possible.
Providing Warm Microclimates
Some simple tricks can create warm microclimates for pothos even when your home feels chilly:
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Place near heat sources like appliances, electronics, or heating vents.
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Group plants together so their combined transpiration creates a warmer, more humid environment.
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Use grow lights or indoor lighting left on for heat generation.
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Top with cloches or plastic covers to lock in heat around plants.
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Set plants on heating mats made for seed starting and propagation.
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Position above radiators or heating vents so rising warm air circulates around them.
With a little creativity, you can manipulate indoor conditions to craft the perfect toasty spot for your cold-sensitive pothos.
Adjusting Your Heating Schedule
To ensure your home stays warm enough for pothos year-round:
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Program your thermostat to maintain 65-85°F during winter days.
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Avoid lowering the temperature too drastically at night. Go no lower than 60°F.
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Close off and don’t heat unused rooms that could get too chilly for plants.
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Run ceiling fans on low to circulate any rising warm air back down over plants.
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Keep blinds open on sunny winter days to utilize the solar heat indoors.
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Check that heating vents aren’t blocked so warm air can flow freely throughout your home.
Take time to evaluate your home’s heating patterns and make adjustments so your pothos benefit from adequate warmth.
Moving Plants to Warmer Rooms
If your whole home struggles to stay warm enough for pothos, consider relocating them to specific cozier rooms:
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Bathrooms often stay warmer and more humid. Plus, grow lights over showers offer extra warmth.
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Kitchens can benefit from appliance heat and frequent use. Position away from drafty windows.
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Family rooms with televisions, gaming systems and other electronics generate ambient warmth.
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Sun rooms and greenhouses hold in heat well on sunny winter days. Add a space heater for night.
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South facing rooms receive the most winter sun. East facing rooms also get some morning warmth.
Shifting your pothos to the warmest spots in your home can help keep these tropical plants happy despite winter’s bite. Monitor conditions and make any additional adjustments as needed. With a little attentive care, your pothos can thrive year-round despite cooler seasonal temperatures.
Key Takeaways on Caring For Pothos in the Cold
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The ideal temperature range for pothos is 70-90°F. They suffer once it drops below 50°F.
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Signs of cold stress include drooping, yellowing or browning foliage and leaf drop.
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Keep pothos away from cold drafts and add humidity to dry winter air.
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Transition outdoor plants indoors before frost arrives in fall.
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Create warm microclimates and move plants to your home’s coziest spots.
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If cold damage occurs, remove damaged areas and give extra care while recovering.
By understanding pothos preferences, monitoring for signs of discomfort, and providing adequate warmth, your plants can continue flourishing all winter long. With just a few cold weather care adjustments, your pothos can avoid the chill and keep growing strong despite cooler temperatures.
Signs of Temperature Stress in Pothos
Recognizing stress signs in your pothos is crucial to prevent long-term damage. But what exactly should you look for? Heres a handy list of symptoms that might indicate your plant is feeling the heat—or the chill:
- Yellowing Leaves: This often means your plant is too cold or too hot. While yellow leaves can also indicate other issues like overwatering, coupled with temperature extremes, its a red flag.
- Brown Tips: When your pothos is too close to a heat source or exposed to cold drafts, the tips of the leaves might turn brown as they lose moisture.
- Leaf Curling: Leaves curling inward or downward can mean your plant is trying to conserve water due to heat stress.
- Drooping Stems: If the stems look limp and the leaves are hanging, check your thermostat. The plant might be signaling that its too cold.
While these signs can be alarming, catching them early gives you the best chance to bring your plant back to its vibrant self. So, pay attention to these signals, and your pothos will thank you with lush growth.
Creating the Perfect Environment
Now that we’ve covered what pothos likes and dislikes, how do we create a perfect home for it? Start by placing your plant in a spot where temperatures remain relatively stable. Avoid areas near windows that get chilly in winter or heat up excessively in summer. Similarly, steer clear of vents and radiators.
Here are some simple tips to help you maintain the ideal conditions:
- Room Selection: Choose a room with consistent temperatures. Bathrooms, with their natural humidity, can be great places for pothos as long as they get enough indirect light.
- Humidity: Although pothos is not as picky about humidity as some other tropical plants, it does appreciate a little extra moisture in the air. Consider using a humidifier during the winter months or misting your plant occasionally.
- Temperature Monitoring: If your home experiences significant temperature fluctuations, consider using a thermometer to monitor the room your pothos is in.
By ensuring your pothos is comfortable, it will not only survive but thrive, rewarding you with beautiful, lush foliage.
Rehabilitating Houseplants with Cold Weather Damage
FAQ
At what temperature should I bring my Pothos inside?
Temperature. The Pothos will prefer temps in the 65°F-85°F range (18°C-30°C). It’s best not to let it go below 60°F (15°C) to prevent cold damage.
Is 40 degrees too cold for plants?
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General Rule of Thumb:While some plants can tolerate temperatures in the 40s, it’s generally a good idea to bring tender plants indoors or protect them from the cold when temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Plant-Specific Considerations:
- Tender Plants: Tropical and subtropical plants, like many houseplants, are very sensitive to cold and should be brought indoors or protected when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hardy Plants: Some plants, like certain perennials and trees, are more cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures in the 30s or even 20s, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can still cause damage.
- Cool-Season Annuals: Plants like pansies, violas, and flowering kale can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit without cold damage.
- Tender Plants: Tropical and subtropical plants, like many houseplants, are very sensitive to cold and should be brought indoors or protected when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Factors Affecting Cold Tolerance:
- Plant Type: As mentioned, some plants are naturally more cold-tolerant than others.
- Age and Stage of Growth: Young plants and seedlings are more vulnerable to cold damage than mature plants.
- Soil Temperature: Cold soil can also negatively impact plant growth and development, especially for plants that are sensitive to cold.
- Wind: Wind can exacerbate the effects of cold temperatures, so it’s important to protect plants from strong winds, especially during cold snaps.
- Plant Type: As mentioned, some plants are naturally more cold-tolerant than others.
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Signs of Cold Damage:
- Leaf discoloration: Leaves may turn yellow, brown, or black.
- Wilting: Plants may wilt or droop, even if they are well-watered.
- Stunted growth: Plants may stop growing or develop abnormally.
- Plant death: In severe cases, cold damage can lead to the death of the plant.
- Leaf discoloration: Leaves may turn yellow, brown, or black.
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Protection from Cold:
- Bring Plants Indoors: If possible, bring tender plants indoors when temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use Cold Protection: If you can’t bring plants indoors, you can protect them with blankets, burlap, or row covers.
- Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to insulate the soil and protect the roots from cold.
- Water Plants: Water plants thoroughly before a cold snap to help them withstand the cold.
- Bring Plants Indoors: If possible, bring tender plants indoors when temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Pothos stay outside in winter?
Pothos is not winter hardy. It needs to be kept in temperatures above 16°C, even during the winter months.
What happens when a Pothos gets too cold?
Ice crystals from freezing temperatures can rupture cells, leading to wilting or leaf drop.Jul 20, 2024
Do Pothos plants wilt when exposed to cold temperatures?
Pothos plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and can exhibit various signs of stress when exposed to low temperatures. This section will discuss some common symptoms of cold stress, such as wilting and discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
What temperature should a pothos plant be in winter?
The ideal temperature range for pothos is between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C), so ensure that the insulation allows them to stay within this range. During winter, it’s crucial to keep your pothos plants indoors or in a greenhouse to protect them from cold temperatures.
Can Pothos grow in low temperatures?
Pothos can tolerate low temperatures. But it will do its best growing in high temperatures, like those received in its native habitat. The ideal pothos temperature range for indoor plants is 70 to 90 F. Pothos will survive above and below this range up to a point. (The next section will discuss signs that your pothos is too hot or too cold.)
How do you know if a pothos plant is cold?
One of the first signs of cold stress in pothos plants is the curling of their leaves, which may indicate that the temperature is too high for the plant. This symptom can be seen when the long edges of the leaves curl towards each other, making the leaves appear wilted and droopy (source).
What temperature does a Pothos like?
A pothos is a true indoor superstar, thriving in a wide range of temperatures thanks to its hardiness and adaptability. These fast-growing climbers prefer temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F (21–32°C), which mimics the tropical conditions they like. However, what happens if the temperature falls below freezing? Does a cold snap affect them?
How to protect Pothos from cold temperatures during winter?
Here are some tips on how to protect your pothos from cold temperatures during winter. Ensure that your pothos plants have proper insulation to keep them warm during winter. This can be done by placing them in a well-insulated room or using protective coverings, such as frost cloth, around the plants.