Can Pothos Live Outside? Full Guide + 5 Easy Pro Tips

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway	What You’ll Learn
Can pothos live outside?	Discover the surprising truth about growing pothos outside.
Ideal outdoor conditions	Learn the perfect balance of sunlight, temperature, and soil for success.
Biggest outdoor challenges	Find out what threatens outdoor pothos and how to overcome it.
Expert care strategies	Master essential watering, pruning, and pest control techniques.
Essential FAQs	Get quick, precise answers to the most common pothos care questions.

Understanding the Pothos Plant

The pothos plant (Devil’s Ivy) is a fast-growing & evergreen climbing vine. It originates from French Polynesia. Its enchanting name & vibrant variegated foliage make it a perfect mix of beauty & easy cultivation.

It earns a spot on NASA’s list of top air-purifying plants. It is famous for adapting to various environments. With minimal upkeep, it thrives indoors even in low-light conditions.

Many horticulturists wonder if this versatile plant can live outdoors. This discussion rotates around the various aspects related to outdoor growth of this ubiquitous houseplant.

5 Best Growth Conditions for a Pothos Plant

A native of Polynesian jungles, the pothos thrives when its ideal conditions are met. Optimal growth occurs when these specific requirements are respected meticulously.

Factor	Optimal Conditions
Temperature	Thrives between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) Temperatures below 50°F or 10°C can stunt growth & below 40°F or 4°C may be fatal
Light	Prefers indirect or filtered sunlight Direct sun can scorch leaves causing browning
Humidity	High ambient humidity is ideal Low humidity may lead to leaf curling or browning
Soil pH	Prefers slightly acidic soils with pH values between 6.1 & 6.5
Watering	Allow soil to dry moderately between waterings Overwatering can lead to root rot Underwatering may cause leaf wilting especially if they turn yellow or brown

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pothos: Which Growth Environment is Right for You?

Consider regional climate patterns carefully as extreme cold & heat fluctuations can harm its health.

6 Key Factors: Indoor vs. Outdoor Pothos Growth

Aspect	Indoor Growth	Outdoor Growth
Growth Rate	Moderate Vines typically reach lengths of 6-10 feet	Accelerated Vines can exceed 12 feet with larger foliage
Light Requirements	Thrives in moderate to bright indirect light Avoids direct sunlight	Prefers shaded or partially shaded areas Direct sunlight can scorch leaves
Temperature Tolerance	Grows well in typical indoor temperatures Sensitive to temperatures below 50°F or 10°C	Experts suggest USDA hardiness zones between 10-12 are ideal for growing pothos outside Cannot withstand frost or temperatures below 50°F or 10°C
Humidity Preferences	Benefits from average indoor humidity Increased humidity promotes lush growth	Thrives in natural outdoor humidity Arid regions may require additional moisture
Pest & Disease Exposure	Lower risk Common pests include spider mites & mealybugs	Higher risk Potential threats from snails, slugs & environmental diseases
Maintenance Needs	Low Regular watering & occasional pruning suffice	Moderate Requires vigilant monitoring for pests & environmental stressors

1 Pro Tip

Choosing the right spot is paramount as direct exposure to harsh sun rays can scorch its leaves turning them brown while dim locations slow down its growth substantially.

4 Challenges of Growing Pothos Outdoors (+Solutions)

Despite its relative hardiness, certain factors may deter the success of outdoor-grown Pothos plants:

Challenge	Description	Potential Solutions
Temperature Sensitivity	Pothos cannot tolerate frost & extreme cold conditions leading to stunted growth or plant death	Ensure outdoor cultivation is within USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12 In cooler climates, grow pothos in containers to bring indoors during colder months
Pest Infestations	Outdoor pothos are more susceptible to pests like spider mites, aphids & mealybugs which can cause leaf damage.	Regularly inspect plants & treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil Maintaining plant health can also deter pests
Sun Exposure	Direct sunlight can scorch leaves leading to browning & reduced plant vigor	Plant pothos in shaded or partially shaded areas to protect from harsh sun rays
Overwatering	Excessive watering can cause root rot hindering nutrient uptake & leading to plant decline	Allow soil to dry moderately between waterings Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging

5 Pro Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Pothos Healthy

Tip	Details
Regular Monitoring	Check soil moisture regularly Water when the top inch of soil feels dry but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Soil Enrichment	Add organic mulch or compost to the soil to restore nutrients & keep it healthy
Pruning	Prune regularly to manage growth, promote bushiness & eliminate diseased or damaged leaves
Pest Control	Maintain plant health to deter pests If infestations occur, treat promptly with appropriate methods
Seasonal Care	In regions with cooler temperatures, consider planting pothos in containers to move indoors during colder months

Outdoor Pothos Care Made Easy

YES! Pothos can thrive outdoors but the viability of cultivating outdoor pothos depends significantly on regional climate conditions & following best care practices. Exposure to extreme cold or heat can severely damage it.

The 6 key factors that we discussed in the Indoors vs. Outdoors section are the ultimate determinants of success.

By selecting right location, watering on time & controlling pests effectively, you make sure that your pothos have a healthy outdoor life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pothos live outside in summer?

Yes! But only in shaded, humid areas. Direct sun & extreme heat can damage it.

Can I keep my pothos in water forever?

Yes! As long as you change water regularly & provide liquid nutrients.

Can pothos take full sun?

No! Full sun scorches pothos leaves turning them brown. It thrives in indirect or filtered light.

Can pothos live outside in Arizona?

Arizona’s dry & intense heat makes outdoor survival difficult. It needs shade, high humidity & frequent watering.

Can pothos live outside in Texas?

Yes! But in shaded, humid spots. Protect it from extreme heat & frost in colder months.

What kills a pothos plant?

Frost, extreme heat, direct sun, overwatering & pests can kill pothos.

Do pothos like rainwater?

Yes! Rainwater is chemical-free & rich in natural minerals, promoting healthier growth.

Can you cut pothos and replant?

Yes! Cut a vine below a node & place it in water or moist soil. In a few weeks, roots will develop making it ready for replanting.