Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a recognizable and resilient houseplant, celebrated for its forgiving nature and vibrant, trailing foliage. Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this tropical vine thrives in a wide range of indoor conditions, making it a favorite for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. While its ease of care indoors is well-established, many owners wonder if they can relocate this fast-growing plant outside during warmer weather. The answer depends heavily on geography and the potential environmental consequences of placing a foreign species outdoors.
Understanding Pothos Climate and Survival Limits
The Golden Pothos is a tropical understory plant, originating from the Solomon Islands and Southeast Asia, meaning it evolved in environments characterized by consistent warmth and high humidity. This native climate dictates the physical boundaries for the plant’s survival outdoors in other regions. This species cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or frost.
The minimum temperature threshold for Pothos is 50°F (10°C); prolonged exposure below this point causes cold damage, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf drop. In most temperate regions, year-round outdoor cultivation is impossible due to these low temperature limits.
Only areas within USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12 provide the necessary consistent warmth and lack of frost for Pothos to survive outside permanently. In these subtropical and tropical zones, which include parts of Florida, California, and Hawaii, the plant can grow in the ground year-round. For the majority of owners, however, any outdoor placement must be temporary, restricted to the warmest months when overnight temperatures reliably remain above the 50°F minimum.
The Environmental Risk of Outdoor Pothos
Where temperatures permit year-round growth, the question shifts from “can it survive?” to “should it be planted?” In many tropical and subtropical areas, Golden Pothos is classified as an invasive species due to its aggressive growth habits. For example, the Florida Invasive Species Council has labeled it a Category II invasive species, and it is recognized as high-risk invasive in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The plant’s popularity as a houseplant stems from its fast growth and ability to root easily, traits that become detrimental in a natural ecosystem.
When planted in the ground or allowed to climb trees, Pothos leaves mature from the typical small, heart-shaped indoor form to massive, deeply lobed leaves up to three feet long. This change allows the plant to climb vigorously up tree trunks, sometimes reaching heights of 150 feet. The vine uses its large leaves to cover and smother native trees and vegetation, preventing them from receiving sunlight.
The plant spreads readily through vegetative reproduction; any small stem fragment that breaks off can quickly take root and form a new plant. Improper disposal of yard clippings is a major mechanism for its spread into natural areas, where its dense growth displaces native species.
Practical Care for Temporary Outdoor Placement
For those living outside zones 10–12, temporary outdoor placement during the summer offers a beneficial growth period, but it requires careful management. The first step is “hardening off,” which is the gradual acclimation of the plant to the harsher outdoor environment. Indoor Pothos are not used to intense sunlight, wind, or rain, and moving them abruptly outside can cause leaf scorch and shock.
To prevent shock, begin by placing the container in a sheltered, shaded location for only a few hours each day, preferably during the morning. Over one to two weeks, gradually increase the duration and intensity of light exposure until the plant is ready for its final summer spot.
The final location should receive filtered or indirect sunlight, such as under a covered porch or beneath a dappled tree canopy, as direct afternoon sun will burn the foliage. Containerized Pothos placed outside will have different watering needs than indoors because wind and increased heat cause the soil to dry out faster. Owners should monitor soil moisture regularly and water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.
The outdoor environment also exposes the plant to new pests, making regular inspection necessary before the plant is brought back inside. Common outdoor pests include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale.
Before transitioning the Pothos back inside, thoroughly inspect the foliage and soil. Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth or treat them with horticultural soap to avoid introducing pests indoors. Placing the plant in a temporary quarantine area for several days helps ensure it is pest-free and allows it to adjust to the lower light and temperature conditions.