The Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum), often nicknamed Devil’s Ivy, is a highly popular and resilient tropical vine. Originating in the warm, humid rainforests of the South Pacific, it thrives in consistent warmth and high moisture, making it an excellent houseplant. Moving a Pothos outdoors for the summer can result in accelerated, lush growth, but the transition requires precision. Because of its tropical heritage, the plant is highly vulnerable to direct sun and cold, necessitating a controlled environment for a safe seasonal move.
Timing the Transition
Moving your Pothos outside should only begin once the threat of cold damage has passed and nighttime temperatures are stable. This tropical plant experiences stress when temperatures consistently fall below 50°F (10°C). Prolonged exposure to cooler conditions can cause irreversible cell damage, so the minimum safe threshold for nighttime temperatures is consistently above 55°F (13°C).
The sudden shift from a stable indoor environment to variable outdoor elements can cause significant shock. To prevent immediate leaf burn and stress, a process called “hardening off” is required, which should take one to two weeks. Start by placing the potted Pothos in a fully shaded, sheltered location for two to three hours a day.
Over the acclimation period, gradually increase the duration of its outdoor stay and slowly introduce it to slightly brighter light. This incremental exposure allows the plant’s cellular structure to adapt to the harsher sun and wind, reducing the risk of leaf scorch and dehydration. Skipping this step can lead to immediate foliar damage.
Optimal Outdoor Placement
The ideal outdoor spot must replicate the Pothos’ native environment as an understory vine, receiving light filtered through a dense canopy. Direct, sustained sunlight is damaging; the intensity can quickly scorch the leaves, resulting in bleached or brown patches. Leaves grown indoors are not equipped to handle the full spectrum of outdoor UV light.
Placing the pot in deep shade, such as beneath a dense tree canopy, on a shaded porch, or under a patio cover, provides the necessary protection. A location that receives dappled morning sun or bright indirect light for most of the day is generally suitable. East-facing covered areas often provide the most favorable light exposure without the damaging heat of the afternoon sun.
Physical protection from harsh weather is equally important for the delicate vines and root system. Strong winds can snap trailing stems and rapidly increase water evaporation, leading to wilting. Positioning the plant close to a wall or in a corner offers a windbreak. A covered area also helps prevent the soil from becoming oversaturated during torrential summer rains.
Essential Care Adjustments
Once moved outdoors, the care routine must be significantly adjusted for environmental changes. Increased light, warmer temperatures, and greater air movement mean the soil will dry out much faster than inside. Monitoring soil moisture daily becomes necessary. Watering frequency will likely increase from a weekly schedule to potentially every few days in hot weather.
Water the plant thoroughly until excess water drains completely out of the pot, allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; the pot must not sit in a saucer of standing water. Soggy soil is the primary cause of root rot, a condition exacerbated by warm temperatures that encourage bacterial growth.
The outdoor environment stimulates accelerated growth, and the plant benefits from supplemental feeding. Apply a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month throughout the summer to support this rapid development. Suspending the pot or elevating it off the ground can also improve air circulation and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Protecting Against Outdoor Threats
The outdoor environment introduces new threats, primarily garden pests. Common insects like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can quickly colonize the Pothos, often hiding on the undersides of leaves and in tight stem joints. Slugs and snails may also be attracted to the foliage, especially in moist or shaded placements.
Regular, thorough inspection of the plant is necessary, checking stems and the top few inches of soil for signs of infestation. If pests are detected, immediately apply a treatment with insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution, ensuring complete coverage. This proactive inspection and treatment is important before the weather begins to cool in the fall.
Before the first expected drop in nighttime temperatures below the 50°F (10°C) safety margin, the Pothos must be prepared for its return indoors. Administer a final, comprehensive pest treatment, and clean the exterior of the pot to prevent hitchhiking insects from entering the home. This transition ensures the plant remains healthy and pest-free as it settles back into its winter indoor location.