Pothos are popular indoor plants, known for their trailing vines and resilient nature. While tropical, they can survive winter with proper care, especially when kept indoors.
Pothos Cold Tolerance
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are native to tropical Southeast Asia. They thrive in consistent warmth and lack cold tolerance. The ideal temperature range is 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
Temperatures consistently below 50°F (10°C) damage the plant. Cold exposure causes water within cells to freeze and expand, rupturing cell walls. This cellular damage results in symptoms like blackening, wilting, or mushy spots on leaves. Prolonged exposure or frost is lethal.
Winter Care Strategies
Indoor Winter Care
Adjusting indoor pothos care is important during winter. Reduced daylight and drier indoor air from heating systems necessitate specific changes for the plant’s health.
Watering frequency should be reduced as the plant’s growth slows during winter dormancy. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry, or when leaves show slight drooping. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot.
Maintaining adequate humidity is important due to dry indoor heating. Pothos prefer humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Increase humidity by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier. Placing the plant in naturally humid areas like a bathroom or kitchen can also be beneficial, provided there is sufficient indirect light.
Light requirements also shift, as natural light is less intense and days are shorter. Pothos prefer bright, indirect light, ideally from an east or west-facing window. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light for 10-12 hours a day to prevent stunted growth and loss of variegation. It is also important to protect plants from cold drafts near windows and doors, or from direct heat sources like radiators, which can cause sudden temperature fluctuations.
Outdoor Winter Considerations
Pothos are not winter hardy in most climates and generally cannot survive outdoor winter conditions where temperatures drop below their tolerance. They are truly hardy only in USDA growing zones 10 through 12, which experience consistently warm temperatures year-round. For most regions, it is crucial to bring outdoor pothos indoors well before temperatures consistently fall below 50°F (10°C). Even a brief cold snap can cause irreversible damage to the plant. While some tropical zones allow for year-round outdoor growth, this is not applicable to the majority of gardeners.
Troubleshooting Winter Issues
Pothos can exhibit several signs of distress during winter, often stemming from environmental changes or incorrect care. Understanding these symptoms helps in providing timely solutions. Yellowing leaves, particularly widespread yellowing, often indicate overwatering, especially if the soil remains wet. Allowing the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings can resolve this issue.
Brown, crispy edges on leaves typically point to low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity through methods like pebble trays or humidifiers can alleviate this, as can ensuring consistent, appropriate watering. Stunted growth or an overall decline in vigor may signal insufficient light or cold stress, requiring adjustments to lighting conditions or relocation to a warmer spot. Blackened leaves or mushy stems are severe signs of cold damage, indicating cellular collapse, and affected parts should be pruned away to prevent further issues.