Pothos, often recognized as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and adaptable nature. Its trailing vines and vibrant foliage make it a versatile addition to many indoor spaces. Understanding its specific environmental needs, particularly temperature, is important for its long-term health.
Ideal Temperature Range for Pothos
Pothos thrives in warm, consistent temperatures, mimicking its native tropical habitats. For optimal growth, a temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) is ideal. Maintaining temperatures within this range supports healthy photosynthesis and robust development. While Pothos can tolerate slight deviations, consistent conditions promote the best results.
Understanding Pothos Cold Tolerance
Pothos is sensitive to cold, and its tolerance has limits. It can tolerate brief periods down to 50°F (10°C) before experiencing stress. However, consistent temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can lead to chilling injury, impairing growth and development. Below freezing (32°F or 0°C), the plant suffers freezing injury, as ice crystals form within cells, leading to cellular rupture and potential death. Sustained exposure to cold below 50°F puts the plant at considerable risk.
Signs of Cold Stress and Damage
When Pothos is exposed to cold, it exhibits several visual cues indicating stress or damage. Leaves may wilt or droop, losing turgidity, and discoloration is common, with leaves turning pale, yellow, or developing brown spots, often at the edges. In severe cases, cold exposure can lead to blackened leaves, especially at the tips or edges, due to cell breakdown; stems might also become soft or mushy, indicating ruptured cell walls. Stunted growth is another indicator, as the plant prioritizes survival over new growth. These signs might not appear immediately, sometimes manifesting hours or days after cold exposure.
Protecting Pothos from Cold
Preventing Pothos exposure to dangerously low temperatures is key to its health. Relocate plants away from cold windows or exterior doors, especially during colder months, as glass allows cold drafts; insulating curtains or window films can also help mitigate cold air intrusion. Avoid placing Pothos near heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations are detrimental, and monitor indoor temperatures, particularly at night, to ensure the environment remains above 50°F (10°C). For outdoor plants in suitable climates, bring them inside before the first frost.
Reviving Cold-Damaged Pothos
If your Pothos has suffered cold damage, prompt and careful action can sometimes aid its recovery; the initial step involves moving the plant to a warmer, more temperate location, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C), while avoiding sudden drastic temperature changes. After the plant has stabilized in its new environment, assess the extent of the damage, and use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully remove any leaves that are entirely black, brown, or mushy, as these parts are unlikely to recover. However, avoid over-pruning, as this can further stress the plant. Check the soil moisture and water only if the top inch or two feels dry, as cold-stressed plants are sensitive to overwatering. Recovery requires patience, and new growth may take several weeks to appear.