Pothos, often called Devil’s Ivy, is a popular and resilient houseplant cherished for its lush foliage and trailing vines. It adapts to various indoor conditions, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. To ensure its vibrant growth and overall health, understanding its temperature preferences is important.
Ideal Temperature Range for Pothos
Pothos plants flourish in indoor environments that mimic their native tropical habitats. An optimal temperature range is typically between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Within this range, pothos efficiently photosynthesizes and develops healthy roots and vigorous foliage. Consistent temperatures allow the plant to allocate energy towards growth rather than stress recovery, contributing to its lush appearance and supporting its natural growth cycle.
Pothos and Cold Temperatures
Temperatures below the ideal range can stress a pothos plant. While they tolerate brief periods down to 50°F (10°C), consistent temperatures below this threshold cause damage. Prolonged exposure below 40°F (4°C) leads to irreversible harm. Symptoms of cold stress include blackening of leaves or stems, wilting, yellowing, and brown tips or patches.
If a pothos experiences cold shock, move it promptly to a warmer location, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C) and away from cold drafts. Check soil moisture, as cold-stressed plants are vulnerable to root rot if the soil remains waterlogged. Prune any severely blackened or mushy leaves to help the plant recover, but avoid over-pruning, which can further stress it.
Pothos and Hot Temperatures
Excessive heat can also lead to significant stress for pothos. While they can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) for short durations, sustained heat above this range can be detrimental. Temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C) are particularly problematic, especially if accompanied by direct sunlight. Signs of heat stress include leaves curling inward or cupping (the plant’s attempt to conserve moisture), brown, crispy edges, yellowing, or scorched patches. Stunted growth also indicates the plant is struggling with high temperatures.
If a pothos is exposed to excessive heat, move it to a cooler, shadier spot. Ensuring the plant receives adequate water is important, as high temperatures increase evaporation from the soil and transpiration from the leaves. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot in an already stressed plant. Providing temporary shade or increasing air circulation around the plant can also help reduce heat stress.
Protecting Pothos from Temperature Extremes
Proactive measures are effective for maintaining an optimal temperature environment for pothos and preventing stress from extremes. Strategic placement within the home is important. Position your pothos away from drafty windows and doors, especially during colder months, as sudden temperature fluctuations can be harmful. Avoid placing plants directly near heating or air conditioning vents, which can deliver blasts of hot or cold air and dry out the foliage.
Monitoring the room’s temperature with a thermometer can provide valuable insight, especially if your home experiences significant fluctuations. While pothos tolerates average household humidity, it appreciates higher levels, which can be beneficial in warmer conditions to aid transpiration. Grouping plants together can create a more humid microclimate. Adjusting watering frequency based on the ambient temperature and season is also important, as plants typically need less water in cooler conditions and more in warmer ones.