A pothos is a true indoor superstar, thriving in a wide range of temperatures thanks to its hardiness and adaptability.
These fast-growing climbers prefer temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F (21–32°C), which mimics the tropical conditions they like.
However, what happens if the temperature falls below freezing? Does a cold snap affect them? What if there was a severe heatwave?
Pothos thrive in warm climates. With enough water and good humidity, they can live in temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C). On the other hand, Pothos are not frost-tolerant and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Contents
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Pothos?
Pothos is a vine native to the rain forests of French Polynesia, where they thrive in the humid climate.
They’re true island darlings, attuned to the warmth of sunny days and the cool of starry nights alike.
You have to keep it between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for them to grow. So maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature for them is critical.
In general, low temperatures and low humidity levels are detrimental to all types of Pothos.
For example, a decrease in temperature of around 62°F (17°C) causes things to wither and die as growth slows and eventually stops altogether. (Source: University of Florida)
What Temperature Should Pothos Be In?
Pothos thrive in temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius) and humidity levels of at least 50 percent.
They’ll be fine in temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C) if you give them plenty of water and keep the humidity up.
If given the right conditions and care, they can thrive in conditions well above their normal range.
To get the best results, keep them warm and moist. As pothos are known for their rapid and enthusiastic production of new leaves and shoots, the slowed growth rate will be evident.
Place a thermometer near the Pothos’s pot to check the temperature when in doubt.
It’s a great way to keep tabs on your growing environment, as many digital styles also monitor humidity. (Check out the prices on Amazon here)
Signs Your Pothos Has Been Exposed to The Wrong Temperature
Leaves Drooping
Droopy leaves are an indication that the Pothos is dehydrated. This is more common in hot climates, but the root system also slows moisture absorption in cooler temperatures.
If the roots do not provide water, the leaves will wilt. However, several factors can cause your Pothos to droop. You can find out more about it in this post.
Although poor temperature should rise to the top of your list if you notice a sudden change in your local conditions
Blackened Leaves
Leaves that have been severely damaged by frostbite turn black. A drop in temperature causes the cell sap to freeze and expand in volume.
So, the pothos leaf tissue is ripped apart, and the cells die before turning black. It is tough to save a plant that has been damaged by frost.
Dry Leaf Edges
Poor temperature and humidity cause leaf dehydration, which is reflected in the dryness of the leaf margins.
It is easy for the air to become unbearably dry when it is cool because cool air holds moisture poorly.
Heat and cold have little effect on your home’s indoor plants, but the reduced humidity caused by air conditioning and central heating can harm them nonetheless.
Root systems also slow down and function less effectively when heat stressed, as mentioned earlier in this article. If the problem is not addressed, the leaf will begin to dry out from the tip outward.
Leaves Curling
More than low temperatures, a curled leaf indicates high temperatures. It denotes a heat-stressed Pothos attempting to stay calm.
This strategy reduces the leaf’s surface area, which helps the leaf retain moisture and maintain a cool internal temperature.
Sunscald
It’s hard to miss sunscald on a Pothos when the leaves turn brown or gray from exposure to too much light.
Low light is ideal for Jade Pothos and Marble Pothos, while bright light is ideal for Marble Pothos and Snow Queens.
Even the hardy Golden Pothos will burn if it spends too much time in direct sunlight.
This is because sunlight’s powerful ultraviolet radiation destroys plant tissues, causing the leaves to burn.
Can a Pothos survive outside in winter?
You can be sure to kill a Pothos by leaving it out in the cold during the winter. Most of the United States is too cold to grow Pothos outside in the winter.
If you’re fortunate enough to call the Hawaiian or Florida Keys islands home, you might want to give it some thought. This is a death sentence for everyone else.
If daytime temperatures fall below 70°F (21°C), bring your Pothos indoors immediately.
Damage will occur to the plant if the temperature drops below a certain threshold. However, the Pothos does not need to be exposed to subzero temperatures to suffer.
The risk of putting them on a cold but sunny porch is too high for them. But, on the other hand, they’ll be fine surviving the bleak winter months indoors.
Can Pothos Take Frost?
Pothos are not frost resistant. Their succulent leaves and slender vines were designed to thrive in high-humidity, tropical rainforest conditions.
While they can withstand heatwaves and periods of heavy rain and storms with relative ease, frost will kill them.
It’s essential to keep in mind that specific indoor environments can become dangerously cold for Pothos during the winter.
A Pothos cannot survive in closed places on weekends or holidays, such as offices and schools.
Out-of-the-way corners can also become cold enough to damage your Pothos.
In addition, cool air can accumulate in basements and other poorly ventilated areas and pose a danger to your plant.
Keep an eye out for areas around windows that may be cooler. In the winter, glass can get very cold, and leaves resting on it can freeze to the ground.
How Do You Take Care of Pothos During Winter?
- Maintain a 70–90°F (21–32°C) for the Pothos.
- Avoid drafts, cold corners, and frosty windows.
- Maintain proper hydration and humidity levels.
- Keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as curling leaves and slowed growth rates.
- Water only when the growing medium is dehydrated.