Pothos plants, known for their hardiness and beautiful trailing vines, are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardeners. Hailing from tropical regions, these versatile plants thrive in warmer temperatures and can even withstand the occasional temperature dip. However, as winter approaches and temperatures become increasingly colder, it is crucial to understand when to bring your pothos indoors to ensure its health and survival.
During the warmer months, your pothos can thrive outdoors, gracing your garden or patio with its lush foliage. But as the temperatures begin to cool and fall transitions into winter, protecting your pothos from the cold becomes essential. Ideally, you should move your pothos indoors before the first frost or when nocturnal temperatures start to approach 50 degrees, as prolonged exposure to colder temperatures may lead to browning leaves and even plant death.
Bringing your pothos inside for the winter may be a necessary task to keep your plant healthy and thriving. By closely monitoring weather conditions, providing adequate sunlight, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, you can ensure the well-being of your pothos throughout the colder months. Remember, a little extra care and attention during this period can truly make a difference in the overall health and longevity of your beloved pothos plant.
What Is Pothos
Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular and easy-to-grow indoor plant. This tropical plant originates from the Solomon Islands and features attractive, heart-shaped leaves with various shades of green, making it a favorite choice among plant enthusiasts.
One of the reasons for pothos’ popularity is its ability to adapt to various lighting conditions. It thrives in bright but indirect light, which is ideal for indoor spaces. However, it can also tolerate low light environments, though with reduced variegation in the leaves.
Pothos plants require minimal maintenance and care, as they are not demanding when it comes to watering and fertilization. They can grow in humidity levels above 40%, but higher humidity, as found in their native habitats, helps the plant thrive.
Another advantage of pothos is its ability to purify indoor air. It’s known for its air-filtering properties, improving the quality of the air in your home by absorbing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene.
In summary, pothos is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of nature to your indoor spaces. They’re perfect for beginners or busy individuals looking for an attractive yet easy-to-care-for indoor plant.
Outdoor Vs. Indoor Growth
Pothos plants are versatile and can grow both outdoors and indoors. However, there are some differences between the two growth environments that must be considered when deciding when to bring your pothos inside.
Outdoors, pothos can enjoy the sunlight and fresh air which helps them grow vigorously. In fact, some pothos varieties are able to grow up to 12 inches per month during the active growing season if placed in bright, indirect light. When grown outside, it’s essential to protect them from extreme temperatures, both high and low, as they prefer a temperate range of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, growing pothos indoors requires attention to the lighting condition, as placing them in an area with bright but indirect light is crucial for their optimal growth. Pothos can lose their variegation and become all-green if not exposed to enough light. Ensuring that they receive adequate light will help them maintain their stunning patterns and colors.
Temperature is also important when growing pothos indoors. The optimal temperature range for indoor growth is between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they will not flourish.
To summarize, when deciding to bring your pothos inside, consider the following factors:
- Light: Place them in a bright area with indirect sunlight for optimal leaf variegation and growth.
- Temperature: Keep them in an environment with a temperature range of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season: Transfer your pothos indoors if the outdoor temperature is expected to fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or climb too high, as they prefer a stable, moderate temperature.
By paying attention to these guidelines, you can ensure that your pothos plants thrive as they transition from outdoors to indoors.
When to Bring Pothos Inside
Temperature Changes
Pothos plants are tropical, making them sensitive to colder weather. It is essential to bring them inside before the temperature drops below 70°F, as they might become droopy and unhealthy if exposed to cold climates for extended periods. When the weather begins to cool, keep an eye on local frost forecasts and ensure you move your pothos indoors before the first frost of the season.
Signs of Weather Damage
There are various indicators that your pothos may be experiencing weather-related stress, and it’s crucial to recognize these signs early to protect the plant. When pothos leaves start to turn brown, it is a clear indication that the plant requires warmer conditions and should be brought indoors. In addition to browning leaves, the sudden collapse of the plant or black spots on the leaves can indicate that the soil is too wet and has been left in damp conditions. To address this, let the plant’s soil dry out completely between waterings, preventing root rot and other complications.
By keeping a close eye on your pothos plant, you can ensure its health and longevity as you transition it from outdoor to indoor settings during colder months. Remember to monitor temperature changes and watch for any weather damage signs to make the shift as smooth as possible for your beloved plant.
How to Transition Pothos Indoors
Choosing the Right Location
When bringing your pothos plant inside for the winter, it is essential to select the appropriate location for it. Place the pothos in a bright spot near a window, where it will receive indirect sunlight. This will help it thrive indoors throughout the winter months source.
Adjusting Watering and Fertilization
During the transition to an indoor environment, it is crucial to adjust the watering and fertilization of your pothos plant. Let the plant’s soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot source. It is advisable to:
- Water the pothos when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilize it monthly with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer source
When the plant starts to droop, it is indicating that it needs water to revive itself source.
Checking for Pests
Before bringing your pothos plant indoors, it is essential to check for any pests that might have made their home in your plant. Carefully examine the leaves, stems, and soil to ensure your pothos is pest-free. If you find any pests, treat the plant accordingly to prevent infestation inside your home.
Transitioning your pothos plant indoors, choosing the right location, adjusting its watering and fertilization, and checking for pests will help it thrive throughout the winter months. Remember to follow these steps, and your pothos will continue to grow beautifully indoors.
Benefits
Conclusion
In summary, pothos plants are excellent additions to both indoor and outdoor spaces, but it is important to understand their needs when it comes to temperature changes. Since pothos plants thrive best in temperatures above 70°F, it is crucial to monitor the climate and adjust accordingly.
As the temperature drops, it is essential to bring your pothos indoors before the first frost to protect it from the cold. Ensure you find a suitable location with indirect sunlight, and continue to provide regular watering and care even when the plant is indoors.
Remember that pothos plants are fast-growing and can continue to flourish during the colder months indoors with proper care. Some recommendations to maintain a healthy pothos vine include:
- Watering when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilizing monthly during the growing season
- Pruning to encourage new growth
By adhering to these care tips, you can ensure that your pothos plant remains vibrant and healthy, regardless of the changes in climate. While outdoors, be sure to provide adequate protection against harsh weather conditions, as well as monitor the plant’s growth and development regularly.
In the end, a well-cared-for pothos plant can thrive both indoors and outdoors, as long as you keep its specific needs in mind during varying temperatures and weather conditions.
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My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
