Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it generally prefers temperatures above 50°F (10°C). The plant is not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage or even die if exposed to temperatures below freezing for extended periods.
In general, it’s best to keep pothos in an environment where temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C).
However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause the plant’s leaves to yellow, wilt, or even drop off.
It’s advisable to protect pothos from cold drafts and keep it in a warm and stable environment.
Signs That It’s Too Hot for Pothos Plant
Pothos plants are generally resilient and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but excessive heat can stress them and lead to various issues. Here are seven signs that it might be too hot for your pothos plant:
Wilting Leaves
If the leaves of your pothos plant are wilting and drooping despite adequate watering, it could be a sign of heat stress.
Brown or Crispy Leaf Edges
High temperatures can cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown or become crispy. This is often a sign of heat stress and dehydration.
Yellowing Leaves
Leaves turning yellow and dropping off can be a sign of various stress factors, including excessive heat. The plant may be shedding leaves to conserve water and energy.
Stunted Growth
Excessive heat can slow down the growth of pothos plants. If you notice that your pothos is not growing as vigorously as usual, it could be due to high temperatures.
Dry Soil
Hot temperatures can cause the soil to dry out more quickly, leading to dry, parched soil around the roots of the plant. Regularly check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Faded or Bleached Leaves
Intense sunlight and heat can cause the leaves of pothos plants to become faded or bleached in appearance. This is especially common if the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Increased Pest Problems
High temperatures can create a more favorable environment for pests such as spider mites and aphids. If you notice an increase in pest activity on your pothos plant, it could be a sign that the temperature is too high.
Signs That It’s Too Cold for Pothos
Although pothos can tolerate a certain degree of coldness, they have their limits when it comes to cold temperatures.
Watch for some of these signs that indicate it’s too cold for your pothos plant:
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
Contrastingly, extreme cold temperatures can cause the leaves of pothos plants to become limp and droopy. This is often a sign of stress caused by exposure to cold drafts or temperatures.
Yellowing Leaves
While yellowing of leaves may show that the temperature around the pothos plant is high, it is also a sign that the temperature can be cold.
Due to the cold stress, the plant’s ability to take up nutrients and water is triggered, leading to yellowing and eventual leaf drop.
Stunted Growth
Cold temperatures can hinder the normal growth of the pothos plant. Optimal temperature allows for the plant to absorb water, which in turn goes to the leaves, allowing the pothos plant to thrive.
When the right temperature is needed by the plant is tampered with, there will be slowed growth.
Brown or Blackened Patches on Leaves
Exposure to cold temperatures can cause the leaves of pothos plants to develop brown or blackened patches. This is often a sign of frost damage and can lead to tissue necrosis and leaf death.
Frost Damage
If your pothos plant is exposed to freezing temperatures, it may suffer from frost damage. Frost can cause the leaves to become discolored, wilted, and mushy.
In severe cases, the entire plant may die back. 😥
Root Rot
Cold, damp conditions can create an environment conducive to root rot, a fungal disease that affects the roots of pothos and other indoor plants.
Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor emanating from the soil.
Reduced Water Uptake
Cold temperatures can slow down the pothos plant’s metabolic processes, including water uptake.
When the temperature is too cold, the plant experiences difficulties in absorbing water, leading to dehydration and stress.
How to Fix Cold Temperatures in Pothos Plant
Here are specific steps tailored to helping a Pothos plant recover from cold temperature damage:
Adjust the Interior Temperature
Move the Pothos plant to an environment with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), as Pothos prefers warmer conditions.
Prune Damaged Parts
Trim away any brown or blackened leaves and stems using clean scissors or pruning shears to encourage new growth and prevent further stress to the plant.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Place the Pothos in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can weaken the plant’s ability to recover from cold damage.
Maintain Optimal Watering Practices
Water the plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can exacerbate stress on the plant.
Maintain Humidity
Pothos plants thrive in environments with high humidity levels. Mist the leaves regularly or place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant to increase humidity levels.
Avoid Drafts
Keep the plant away from drafty areas such as windows, doors, and air vents, as cold drafts can cause further damage to the plant.
Fertilize Moderately
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide essential nutrients for recovery and growth.
If you are looking for the best fertilizer for pothos plant that will help your plant to recover quickly, here are my recommendations. You will never go wrong with any of these three:
- Pothos Fertilizer – Liquid Fertilizer for Indoor House Plants (pictured ⬆)
- Jack’s Classic All Purpose Fertilizer, 20-20-20 with Micronutrients and Plant Food, 4lbs
- Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Amino Acids (pictured ⬇)
How Cold Can Pothos Tolerate FAQs
Q: Can pothos tolerate cold drafts?
A: Pothos plants are sensitive to cold drafts, which can cause stress and damage to the leaves. It’s best to avoid placing pothos plants in areas where they are exposed to cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents.
Q: What is the lowest temperature pothos can survive?
A: While pothos plants can tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for short periods, the plant cannot survive if left in such temperatures for a prolonged period.
Q: Can pothos survive outdoors in cold climates?
A: Pothos plants are typically grown as indoor houseplants and are not well-suited for outdoor cultivation in cold climates. In regions with cold winters, pothos plants should be kept indoors or in protected areas to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Q: How do I protect my pothos from cold weather?
A: To protect pothos plants from cold weather, keep them indoors or in a warm, sheltered location during the winter months. Avoid placing pothos plants near drafty windows or doors, and consider using insulation or frost cloth to provide additional protection during periods of extreme cold.
Q: What should I do if my pothos is exposed to cold temperatures?
A: If your pothos plant has been exposed to cold temperatures and is showing signs of stress or damage, such as wilting or discoloring leaves, act quickly to help your plant recover. You can do so by moving the plant to a warmer location away from cold drafts and avoiding overwatering or fertilizing until it shows signs of improvement.
My Closing Thoughts on How Cold Can Pothos Tolerate
Remember, Pothos plants don’t like it too cold! They prefer warm places and might not do well if it gets too chilly.
So, try to keep them cozy and away from cold drafts. Taking care of your Pothos means keeping it happy and warm!
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