Can Pothos Be Kept Outside

Pothos can be kept outside, but only under the right conditions.
 
If you’ve been wondering “can pothos be kept outside” in your garden or on your patio, the answer is yes, though this tropical vine has specific needs that differ from indoor care.
 
You can keep pothos outside in warm climates or during summer months, but it won’t thrive if exposed to cold temperatures, direct sun, or neglect.
 
In this post, we’ll cover why pothos can be kept outside, the best conditions for outdoor pothos, and what to watch out for to keep your plant happy.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Pothos Can Be Kept Outside

Pothos can be kept outside because it’s a resilient tropical plant that adapts to various environments when conditions are right.
 
Here’s why outdoor life works for this hardy vine.
 

1. Pothos Is a Tropical Native

Pothos originates from warm, humid forests in Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands.
 
In its natural habitat, pothos grows up tree trunks and along the forest floor in dappled shade.
 
This means pothos can be kept outside in climates that mimic those tropical conditions — zones 10 to 12 on the USDA hardiness scale.
 
If your region doesn’t freeze and stays above 50°F, your pothos will feel right at home outdoors.
 

2. It Thrives in Warmth and Humidity

Outdoor summer heat and humidity are actually ideal for pothos.
 
Pothos can be kept outside when temperatures range between 60°F and 85°F.
 
High humidity encourages lush leaf growth and keeps the plant from drying out.
 
If you live in a dry area, you might need to mist your outdoor pothos or place it near a water feature.
 

3. Bright Indirect Light Works Best

Pothos can be kept outside in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day.
 
Direct afternoon sun will scorch the leaves, causing brown patches and faded color.
 
A covered porch, under a tree canopy, or on a north or east-facing balcony is perfect.
 
If you notice leaves turning pale or crispy, move the plant to more shade immediately.
 

Best Conditions for Outdoor Pothos

To successfully keep pothos outside, you need to set up the right environment.
 
Here are the key factors that determine whether pothos can be kept outside and flourish.
 

1. Choose the Right Container and Soil

If you’re planting pothos in a pot outdoors, use a container with drainage holes.
 
Pothos can be kept outside in well-draining potting mix that doesn’t stay soggy.
 
Outdoor rain can easily overwater your plant, so lift the pot after a storm to check for standing water.
 
Mix in perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage if needed.
 

2. Water More Frequently Than Indoors

Outdoor pothos dries out faster due to wind, sun, and heat.
 
Pothos can be kept outside as long as you water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
 
During hot spells, you might need to water every two to three days.
 
Stick your finger into the soil — if it’s dry, give it a good soak until water runs out the bottom.
 

3. Protect From Wind and Pests

Strong winds can damage leaves and dry out the plant.
 
Place your outdoor pothos in a sheltered spot, such as near a wall or under an overhang.
 
Pothos can be kept outside, but it may attract common outdoor pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs.
 
Check the undersides of leaves weekly and spray with insecticidal soap if you spot trouble.
 

When Can Pothos NOT Be Kept Outside?

While pothos can be kept outside in many situations, there are times when outdoor living is risky.
 
Here’s when you should bring your pothos back indoors.
 

1. When Temperatures Drop Below 50°F

Pothos is not frost-tolerant at all.
 
Pothos can be kept outside only when nighttime lows stay above 50°F.
 
If you leave it out in cold weather, the leaves will turn yellow, then brown, and the plant may die.
 
Bring it inside before fall frosts arrive, typically when nighttime temps hit 55°F as a safety margin.
 

2. In Full Direct Sunlight

Harsh, direct midday sun is a death sentence for most pothos varieties.
 
Pothos can be kept outside in shaded or filtered light, but never in unrelenting sun.
 
If you have a south-facing patio with no cover, keep your pothos in a hanging basket under a pergola or move it to a shadier corner.
 

3. When Soil Dries Out Completely

Outdoor pots can dry out shockingly fast on hot days.
 
Pothos can be kept outside if you stay on top of watering — but if you travel or forget, the plant will wilt quickly.
 
Dehydrated pothos leaves droop and become crispy; they rarely recover fully.
 
Set a reminder or use a self-watering pot if you tend to forget.
 

So, Can Pothos Be Kept Outside?

Pothos can be kept outside, yes — but with clear limitations.
 
You need to provide warm temperatures, bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and protection from wind and pests.
 
Pothos can be kept outside during the growing season in most regions, but it will need to come indoors when cold weather hits.
 
If you follow the guidelines above — choosing the right spot, watering properly, and watching for stress — your pothos will reward you with vigorous growth and those beautiful trailing vines.
 
So go ahead and give your pothos a summer vacation outdoors.
 
Just keep an eye on the thermometer and the sun angle, and your plant will thrive.