Can Pothos Survive Winter Outside

Pothos can survive winter outside, but only in very specific conditions.
 
If you’ve been wondering can pothos survive winter outside, the short answer is yes, but it depends entirely on your climate.
 
Many pothos owners assume their plant is tough enough for any weather, but that’s not quite true.
 
Pothos are tropical plants, so they really don’t like cold temperatures.
 
That doesn’t mean pothos can’t survive winter outside if you take the right steps.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when pothos can survive winter outside, how to protect them, and what to do if temperatures drop too low.
 
Let’s jump in.
 

Can Pothos Survive Winter Outside?

Yes, pothos can survive winter outside, but only in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12.
 
These zones rarely see frost, and winter temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
 
If you live in a warmer region, pothos can survive winter outside with almost no extra effort.
 
But for everyone else, pothos surviving winter outside is a challenge that requires planning.
 
Here’s what determines whether your pothos can make it through winter outdoors.
 

1. Temperature Tolerance of Pothos

Pothos plants are most comfortable between 65°F and 85°F (18–29°C).
 
When temperatures drop below 50°F, pothos stop growing and start to stress.
 
At 40°F or lower, leaf damage begins, and frost kills the plant quickly.
 
So if you ask can pothos survive winter outside, you need to look at your lowest winter temps.
 
If your area stays above 50°F, pothos can survive winter outside easily.
 
If not, pothos surviving winter outside becomes a gamble.
 

2. Microclimates and Protected Spots

Even in cooler zones, pothos can survive winter outside if placed in a protected microclimate.
 
A south-facing wall that absorbs heat during the day can keep pothos warm at night.
 
Under a covered porch or near a heated building also helps pothos survive winter outside.
 
These spots trap warmth and shield the plant from biting wind.
 
I’ve seen pothos survive winter outside in zone 9b when tucked against a brick wall.
 
So location matters a lot for pothos surviving winter outside.
 

3. Pothos in Containers vs. In-Ground

Pothos in containers are more vulnerable to cold than those planted in the ground.
 
Container roots freeze faster because the pot doesn’t insulate like soil.
 
In-ground pothos have more thermal mass, which helps them survive chilly nights.
 
If you want pothos to survive winter outside, planting them in the ground is safer.
 
But even in-ground pothos can struggle if frost sets in.
 

How to Help Pothos Survive Winter Outside

If you’re determined to keep pothos outdoors, there are ways to boost their chances.
 
These methods don’t guarantee pothos can survive winter outside in freezing zones, but they help.
 
Follow these tips to give your pothos the best shot at surviving winter outside.
 

1. Bring Pothos Indoors During Frost Warnings

The simplest way to help pothos survive winter outside is to bring them inside when temps drop.
 
If you keep pothos in a pot, you can move them to a garage or indoors overnight.
 
Even one night of frost can kill pothos, so don’t take chances.
 
This method allows pothos to survive winter outside during the day and come in at night.
 

2. Use Frost Cloth or Blankets

For pothos planted in the ground, cover them with frost cloth when freezing weather hits.
 
Frost cloth traps ground heat and keeps cold air off the leaves.
 
You can also use old blankets or sheets, but don’t let plastic touch the foliage.
 
Plastic conducts cold and damages leaves.
 
With good coverage, pothos can survive winter outside even in light frost.
 

3. Mulch Heavily Around the Base

Mulch insulates the roots, which is critical for pothos surviving winter outside.
 
Apply a thick layer of straw, bark, or leaves around the base of the plant.
 
The mulch should be at least 3–4 inches deep.
 
This keeps the root zone warmer and helps pothos survive winter outside longer.
 

4. Choose a Sheltered Location

Before planting, pick a spot that’s naturally protected.
 
Near a building, under an eave, or beside a fence all work well.
 
Wind chill is a big threat, so blocking gusts helps pothos survive winter outside.
 
A sheltered location can make a 5–10°F difference in effective temperature.
 

What Happens if Pothos Freezes Outside?

If temperatures drop below freezing and pothos aren’t protected, damage is likely.
 
Knowing the signs helps you decide if the plant can be saved.
 
Even if you see damage, pothos can survive winter outside with some recovery care.
 

1. Leaf Damage and Blackening

The first sign of frost damage is black, mushy leaves.
 
These leaves are dead and won’t recover.
 
Cut them off to prevent rot from spreading to healthy parts.
 
If only leaves are damaged, the stems and roots may still be alive.
 

2. Root Rot from Cold Soil

Cold, wet soil leads to root rot.
 
Even if pothos survive winter outside above ground, soggy roots can kill them.
 
Make sure the soil drains well before winter arrives.
 
If you notice wilting after cold weather, check the roots for mush.
 

3. Recovery After Frost

Don’t prune damaged pothos immediately after a frost.
 
Wait until the danger of further cold passes.
 
Then trim dead parts and move the plant to a warm spot if possible.
 
With some patience, pothos can survive winter outside and regrow from healthy stems.
 
New growth often appears within a few weeks if the roots are intact.
 

So, Can Pothos Survive Winter Outside?

Pothos can survive winter outside, but only in warm climates or with careful protection.
 
If you live in zones 10–12, pothos surviving winter outside is no problem at all.
 
In cooler zones, pothos can survive winter outside if you use frost cloth, mulch, and sheltered spots.
 
But in areas with hard freezes, bringing pothos indoors is the safest bet.
 
Always check your local weather and err on the side of caution.
 
Now you know the answer to can pothos survive winter outside, so you can keep your pothos happy and healthy all year.