Can Pothos Tolerate Cold

Pothos can tolerate cold, but only up to a point.
 
These popular houseplants are tropical by nature, so they don’t handle freezing temperatures well.
 
If you’ve been wondering, can pothos tolerate cold conditions in your home or outdoors, the short answer is yes, but only mild cool spells.
 
While pothos can tolerate cold as low as 50°F for short periods, anything below that starts to damage the leaves and roots.
 
Understanding how your pothos tolerates cold temperatures helps you keep it healthy year‑round.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what cold your pothos can handle, signs it’s too cold, and how to protect it.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Pothos Can Tolerate Cold – But Not Freezing

Can pothos tolerate cold like a hardy outdoor shrub?
 
Not really.
 
But pothos can tolerate cold to a certain degree because of their native environment.
 
Here’s what you need to know.
 

1. Native Habitat in Warm Climates

Pothos come from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
 
Those regions stay warm and humid all year, rarely dipping below 60°F.
 
Because of that, pothos can tolerate cold only when temperatures remain above 50°F.
 
Below that, their cells begin to struggle.
 

2. The Safe Temperature Range

For healthy growth, keep your pothos between 65°F and 85°F.
 
While pothos can tolerate cold down to 50°F for a night or two, prolonged exposure causes stress.
 
If you’re asking, can pothos tolerate cold drafts from windows or doors, the answer is no.
 
Even a brief chill from a draft can damage the foliage.
 

3. Why Pothos Tolerate Cold Better Than Some Tropicals

Pothos have thick, waxy leaves that help them hold moisture.
 
This adaptation lets pothos tolerate cold slightly better than plants like ferns or calatheas.
 
But pothos can tolerate cold only if the roots stay warm and dry.
 
Cold, wet soil is a fast track to root rot.
 

Signs Your Pothos Is Getting Too Cold

Even though pothos can tolerate cold in small doses, they show clear warning signs when the chill is too much.
 
Look for these symptoms.
 

1. Leaves Turning Yellow or Black

When pothos can’t tolerate cold any longer, the leaves change color.
 
Yellowing usually starts at the leaf edges, then spreads inward.
 
If the cold is severe, black or mushy patches appear.
 
This is cell death from frost damage.
 

2. Drooping or Wilting Stems

Pothos tolerate cold by slowing down their metabolic processes.
 
But if the cold persists, the stems lose turgor pressure and begin to droop.
 
Your pothos may look sad and floppy even though you’ve watered it properly.
 

3. Stunted Growth and Leaf Drop

Pothos can tolerate cold for a short while, but growth will stall.
 
New leaves may be small or deformed.
 
Eventually, older leaves drop off to conserve energy.
 
If you notice leaves falling, your pothos is telling you it’s too cold.
 

How to Help Pothos Tolerate Cold Weather

The good news is you can do plenty to keep your pothos happy when the temperature drops.
 
Here are practical tips so your pothos can tolerate cold without suffering.
 

1. Move It Away from Drafts

Even if your pothos can tolerate cold air inside, drafts are worse.
 
Keep your plant away from drafty windows, doors, and air conditioning vents.
 
A spot with stable warmth helps pothos tolerate cold much better.
 

2. Use a Heat Mat or Grow Light

When indoor temperatures dip near 50°F, a heat mat under the pot raises root temperature.
 
Warm roots help your pothos tolerate cold conditions more effectively.
 
Grow lights also add gentle warmth and keep growth active.
 

3. Reduce Watering in Cooler Months

Pothos tolerate cold better when the soil is on the drier side.
 
Cold, wet soil encourages root rot and fungal issues.
 
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
 
This allows pothos to tolerate cold without extra moisture stress.
 

4. Bring Outdoor Pothos Inside Before Frost

If you grow pothos on a porch or balcony, bring them in before nighttime temperatures fall below 55°F.
 
While pothos can tolerate cold briefly outdoors, a single frost can kill the plant.
 
Indoors, they’ll stay safe and happy.
 

So, Can Pothos Tolerate Cold?

Pothos can tolerate cold, but only mild cool temperatures above 50°F.
 
They are tropical plants at heart, so they don’t handle frost or extended cold well.
 
If you keep your pothos away from drafts and in a warm room, it will thrive even in winter.
 
Watch for yellowing leaves or drooping stems as signs your pothos is struggling with the cold.
 
Now you know exactly how much cold your pothos can tolerate and how to protect it.
 
Keep your green friend cozy, and it will reward you with beautiful, trailing vines year after year.