Can You Keep Pothos Outside

Yes, you can keep pothos outside as long as you provide the right conditions for this versatile vine.
 
Pothos are native to tropical forests, so they love warmth and humidity.
 
If you’ve been asking can you keep pothos outside, the simple answer is yes, but with some care.
 
You can keep pothos outside in containers or hanging baskets during frost-free seasons.
 
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping pothos outside successfully.
 
Let’s get your pothos thriving in the great outdoors.
 

Can You Keep Pothos Outside? Yes, With the Right Setup

Ideal Temperature Range for Outdoor Pothos

When you keep pothos outside, temperature is the most critical factor for survival.
 
Pothos thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C).
 
If you keep pothos outside in colder climates, bring them indoors before frost threatens.
 
You can keep pothos outside year-round only in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
 
Can you keep pothos outside in winter? Only if you live in a frost-free area or protect them.
 
Sudden cold snaps can damage leaves, so always check the forecast when keeping pothos outside.
 

Light Requirements for Pothos Outdoors

Light is another key factor when you keep pothos outside.
 
Pothos prefer bright, indirect light, similar to the dappled shade of a tree.
 
If you keep pothos outside in direct afternoon sun, leaves can scorch and turn brown.
 
You can keep pothos outside on a covered porch or under a patio for filtered light.
 
Keeping pothos outside in too much shade will result in slow growth and faded variegation.
 
Finding the right balance is easy when you keep pothos outside in a spot with morning sun.
 

Protecting Pothos from Harsh Elements

Wind and heavy rain can stress plants when you keep pothos outside.
 
Wind dries out soil faster and can tear delicate leaves.
 
When you keep pothos outside, place them in a sheltered corner or near a wall.
 
You can keep pothos outside in hanging baskets that you can move if a storm comes.
 
Using pots with drainage holes is essential when keeping pothos outside to avoid root rot.
 
Mulching the top of the soil can help retain moisture when you keep pothos outside.
 

Acclimating Pothos to Outdoors

Don’t just move an indoor pothos straight outside.
 
When you keep pothos outside for the first time, harden them off gradually.
 
Start by placing your pothos outside in shade for a few hours each day.
 
Increase exposure over a week so your pothos can adjust to outdoor conditions.
 
This gentle transition is key to successfully keeping pothos outside without shock.
 

Best Practices for Keeping Pothos Outside

Choosing the Right Spot

Choosing the perfect location is crucial when you keep pothos outside.
 
East-facing spots that get morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal.
 
You can keep pothos outside near a fence or building that provides some warmth.
 
Avoid spots that get full midday sun as that will scorch the leaves.
 
If you keep pothos outside in a hanging basket, ensure it’s under a roof overhang.
 
This protects your pothos from harsh rain and direct sunlight.
 

Watering and Soil Needs

Watering changes when you keep pothos outside compared to indoors.
 
Outdoor pothos dry out faster due to sun and wind.
 
You should water your pothos outside whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
 
In hot summer months, you may need to water your pothos outside daily.
 
Use a well-draining potting mix when keeping pothos outside to prevent soggy roots.
 
Adding perlite or orchid bark can improve drainage for your pothos outside.
 

Fertilizing Pothos Outdoors

When you keep pothos outside, fertilize them monthly during spring and summer.
 
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
 
You can keep pothos outside growing vigorously with regular feeding.
 
Stop fertilizing in fall when growth slows down.
 
Too much fertilizer can burn roots, so follow instructions carefully when keeping pothos outside.
 

Pest Prevention for Outdoor Pothos

Keeping pothos outside attracts more pests like aphids, scale, and spider mites.
 
Inspect the leaves of your pothos outside weekly for any signs of infestation.
 
You can keep pothos outside pest-free by spraying with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
 
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs near your pothos outside.
 
Good air circulation also helps prevent pest problems when you keep pothos outside.
 

When Should You Not Keep Pothos Outside?

Cold Weather and Frost Risks

You cannot keep pothos outside if temperatures drop below 50°F consistently.
 
Frost will kill pothos, so it’s unsafe to keep pothos outside in winter in most regions.
 
If you keep pothos outside in pots, you can bring them indoors during cold snaps.
 
Can you keep pothos outside in spring? Yes, but only after all frost danger has passed.
 
Monitoring the weather is essential when you keep pothos outside temporarily.
 

Direct Sunlight and Leaf Burn

Avoid keeping pothos outside in locations with intense, direct sun.
 
Leaf burn appears as brown, crispy patches on the leaves.
 
You can keep pothos outside successfully by choosing a spot with shade during peak hours.
 
If you notice burn, move your pothos to a shadier outdoor spot immediately.
 
Variegated pothos are especially sensitive to direct sun when kept outside.
 

Low Humidity and Dry Conditions

While pothos are adaptable, they prefer humidity.
 
If you keep pothos outside in a very dry climate, leaves may brown at the tips.
 
You can keep pothos outside happy by misting them or placing a humidifier nearby.
 
Grouping plants together can also raise humidity around your pothos outside.
 
In arid regions, it’s better to keep pothos outside in a shaded, moist area.
 

So, Can You Keep Pothos Outside?

Yes, you can keep pothos outside successfully with proper planning and care.
 
Can you keep pothos outside in all climates? Only if you protect them from extremes.
 
If you follow the tips above, you can keep pothos outside and watch them thrive.
 
The key is to mimic their natural tropical environment as much as possible.
 
So go ahead and try keeping pothos outside this season for a beautiful outdoor display.
 
Your pothos will reward you with lush, trailing vines all summer long.