Can You Put A Pothos Plant Outside

Yes, you can put a pothos plant outside in the right conditions.
 
Pothos plants thrive outdoors when temperatures are warm and they receive bright but indirect light.
 
If you’ve been wondering can you put a pothos plant outside, the short answer is yes, with a few important caveats.
 
Putting a pothos plant outside can give it more space to grow and access to natural humidity.
 
But you need to protect it from direct sun, cold drafts, and pests.
 
In this post, we’ll cover when you can put a pothos plant outside, what conditions it needs, and how to transition it safely.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When You Can Put a Pothos Plant Outside

The best time to put a pothos plant outside is during the warmer months.
 
Pothos are tropical plants that cannot handle frost or cold temperatures.
 
You can put a pothos plant outside in spring after the last frost date has passed.
 
Wait until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) consistently.
 
If you put a pothos plant outside too early, cold damage can cause leaves to yellow and drop.
 
Here’s what to consider when deciding can you put a pothos plant outside in your climate.
 

1. Ideal Temperature Range for Outdoor Pothos

Pothos plants are happiest between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
 
If you put a pothos plant outside and temperatures dip below 50°F, the plant will suffer.
 
Prolonged cold can kill the plant.
 
So only put a pothos plant outside when the weather is reliably warm.
 

2. Light Requirements for Outdoor Pothos

Pothos prefer bright, indirect light outdoors.
 
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, turning them brown and crispy.
 
A spot under a patio cover, beside a porch, or under a tree canopy works well.
 
You can put a pothos plant outside in a north- or east-facing location for the gentlest light.
 
If you notice leaf burn, move the plant to a shadier area immediately.
 

3. Acclimation Is Key

Never take an indoor pothos and suddenly put it in full outdoor sun.
 
That will shock the plant.
 
When you put a pothos plant outside, do it gradually over a week.
 
Start with one hour in a shaded spot, then increase exposure daily.
 
This slow acclimation helps the plant adjust without stress.
 

Where to Put a Pothos Plant Outside for Best Growth

Location matters when you put a pothos plant outside.
 
Choosing the right spot ensures your plant thrives instead of just surviving.
 

1. Under a Covered Patio or Porch

This location provides filtered light and protection from heavy rain.
 
Pothos leaves can rot if they stay wet too long.
 
You can put a pothos plant outside under a porch and still enjoy its trailing vines.
 

2. On a Balcony or Deck with Shade Cloth

If you have a balcony that gets direct afternoon sun, use a shade cloth.
 
That lets you put a pothos plant outside without burning it.
 
Hanging baskets work wonderfully for trailing pothos in these spots.
 

3. In a Hanging Basket Under a Tree

Trees provide dappled sunlight, perfect for pothos.
 
You can put a pothos plant outside in a hanging basket from a sturdy branch.
 
Just make sure the tree isn’t dropping sap or attracting pests that might bother your pothos.
 

Common Concerns When You Put a Pothos Plant Outside

Even with perfect placement, outdoor pothos face challenges.
 
Knowing these in advance helps you keep your plant healthy.
 

1. Pests – Watch for Them

Indoor pothos rarely see pests, but outdoors is different.
 
Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can attack when you put a pothos plant outside.
 
Check leaves weekly and rinse them with water or apply insecticidal soap if needed.
 

2. Overwatering from Rain

Pothos like their soil to dry out between waterings.
 
If you put a pothos plant outside in a rainy period, the soil may stay soggy.
 
That can lead to root rot.
 
Use a pot with drainage holes and consider moving it under cover during heavy rain.
 

3. Wind Damage

Strong winds can tear delicate pothos leaves.
 
They can also dry out the soil faster.
 
When you put a pothos plant outside, choose a sheltered spot away from constant gusts.
 

So, Can You Put a Pothos Plant Outside?

Yes, you can put a pothos plant outside, but only when conditions are right.
 
Warm temperatures, indirect light, and gradual acclimation are essential.
 
If you put a pothos plant outside in the right season and spot, it will reward you with vigorous growth and vibrant leaves.
 
Just keep an eye on weather changes, pests, and watering needs.
 
Bring the plant back indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F in the fall.
 
Hope this guide helped you decide can you put a pothos plant outside and how to do it safely.
 
Happy growing.