When To Bring Pothos Inside

The best time to bring pothos inside is when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C).
 
Many pothos owners wonder when to bring pothos inside for the winter, and this temperature threshold is the key signal.
 
Pothos are tropical plants that cannot tolerate frost, so knowing when to bring pothos inside keeps them from suffering cold damage.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself “when to bring pothos inside,” the answer also depends on your local climate and the plant’s exposure.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the exact signs that tell you when to bring pothos inside, how to transition them smoothly, and what happens if you wait too long.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

When to Bring Pothos Inside: The Key Signs

Knowing when to bring pothos inside means watching both the calendar and your plant’s behavior.
 
Here are the main indicators that it’s time to bring your pothos indoors.
 

1. Nighttime Temperatures Hit 50°F (10°C)

The most important rule for when to bring pothos inside is the temperature drop.
 
Pothos are cold-sensitive, and exposure to temperatures below 50°F can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth.
 
If you see the forecast showing lows in the upper 40s, that’s your definitive sign of when to bring pothos inside.
 
Check your local weather starting in early fall, especially if you live in a region with unpredictable snaps.
 
The moment you see that first chill coming, it’s time to bring your pothos indoors for the season.
 

2. The First Frost Warning

Frost is deadly to pothos, so your “when to bring pothos inside” calendar should mark the average first frost date for your area.
 
Even one light frost can kill leaves and damage the stems beyond recovery.
 
Once a frost advisory is issued, you need to bring pothos inside immediately, even if the daytime temperature still feels warm.
 
Don’t wait for visible frost on the grass; by then it may already be too late for your plant.
 
Setting a reminder a week before your region’s typical first frost helps you know exactly when to bring pothos inside.
 

3. Your Pothos Shows Stress Symptoms

Sometimes your plant tells you when to bring pothos inside earlier than any thermometer.
 
If you notice leaves turning pale, drooping, or curling inward, the outdoor conditions may already be too harsh.
 
Another sign is slowed growth – if your pothos isn’t putting out new leaves like it did in summer, it’s pleading for indoor life.
 
These visible cues should be taken seriously when deciding when to bring pothos inside, even if the temperature hasn’t quite hit 50°F yet.
 
Remember, pothos respond to cumulative stress, not just sudden cold.
 

How to Transition Your Pothos When You Bring It Inside

Once you know when to bring pothos inside, the next step is doing it gently.
 
A sudden move from bright outdoor light to dim indoor conditions can shock your plant.
 
Follow these tips for a smooth transition.
 

1. Inspect for Pests Before Moving

Before you bring pothos inside, check every leaf and stem for aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs.
 
These pests love to hitchhike indoors and can infest your other houseplants.
 
Wipe down leaves with a mild soapy water solution or neem oil spray to remove any unwanted guests.
 
This step is essential when you bring pothos inside, because it prevents a full-scale indoor pest outbreak.
 

2. Gradually Acclimate to Indoor Light

Place your pothos in a spot with bright, indirect light first, then move it to its permanent location after a week.
 
Directly shifting from full sun to a low-light corner can cause leaf drop and leggy growth.
 
When you bring pothos inside, the plant needs time to adjust its photosynthesis to lower light levels.
 
A north- or east-facing window is ideal for the first few days.
 

3. Adjust Watering Immediately

Outdoor pothos often dry out faster than indoor ones, so once you bring pothos inside, reduce watering frequency.
 
Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels moist, wait a few more days.
 
Overwatering is the most common mistake made right after you bring pothos inside, leading to root rot.
 
Let the soil dry out more than you did during summer, because indoor evaporation is slower.
 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Bring Pothos Inside?

Delaying when to bring pothos inside can have serious consequences.
 
Here’s what you risk by ignoring the signs.
 

1. Cold Damage and Leaf Death

If you leave your pothos out past the ideal when-to-bring-pothos-inside window, leaves may turn black or mushy.
 
Cold damage is irreversible on affected foliage, and you’ll have to prune away the dead parts.
 
The plant can recover if the roots and main stem survive, but it will look bare for a while.
 

2. Root Zone Chill

Even if the air temperature is okay, the soil in a pot can get much colder than the ground.
 
When the pot sits on a cold patio overnight, the roots can be damaged even if the leaves seem fine.
 
This is a hidden risk that makes knowing when to bring pothos inside even more critical.
 
Chilled roots stop absorbing water, leading to wilting that mimics underwatering.
 

3. Long Recovery Time

A pothos that endured cold exposure will take weeks to bounce back, even with proper care.
 
New growth may not appear until spring, and you’ll miss out on those lush trailing vines through winter.
 
That’s why the best approach is to bring pothos inside well before the first frost, not after.
 

So, When Is the Best Time to Bring Pothos Inside?

The best time to bring pothos inside is when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 50°F, ideally a week before your area’s first frost date.
 
Bringing pothos inside at that point protects them from cold damage, pest invasions, and unnecessary stress.
 
By checking the forecast, watching for leaf changes, and transitioning gradually, you’ll keep your pothos happy all winter long.
 
Now you know exactly when to bring pothos inside, so you can enjoy your plant indoors without worry.
 
Hope this guide helps you make the perfect call on when to bring pothos inside this season.