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Pothos will survive winter if you give them a little extra attention during the cold months.
Your pothos can survive winter just fine as long as you adjust watering, light, and temperature.
Many people worry about whether their pothos will survive winter indoors, but these hardy houseplants are naturally forgiving.
A pothos will survive winter even in less-than-ideal spots in your home.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how pothos can survive winter, what conditions help, and what to avoid.
Let’s dig in.
Why Pothos Can Survive Winter
Pothos can survive winter because they’re incredibly adaptable tropical plants.
They don’t require blazing sun or high humidity to keep going.
Here’s what makes pothos so good at surviving winter indoors.
1. Pothos Are Naturally Low-Light Tolerant
During winter, daylight hours shorten and the sun sits lower in the sky.
A pothos will survive winter even in a room with only indirect or artificial light.
Their leaves contain chlorophyll that works efficiently in dim conditions.
This means your pothos can survive winter without needing a grow light.
2. They Enter a Slow-Growth Mode
Pothos will survive winter by slowing down their metabolism naturally.
Growth pauses, and the plant conserves energy instead of pushing out new leaves.
This dormancy-like state is exactly why pothos can survive winter with less water and fertilizer.
Don’t be alarmed if your pothos looks a bit stagnant — that’s normal.
3. Pothos Tolerate Drier Indoor Air
Winter heating systems dry out the air in most homes.
Many tropical plants suffer, but pothos can survive winter in low humidity without issue.
Their waxy leaves hold in moisture, so they don’t crisp up quickly.
That’s another reason your pothos will survive winter with ease.
How to Help Pothos Survive Winter Indoors
Even though pothos will survive winter naturally, a little help goes a long way.
Follow these tips to keep your pothos surviving winter in top shape.
1. Cut Back on Watering
Overwatering is the biggest mistake during winter.
Since pothos will survive winter in a semi-dormant state, they use far less water.
Let the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Too much moisture can cause root rot, which is one thing that can stop a pothos from surviving winter.
2. Keep Them Away from Cold Drafts
A pothos will survive winter as long as it stays above 50°F (10°C).
Cold drafts from windows, doors, or heating vents can stress the plant.
Place your pothos in a spot where temperatures stay between 60–75°F (15–24°C).
That steady warmth helps your pothos survive winter without shock.
3. Provide Brighter Indirect Light
Even though pothos can survive winter in low light, a bit more light helps.
Move your pothos closer to a south- or east-facing window.
Just avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves through the cold glass.
With adequate light, your pothos will survive winter with less leaf drop.
4. Stop Fertilizing Until Spring
Pothos will survive winter without any fertilizer at all.
Feeding during dormant months can cause weak, leggy growth.
Wait until March or April before resuming your regular feeding schedule.
This rest period helps your pothos survive winter more naturally.
Common Winter Problems and How Pothos Can Still Survive
Sometimes pothos face challenges in winter, but they’re resilient.
Here’s how pothos can survive winter despite a few hiccups.
1. Yellow Leaves on Pothos in Winter
Yellow leaves often scare plant parents.
A pothos will survive winter even if a few lower leaves yellow and drop.
This is usually a sign of overwatering or too much temperature fluctuation.
Simply adjust watering and move the plant to a more stable spot.
Your pothos will survive winter and push out new growth in spring.
2. Leaf Curling or Drooping
Dry air or cold drafts can make leaves curl.
A pothos will survive winter if you mist it occasionally or group it with other plants.
You can also place a shallow tray of water nearby to boost humidity.
These small fixes ensure your pothos survives winter looking healthy.
3. Pests Like Spider Mites
Winter brings dry air, which spider mites love.
Even if pests show up, your pothos will survive winter with a quick wipe-down.
Use a damp cloth to clean leaves or spray with insecticidal soap.
Pothos are tough — they’ll bounce back fast.
So, Will Pothos Survive Winter?
Pothos will survive winter.
These forgiving houseplants are built to handle shorter days, cooler temperatures, and lower humidity.
As long as you water less, keep them warm, and give them modest light, your pothos will survive winter without much fuss.
Don’t panic over a few yellow leaves or slow growth — that’s just the plant’s natural winter rhythm.
With the simple care tips above, you can relax knowing your pothos will survive winter and greet spring with fresh green leaves.
Happy winter plant parenting.