Do you love houseplants but have been wondering if pothos can live outside? Or are you curious about the benefits of growing pothos outdoors? If so, this article is for you! In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about growing pothos outdoors, from what pothos is and the types of pothos suitable for outdoor growing to how to care for pothos outdoors and protect it from damage.
So, if you’re ready to discover the truth about outdoor pothos, let’s get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Pothos plants are generally not hardy enough to survive outdoors in most climates.
They will not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can suffer from sunburn if exposed to direct sunlight.
Pothos plants do best in bright, indirect light and can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates as long as they are kept out of direct sunlight.
What is Pothos?
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a type of evergreen perennial vine that is native to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
It is a popular houseplant due to its low-maintenance requirements and its tolerance of a wide range of conditions, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Pothos is characterized by its thick, glossy leaves which can range from bright green to variegated yellow and white.
It can reach lengths of up to 16 feet and can be trained to climb or cascade down from a hanging basket.
Pothos is also a pet-friendly plant, making it a great choice for households with furry friends.
Is Pothos Suitable for Outdoor Growing?
When considering whether pothos can live outside, it is important to understand its needs and preferences.
Pothos is a tropical plant, so it prefers warmer climates and does not tolerate cold temperatures.
It needs a partial to full shade location with plenty of indirect light, adequate moisture, and well-draining soil.
It also needs to be protected from strong winds and cold temperatures, which can damage its delicate leaves.
In addition, pothos needs to be protected from direct sunlight, as this can cause its leaves to burn.
If you are growing pothos outdoors, it is important to choose a spot that will provide ample shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
It is also important to ensure that the soil is kept moist without becoming waterlogged, and that there are no signs of standing water in the pot.
Given the right conditions, pothos can make a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden.
The trailing vines can add an attractive touch of greenery, and the glossy green leaves will provide a pop of color.
With the right care and attention, pothos can thrive outdoors for many years.
How to Care for Pothos Outdoors
Caring for pothos outdoors can be a rewarding experience, as long as you are aware of the plants needs and take the necessary precautions.
When selecting a location for your pothos, make sure it is in partial to full shade and protected from strong winds and cold temperatures.
Its also important to provide plenty of indirect light, as this will help the plant to thrive.
Pothos also needs well-draining soil and adequate moisture.
For best results, water the pothos when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Additionally, you should fertilize the pothos once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Finally, prune the pothos regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
With the right care, your pothos will be an attractive and hardy addition to your outdoor garden.
Benefits of Growing Pothos Outdoors
Growing pothos outdoors can bring many benefits to gardeners and homeowners alike.
For starters, pothos is a low-maintenance plant that is incredibly easy to care for.
It requires minimal watering and will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light levels.
As a result, it is a great choice for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their outdoor spaces without taking on too much of a burden.
In addition to being low-maintenance, pothos is also an incredibly versatile plant.
It can be grown in a variety of conditions, including in containers, hanging baskets, and even as a ground cover.
This makes it the perfect choice for gardeners who want to add some color and texture to their outdoor spaces without sacrificing the ease of care.
Finally, pothos is also a great choice for those looking to add a bit of color to their outdoor spaces.
Its bright green foliage is eye-catching and can provide a pop of color to any garden or patio.
Plus, its trailing vines can create a beautiful cascading effect when grown in hanging baskets or containers.
All in all, pothos can be a great way to add some life and vibrancy to any outdoor space.
Types of Pothos Suitable for Outdoor Growing
When it comes to growing pothos outdoors, there are a few types that are better suited for the job than others.
The most popular type of pothos for outdoor growing is the Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens).
This variety is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from the low 30s to the mid-90s.
It also grows well in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for shady outdoor gardens.
Other types of pothos that are suitable for outdoor growing include the Marble Queen (Scindapsus marmorata), the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and the Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Neon).
All of these varieties can tolerate a range of temperatures and thrive in partial to full shade, making them great choices for outdoor gardens.
Potential Challenges of Growing Pothos Outdoors
When it comes to growing pothos outdoors, there are a few potential challenges to consider.
First, pothos is a tropical plant, so it prefers warmer climates.
If you live in a cooler climate, you will need to ensure that your pothos is protected from cold temperatures and winds, since these can damage the delicate leaves.
Additionally, pothos needs indirect light and plenty of moisture, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf scorch.
You will also need to be sure to use well-draining soil, as this will help to prevent root rot due to too much moisture.
Finally, pothos does not do well in windy locations, so you should ensure that the area you are planting it in is sheltered from strong winds.
Overall, growing pothos outdoors can be a rewarding experience if youre willing to put in the necessary effort and research.
Doing so can bring a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any outdoor garden.
With the right conditions and care, pothos can thrive even in cooler climates, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the hassle of maintaining a more complicated plant.
How to Protect Pothos from Damage
Protecting pothos from damage is an important part of ensuring its success in the garden.
The plants delicate leaves are easily damaged by strong winds, so it is important to provide some sort of shelter or windbreak for the plant.
A trellis or lattice can provide some protection from strong gusts of wind, and it can also help the plant to climb and spread out.
It is also important to protect pothos from cold temperatures.
If temperatures are expected to drop below 45 degrees, it is best to provide some sort of cover or insulation to protect the plant.
A light cloth, such as a sheet or blanket, can be used to cover the plant and provide some protection from the cold.
It is also important to remember to remove the cover when temperatures rise again.
With the right care and protection, pothos can make a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden.
Final Thoughts
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can also thrive outdoors in the right conditions.
With the right care, pothos can make a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden, bringing color and life to your yard.
There are many types of pothos that are suitable for outdoor growing, but it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and take steps to protect your plant from damage.
Now that you know the truth about pothos and outdoor growing, why not give it a try and see if you can bring a little bit of the indoors out?.