To ensure proper care and maintenance of the Pothos plant, also known as Devil’s Ivy, due to its tropical nature, it is crucial to comprehend its ideal temperature tolerance. This vine plant, native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific and French Polynesia, exhibits a distinctive appearance with its heart-shaped leaves, often adorned with striations and a vibrant emerald green hue. While it can be grown indoors and outdoors, certain conditions must be met for successful cultivation.

General Information about Pothos 

The Epipremnum Aureum plant thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. In the United States, outdoor survival is limited to southern Arizona, southern Florida, south Texas, and some parts of California. It also grows well in Hawaii. If you reside in areas outside of these regions, it is advisable to cultivate the plant indoors.

When it comes to temperature tolerance, Pothos demonstrates remarkable flexibility. Although it can endure low temperatures, there are limits to its resilience. It is recommended to position the plant in areas with elevated temperatures while avoiding direct sunlight for optimal growth. It is essential to note that high temperature should not be confused with excessive sunlight exposure.

Temperature Tolerance Range 

So, what temperature range does the Pothos plant tolerate? The ideal temperature falls between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. While the plant can withstand temperatures below or above this range to some extent, there are limitations.

Different signs indicate damage caused by varying factors. Generally, symptoms of high-temperature exposure differ from those of low-temperature stress.

Signs of high-temperature exposure include:

• Dried or brown tips on the leaves indicate insufficient humidity in the air. Additionally, drastic temperature changes, such as placing the plant in a room with air conditioning and a heater, can harm Pothos, as its temperature tolerance may not cope with such rapid fluctuations.
• Curling leaves that sag and appear wilted, with their long edges curving towards each other, resulting in an unattractive appearance.
• Leaf discoloration, typically manifesting as brown patches. Healthy Pothos plants exhibit emerald green leaves with variegation. Any discoloration suggests exposure to drastic temperature changes.

Cold Tolerance 

What about cold temperatures and freezing? How well does Pothos handle them? The standard limit for Pothos temperature tolerance in cold conditions is approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. While the plant may survive in such situations, it usually enters a dormant phase to withstand the cold. It is important to remember that Pothos is a tropical plant that thrives in temperatures ranging from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius.

At around 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience tissue damage and shock, requiring a dormant phase to survive the harsh conditions. However, if the plant lacks sufficient strength, it may be in a critical state. Even within the range of 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, the plant’s growth will be significantly slowed, potentially showing no signs of new growth. Maintaining temperatures between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius is ideal to ensure a healthy and thriving plant.

Symptoms of Cold Stress 

If your Pothos is not tolerating the cold temperatures well, you may observe the following signs:

• Droopy and limp leaves, where the vines and leaves lack vitality and appear unhealthy.
• Curled leaves that have dried out completely. A drop in temperature leads to reduced humidity levels, resulting in decreased moisture in the air. Pothos relies on high humidity to maintain adequate water levels within its cells.
• Black markings on the leaves indicate frost damage. These marks stand out dramatically against the plant’s standard emerald color. The black markings occur when water within the leaf cells freezes, expanding and damaging the cell walls. The leaves affected by frost damage cannot be restored and will eventually wither and fall off.

Dealing with Frost Damage 

Unfortunately, once damage has occurred, the affected part of the plant cannot be saved. However, if the issue is identified early, there are steps you can take to help the plant recover:

• Remove the plant from the cold environment and relocate it to a warmer spot. Avoid placing it in a scorching area to prevent shocking the plant with drastic temperature changes.
• Provide adequate moisture. Frost-damaged plants often deplete their water reserves. Water the plant moderately, stopping once the water starts seeping out of the drainage holes.
• Allow sufficient time for recovery. Different plants may require varying durations to heal, so it is important not to rush the process.
• Consider pruning off the affected parts once the plant shows signs of recovery; this promotes new growth and prevents the affected areas from spreading damage to the healthy sections.

Caring for Your Pothos

• If you grow Pothos outdoors, it is advisable to bring them indoors unless you reside in a tropical climate. In tropical regions, it is safe to keep the plant outside, as you do not have to contend with cold temperatures or frost.
• Adjust your watering routine. Refrain from watering the plant when the soil is still moist. During winter, you may need to reduce watering further, so check the soil’s moisture level before watering.

Final Thoughts While Pothos is a resilient and sturdy plant, it has limitations when exposed to extreme conditions. Despite its flexible temperature tolerance, proper care and attention to the correct care regimen are crucial for its well-being. Read article about Money Tree Root Rot Issue: Reasons, Solutions, And Treatments and 5 Disadvantages Worm Castings in Avi Hoffman Garden.