Have you ever thought about growing pothos outdoors? As a gardener myself, I’m here to tell you that growing pothos outdoors is not only possible but absolutely thrilling. There are a lot of misconceptions that a pothos will immediately die when exposed to sunlight – but that’s not true. Pothos can survive outdoors, but there are a few things you should know before unleashing them into the wild.
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? I’ve got the details on everything you need to know to make your pothos thrive outdoors, and trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride!
Understanding Pothos: An Introduction
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum | Devil’s ivy) is a popular houseplant that is known for its easy-care nature and attractive foliage. It is native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific and is often found growing on trees and rocks. Pothos is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of growing conditions, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Can Pothos Grow Outdoors?
The million-dollar question – can pothos grow outside? As a passionate gardener and avid experimenter of different plants outdoors, I can assure you that pothos not only grows outside but they look magnificent in the right environment.
Pothos is an exotic, tropical houseplant that has taken the world by storm. Not only can it survive in minimal light conditions, but caring for this plant also requires minimum effort. That said, with a bit of help from you and understanding of its outdoor needs – such as natural sunlight and fresh air – pothos will be able to flourish outdoors too! With just some basic knowledge about your beloved Potho’s factors influencing growth outside home walls, you’ll witness them thrive in their new environment.
Factors to Consider When Growing Pothos Outdoors
If you’re thinking about growing pothos outdoors, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. After several failed attempts at gardening, I’m now experienced enough to recognize what techniques yield successful results. For this reason, let’s explore some essential elements to take into account when cultivating pothos plants outdoors.
Pick a good location
Location matters for all things in life, and that applies to growing pothos outdoors too. Pothos plants thrive on bright yet indirect sunlight – think of an area with some shade but also lots of light. Be cautious though as direct sun rays can burn the leaves and make your plant look like it got too close to tanning equipment. So find a spot that’s just right!
Go the extra mile with the soil
If you want to take your pothos’ soil game up a notch, then turn to organic matter like compost or worm castings. Though Pothos can survive in nearly any type of soil from loam to sandy, adding some extra love with these treatments is sure to bring out the best in your plant!
Be consistent with watering
Never forget the importance of providing water to your beloved pothos! Watering is just like a relationship—you need to find balance. Overwatering can suffocate your plant, and under-watering will make it sad and thirsty; so aim for moist soil but not soaking wet. Let the top inch of dirt dry before watering again — soon enough you’ll have a thriving pothos!
Keep the bugs at bay
Don’t you just hate it when those unwanted visitors come to your garden? When growing pothos outdoors, the same issue can arise with a variety of pests that may harm your plant. But no need to fret – there are several natural approaches that you can use to deter these bugs.
One way is by simply wiping the leaves down with a mix of water and dish soap; another method involves introducing some beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises into the equation instead! However, whatever you do steer clear from using any dangerous pesticides as they could potentially hurt not only good bugs but also our environment at large.
Winter preparation
Last but not least, for those who reside in a colder climate with potential frostbite – it’s essential to clad your pothos plant against the freezing temperatures. Move your beloved greenery indoors from any harsh weather conditions and position near natural light that is neither too direct nor dim.
If that’s not possible, you can still keep your pothos safe from frost by covering it with a layer of protective material like burlap or horticultural fleece. This will provide insulation and help prevent the leaves from freezing.
With these factors in mind, you’ll pave your way to growing happy and healthy pothos outdoors.
What Conditions Do Pothos Need Outdoors?
If you want your pothos plant to flourish outside, there are certain conditions that need to be met.
Sunlight
Now we all know that pothos plants are divas when it comes to their sunbathing habits. They love to bask in that bright, indirect sunlight. But, what about direct sunlight? Well, this is a clear no! Direct sunlight can harm the plant and damage the leaves drastically.
Climate and temperature
When it comes to growing pothos outdoors, the weather is an unpredictable factor. To ensure your plant’s success, remember that they thrive in temperatures between 50°F – 85°F (10°C – 29°C). Should the temperature dip below or soar above this range, expect disastrous results for your plant. Therefore, before transferring any of your plants outdoors make sure the temperature is right!
Wind protection
The gusts of wind in your garden can be strong like a gale, and could ruin the delicate leaves on your pothos plants. Think of these little lush leaves as fine sushi rolls- they need extra protection from damaging winds! Create a fortress for them with trellises or fences to block out those fierce gusts and keep your precious plant safe.
Fertilizer
To give your pothos plant the chance to reach its full potential outdoors, fertilize it regularly. Applying a balanced fertilizer once per month during the growing season will ensure that your pothos stays happy and healthy – not too much or too little! Don’t forget that sometimes more is not better; in this case, moderation is key.
Humidity
If you live in a dry climate, your pothos plant may look like a parched jalapeno pepper. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as adding more humidity! Spritz your pothos with water or place it near a humidifier to give it that nourishing moisture it needs.
Growing Pothos Outdoors – Summer Vs Winter
Growing pothos outdoors in summer: What you need to know
Growing pothos outdoors in summer can be amazing, but you need to be consistent with watering and keeping it under indirect light.
If you wish to truly see your pothos flourish outdoors, it’s critical that its soil is moist and well-draining. Too much water will leave you with a slushy mess; so make sure the soil isn’t overly saturated. It needs just enough moisture for optimal growth – now let’s get those roots growing!
Do not abandon your photos on its own during those hot summer days, since that would be a guaranteed disaster. Keep the soil as moist as possible by adding a thin layer of mulch – it’s like wrapping your plant in a warm blanket and providing insulation from the heat while maintaining hydration levels.
You won’t want to overlook the star of the show – light. While pothos love some bright, indirect light, too much direct sunlight can be horrific and leave the plant sunburnt. To create a pleasant atmosphere for your plant buddy, offer shade during peak sunlight hours; perhaps with a canopy or tall plants that will protect them from harsh rays. Your leafy friend will surely appreciate you creating an ideal environment!
Growing pothos outdoors in winter:
Don’t let the chilly weather put a stop to your gardening success! Protect your precious pothos from winter by planting it in a sheltered area, adding an insulating layer of mulch, and making sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Keep those plants thriving even when things get frosty outside!
And don’t forget about the sun! Even in the winter, pothos need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to stay healthy. To ensure your pothos flourish, try investing in grow light to provide it with the nourishment and energy needed for continuous growth throughout the year!
Which Popular Pothos Variety can you Grow Outdoors?
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden Pothos’) is a popular cultivar that is highly sought after for its variegated golden and green leaves. When growing golden pothos outdoors, it is important to note that the variegation may be less pronounced in areas with lower light levels.
But be warned: while the warm and humid climate of the region can be a boon for the golden pothos, direct sunlight can be a real danger.
What Does it Take For Growing Pothos Outdoors in Southern California?
Growing Pothos outdoors in Southern California can be a bit of a challenge but you’ll pull through if you follow the guidelines. For a healthy, happy Pothos plant, you’ll need soil with ample drainage and frequent watering – especially during the blazing hot summer period. And as I’ve mentioned earlier, give the plant some shade during peak hours of sunlight or risk having it turn from green to crispy brown!
That’s not all – the dry desert air can greatly damage your Pothos leaves too, causing them to become brown and lifeless. Therefore, it is essential to mist your plant regularly in order to keep it hydrated and vibrant.
Above all, don’t forget to nourish! Taking a few minutes every couple of months to provide your Pothos with an all-purpose fertilizer will amplify its growth and make it an eye-catching part of the California scenery.
Observing Outdoor Pothos in the Wild: Lessons From Nature
If you genuinely want to understand the pothos plant, then an exploration of its wild side is a must. Take it from me – all the best insights can be gleaned from venturing out and observing these plants in their natural environment. After all, they aren’t like regular houseplants; rather, pothos are free-spirited creatures that need just the right conditions to truly bloom and flourish!
Pothos plants are hearty and thrive in the wild, scaling both trees and rocks with their roots. To grow these climbers outdoors, replicate the conditions they naturally encounter in the wild: nutrient-rich soil that drains well, along with plenty of air flow. If you offer your pothos what it needs to flourish in nature, it will reward you in kind!
Pruning is essential when it comes to outdoor pothos; if neglected, they will quickly overrun any available space. But with regular pruning, they can stay trim and look their best!
It may come as a surprise, but pothos are incredibly resilient plants. Regardless of the weather conditions they’re exposed to, these beauties persevere and never disappoint. That’s why you should consider incorporating some natural elements into their outdoor environment like wind and good air flow as this will make them more immune to pests and illnesses while allowing them to grow strong and healthy in no time.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you must really be itching to get your hands dirty and start growing pothos outdoors. Just remember, while pothos may be a low-maintenance plant, they still require some TLC to thrive. So make sure you’re ready to put in the hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I left my pothos ivy outdoors in the cold – will it come back?
Pothos is not frost-tolerant, so if it is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period, it may sustain damage or even die. However, if the plant was only exposed to cold temperatures for a short time, there is a good chance that it will survive. You can inspect the plant for signs of damage such as wilting or yellowing leaves and adjust your care routine accordingly!
Can Pothos Survive Outdoors in Winter?
Pothos is a tropical plant and is not frost-tolerant, so it cannot survive outdoors in regions with cold winters. If you live in a colder climate and want to grow pothos outdoors, you can consider growing it in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter months. Alternatively, you can treat it as an annual plant and replant it each year.
How often should I water my pothos outdoors?
How often you water your outdoor pothos will depend on the climate and temperature of your area. In general, you should water your pothos when the top inch of soil is dry and make sure to water the plant deeply.
Can I grow pothos in direct sunlight?
Pothos plants can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to keep them in indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become yellow and damaged.
