To answer whether you can grow us outdoors, you must first understand where we come from. We, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), are native to the lush, tropical rainforests of French Polynesia, specifically the island of Mo'orea. In our natural habitat, we are not delicate houseplants but vigorous climbing vines, scaling tall trees towards the dappled sunlight of the forest canopy. We thrive in consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright, but indirect, light. This inherent hardiness is the very reason we can adapt to outdoor living, but only under conditions that closely mimic our ancestral home. The concept of "outdoors" is not a single environment; it varies dramatically based on your geographical location.
The single greatest factor determining our outdoor survival is temperature. We are extremely sensitive to cold. Our cells can be damaged, and our growth permanently stunted, if temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). A frost is a death sentence for us; it will cause our leaves to blacken, our stems to collapse, and will ultimately kill the entire plant. Therefore, we can only be grown outdoors year-round in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-12, where minimum winter temperatures stay above 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C). If you live in a region with distinct seasons and cold winters, you can certainly enjoy us outside during the warm summer months. However, we must be brought back indoors well before the first autumn chill arrives.
Assuming the temperature is suitable, our placement outdoors is critical for our health and vibrancy. While we are famously tolerant of low light indoors, our outdoor light requirements are different. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch our leaves, leaving unsightly brown or yellow patches. We flourish in locations that replicate the filtered light of a forest floor. An ideal spot would be under a shaded patio, a dense tree canopy, or on a north or east-facing wall that receives only gentle morning sun. Furthermore, we appreciate higher humidity. While we can adapt to average humidity levels, a location that naturally retains moisture, like a shaded courtyard or near a water feature, will make our leaves grow larger and more lustrous.
When planted in the ground in a suitable climate, our true nature is unleashed. We will transform from a manageable potted plant into an aggressive, ground-covering vine that can also climb trees and structures with our aerial roots. It is crucial to understand that in certain warm, humid climates like Florida or Hawaii, we are classified as an invasive species. Our vigorous growth can smother native ground cover plants and even harm trees by blocking their sunlight. If you are planting us outdoors in a permissible zone, it is responsible to manage our growth regularly or consider confining us to a hanging basket or container. This prevents us from escaping cultivation and disrupting the local ecosystem.
For most gardeners, growing us in containers is the safest and most practical way to enjoy our beauty outdoors. A pot allows for complete control over our environment. You can move us to follow the shade during the hottest part of the day, bring us indoors when temperatures drop, and easily manage our size through pruning. Container growth also naturally contains our spreading habit, preventing any potential for invasiveness. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to avoid root rot, and use a well-aerated potting mix. This method gives you the flexibility to create a perfect microclimate for us, combining the benefits of fresh air and natural light with the security of a controlled home.
