Pothos have a reputation for being indestructible, and temperature is one of the many reasons why.
They’ll tolerate a fairly wide range without throwing a tantrum. But “tolerate” and “thrive” are different things — and temperature has a bigger impact on growth speed than you may realise.
Here’s what your Pothos actually needs, what to watch out for at both extremes, and the single best rule of thumb for keeping it happy year-round.
What Temperature Do Pothos Prefer?
Pothos are happiest somewhere between 18°C and 29°C (65°F–85°F). That range covers most homes pretty comfortably, which is a large part of why they make such good houseplants.
They’ll tolerate cooler temperatures — down to around 10°C (50°F) — but below that you’re likely to see growth slow to a near-complete halt, and frost will cause serious damage or kill the plant outright.
At the upper end, they can handle warmth well, but very high temperatures — particularly during summer heat waves — can cause the leaves to droop as water evaporates from them faster than the plant can take it up through its roots.
I’ve seen this firsthand on my own Pothos during hot summers. It looks alarming, but if you water the plant and move it somewhere slightly cooler, it usually recovers quickly.
Why Temperature Matters More Than You’d Think
Temperature isn’t just about keeping your plant alive — it has a dramatic effect on how fast it grows.
I had a radiator replaced in my bedroom a couple of winters ago, and the difference in my plants was actually staggering.
The light situation in that room isn’t great in winter (UK baby!) even though the windows are big, so I just assumed that we’d have to wait winter out. TURNS OUT having a very overpowered radiator really jolts plants into action. You heard it here first.
It’s a good reminder that when a Pothos seems to have stopped growing entirely, the answer isn’t always more water or more fertiliser. Sometimes it’s just cold, and it’s waiting for conditions to improve.
The Easiest Temperature Rule To Remember
My general rule: your Pothos will be too hot when you’re too hot, and too cold when you’re too cold.
If you’re comfortable in a t-shirt, your Pothos is comfortable. If you’re digging out an extra blanket, your Pothos is probably slowing down.
If you’re scraping ice off the car, keep your Pothos well away from windows and exterior walls.
You don’t need a thermometer, just, you know, skin.
Pothos And Cold: What To Watch Out For
Cold temperatures cause a few specific problems worth knowing about.
Growth stops. Below around 15°C, most Pothos will slow down significantly. Below 10°C, they’ll essentially stop. This is normal and not a cause for panic — they’ll pick back up when temperatures rise — but it does mean that winter is not the time to be worrying about why your plant isn’t producing new leaves.
Watering needs drop. A cold, slow-growing Pothos uses much less water than a warm, actively growing one. If you keep watering at the same rate in winter as you do in summer, you’re likely to overwater. This is one of the most common winter mistakes.
Pests become more of a risk. Cold, wet soil is an inviting environment for certain pests. If your plant is sitting cold and damp for extended periods, keep an eye out for signs of trouble.
Frost causes real damage. A Pothos left near a draughty single-glazed window in January, or — worse — outdoors, risks frost damage to the leaves and potentially the roots. Blackened, mushy leaves that appear after a cold night are a sign the plant has been too cold. Move it somewhere warmer immediately.
Pothos And Heat: What To Watch Out For
Drooping leaves. During a heat wave or in a very warm room, Pothos leaves can droop even in well-watered plants. This is the plant losing water through its leaves faster than its roots can replace it — technically called transpiration stress. It looks worrying but usually resolves once temperatures drop or you move the plant somewhere cooler.
More frequent watering. Hot weather speeds up both growth and water evaporation from the soil. Your Pothos will get thirsty faster in summer, so check it more regularly rather than sticking to a fixed schedule.
Direct sun becomes more damaging. Heat and intense direct light together can scorch leaves. A spot that works fine in spring can become too harsh in midsummer. If you notice pale or bleached patches appearing on leaves in summer, the combination of heat and light intensity is likely the culprit.
What About Temperature Fluctuations?
Consistency matters more than the specific number. A Pothos that lives at a steady 18°C will generally do better than one that swings between 12°C at night and 22°C during the day.
Common sources of problematic temperature fluctuation:
- Cold draughts from windows, doors, or air conditioning units blowing directly on the plant
- Radiators that cycle on and off, creating hot-then-cold cycles (though the warmth overall is beneficial — just don’t sit the plant directly on top of one)
- Windowsills in winter, where the glass can get genuinely cold at night even if the room feels warm
Can Pothos Handle Cold Draughts?
A Note On Heat Mats
If you’re propagating Pothos cuttings and you’re in an impatient mood, a heat mat under the propagation vessel can significantly speed up rooting. Warmth accelerates root development, which is why cuttings taken in summer root noticeably faster than cuttings taken in the depths of winter.
If you’re propagating in a cold house and wondering why nothing is happening, a heat mat is worth considering.
FAQ
What temperature is too cold for Pothos?
Pothos start to struggle below around 10°C (50°F). Growth will slow significantly below 15°C, and frost — anything at or below 0°C — can cause serious damage or kill the plant.
What temperature is too hot for Pothos?
Pothos can handle temperatures up to around 29–30°C (85°F) fairly well. Above that, particularly during heat waves, you may see leaves drooping as the plant loses water faster than it can absorb it. This usually resolves once temperatures drop.
Do Pothos grow faster in warmer temperatures?
Yes, significantly. Warmth is one of the biggest drivers of growth speed alongside light. A Pothos in a warm, bright room will grow noticeably faster than one in a cool, dim one — even in winter.
Can Pothos survive winter?
Indoors, yes — they’ll slow down considerably but won’t die in normal household temperatures. Keep them away from cold draughts and frost-prone windowsills, reduce watering to account for slower growth, and they’ll be fine until spring.
Why has my Pothos stopped growing in winter?
Almost certainly temperature and light. Both drop in winter, and Pothos respond by essentially pausing. It’s normal. Resist the urge to overwater or fertilise to compensate — just wait for conditions to improve.