Everyone’s Pothos Struggles in Winter, but you can keep yours healthy with simple tips to protect it from cold, dryness, and low light.
Pothos plants often struggle during winter. The cold air, low light, and dry indoor heat can make their leaves droop or turn yellow. But with a few simple care changes, you can help your pothos stay green and healthy all season. Here’s how to keep it thriving in winter.
Everyone’s Pothos Struggles in Winter
Why Pothos Struggles in Winter
During winter, the main challenges for pothos are cold drafts and dry indoor air. Most homes have heaters running, which reduces humidity and makes the air drier. This dryness can cause the leaves to lose moisture and turn brown at the tips. Pothos also gets less sunlight in winter, which slows photosynthesis and weakens the plant.
Keep It Away from Cold Drafts and Heaters
Pothos prefers stable temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. In winter, cold drafts from windows and doors can shock the plant, while hot air from heaters can dry it out. Move your pothos to a spot where it stays warm but not hot. Keep it at least a few feet away from radiators, vents, or windows that get chilly at night.
Adjust the Watering Schedule
In winter, pothos needs less water because it grows slowly. Overwatering is one of the biggest reasons pothos dies in the cold season. Always check the top inch of soil before watering. If it feels dry, water lightly until it drains out the bottom. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as it can cause root rot.
Increase Humidity for Healthy Leaves
Pothos loves humidity, but winter air indoors is often too dry. Low humidity can make leaves curl or develop brown edges. To fix this, place a small humidifier near the plant or group it with other houseplants. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to naturally raise moisture around it.
Give It More Light
The short winter days mean pothos gets less sunlight. Move your plant near a bright, east- or south-facing window where it can get indirect light. Clean the leaves regularly to remove dust, which blocks sunlight. If natural light is weak, use a grow light for a few hours a day to keep your pothos growing steadily.
Avoid Fertilizing in Cold Months
Pothos goes semi-dormant in winter, meaning it grows very slowly. Fertilizing during this time can harm the roots and cause salt buildup in the soil. It is best to stop feeding the plant until spring. Once you see new growth in warmer months, resume fertilizing once a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Trim and Clean for Better Growth
Winter is a good time to tidy up your pothos. Trim any yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth, as it helps them breathe better and absorb more light. You can prune the plant to keep it compact and encourage new growth once spring returns.
The Secret to a Thriving Winter Pothos
The real secret to keeping your pothos happy in winter is balance. Avoid extremes, don’t overwater, don’t let it dry out, and don’t expose it to hot or cold air. Give it moderate light, steady warmth, and a bit of humidity.
