Can i plant my pothos on my lanai? Pothos are a common houseplant, but what about growing them outside? This is your complete guide to growing pothos outdoors!
Pothos is a hardy low-maintenance houseplant many have come to know and love for its long cascading vines with heart-shaped leaves which interiorscapes use. However When it comes to growing pothos on your lanai or the outdoor patio?
Now, you might be asking yourself whether your pothos can stay outside in this semi-open set-up? We will discover all about growing pothos on a lanai, including plenty of practical care tips for this popular houseplant in outdoor spaces and what conditions to provide.
Caring for Pothos: Indoor or Out
Pothos is relatively easy to care for but you will want to know its basics before taking it outside. Pothos is a tropical species, found in and around the intense heat of Southeast Asia where it generally grows under shaded warm, humid conditions.
Pothos will often be used as a houseplant, while in an outdoor area this plant can thrive when it has the right conditions and environment. Have a look!
- Light
Need a bright, indirect light and provide tolerance for low light but can be placed around many locations. When placed outside, they must be protected from excess direct sunlight as this can damage their leaves.
- Temperature
Pothos prefer their temperatures to be in the range of 65°F–85°F which follows outdoor conditions exactly for most warmer climates.
- Humidity
Since pothos is a tropical plant, it loves humidity. Good examples could be an outdoor setting with average to high humidity, such as lanai in part of the U.S.
That would make your lanai the ideal place if so! That said, there are a few other key ingredients in the recipe for success when it comes to outdoor pothos.
Why a lanai makes a great place for pothos?
An ideal microclimate created by a lanai which is a kind of outdoor patio or enclosed veranda found in warm, humid climates such as Florida could make for an ideal spot for tropical plants such as pothos.
These upper or lower lanai spaces are more sheltered, providing protection against the elements but typically with plenty of airflow and natural light. This is why they are great for pothos:
- Filtered Sunlight
Since often these have a screen or are partially covered, it provides diffused sunlight which is awesome for pothos as they dont like direct brightness.
- Temperature moderation
A lanai is still exposed but there are some factors offering a more temperate experience than a fully open space so less chance of temperature stress from variations for pothos plants.
- Humidity Holding
Lanai areas tend to collect moisture and have some higher humidity than a more open outdoor area which can be beneficial for tropical plants.
- Protection from Pests
An enclosed or screened lanai limits the access of your pothos to various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and aphids that are abundant in the outdoors.
Thus, equipped with these features, a lanai can give a close resemblance to the pothos natural habitat and you may enjoy its beautiful vines outdoor while serving it needs for growth.
Pothos on Your Lanai: How to Plant and Position?
For growing pothos on a lanai, placing them in the right place and planting them properly is key. Here’s how to get started:
Correct Pot or Container
Use a well-draining, outdoor pot rather than risking water pooling that can lead to root rot with your pothos left outdoors. Terracotta or ceramic pots can fit very well because they allow air exchange between the roots and the outside, which prevents some moisture problems.
If possible, put it on a saucer/tray to take the excess water. The pot should have drainage holes.
Choose the Perfect Position for Sun and Shade
Find a spot with bright indirect light or dappled sunlight on your lanai. Pothos may be able to take some shade, but steer clear of areas where they will get beaten in the midday sun morning and late afternoon light is softer and generally better for pothos on the lanai, but watch out for signs of sunburn on the leaves.
Soil Selection
Pick an airy soil mix with good drainage so that your pothos can thrive outside. Normal indoor potting mix with perlite or orchid bark would do just fine as it retains moisture and also provides aeration at the same time. Steer clear of heavy, water-retentive soils that might promote root rot.
Support for Vining and Trailing
Since pothos grow freely on the lanai, it might need additional support. For your pothos to climb, be sure to keep a moss pole or other trellis near the container—they will use it! If not, let the vines gently hang and droop over their pot or shelf to enrich your lanai decor with cascading beauty.
Outdoor maintenance tips for caring for pothos on your lanai
If you have pothos on your lanai, they are exposed to all the natural elements, which means their care routine will change. Below is everything you should know when maintaining your outdoor pothos for health and vibrance.
- Watering
Until you get used to the moisture level of your indoor specimens, it can be easy to forget that outdoor plants often need more frequent watering because they are typically exposed to more sunlight and air. Check for soil moisture regularly by poking your finger around an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
In hot months you will be watering more often, while in cooler humid conditions this could be reduced. During rainy seasons you need to be especially careful as the added water from Mother Nature can easily penetrate your lanai soil.
- Fertilizing
If you have pothos on your lanai, a regular fertilizing program will help. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks to encourage leafy growth. Do not use too much fertilizer as salt can build up in the soil causing leaves to brown or curl.
- Pruning
Cut back long vines or leggy growth to promote bushier fuller growth and remove any damaged or yellow leaves. While maintaining a neat appearance, preventing overreaching, and stimulating fresh growth which is useful for outdoor spaces where plants may grow more aggressively.
- Pest Management
Definitely, when you have a screened lanai it really helps keep the pests away but they aren’t always 100% effective. Look for typical pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Check the bottom of your pothos leaves and treat all infested areas quickly with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Weather Protection
And even if you are in a mild climate condition, pothos can still be affected by the sudden weather changes. As pothos cannot withstand frost, watch for temperature drops especially in the cooler winter months. Bring them back in temporarily or cover your pothos with a plant cover if the temperature falls early to below 55°F.
Lanai Pothos Seasonal Care
If your lanai is located in an area where temps or weather patterns change, outdoor pothos care will also vary seasonally.
Time of the Year
Spring and Summer these are the favoured growing months for pothos. Water and fertilize more often, rotate your plant from time to time for even light.
- Autumn
When autumn comes and temperatures cool down, water a little less frequently and assess how quickly the plant is growing. During fall, you can also make sure that no pests have shown up over summer.
- Winter
Most plants in the cooler regions will slow down their growth. To minimize stress on the roots, lessen water and cease giving fertilizer. If the temperature falls below 55°F on your lanai, bring the plant inside until temperatures stabilize.
FAQs
Does pothos do well in direct sunlight on a lanai?
No, pothos cannot have too much direct sunlight, as it will burn their leaves. Keep them in a location with bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight.
How often do I water pothos on my lanai?
How often you need to water will vary based on the climate season you live in. In warmer months, check the moisture level of the soil every few days and water it again if you stick your finger into the top inch of soil and it’s dry. In a cooler or more humid environment, water less.
Is my pothos going to bring bugs onto the lanai?
Although a screened lanai does minimize pest problems, you may occasionally see aphids, mealybugs or spider mites. Regularly check the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of an infestation.
Conclusion
Can i plant my pothos on my lanai? Yes, you can add a stunning tropical touch right on your lanai so you can enjoy the lush greenery of this popular plant. As long as you provide proper care and grow your pothos in the correct light, moisture, and weather conditions, your pothos may do well outside bringing its lush leaves and cascading vines to your lanai year-round.
If you are an experienced gardener or just love your houseplants, growing pothos outside can be a wonderful way to beautify your lanai and become further entwined with nature.
If you follow these tips, and watch how your plant is doing, you should be well on your way to a healthy thriving pothos that will bring beauty and life into your space.
