How cold can houseplants be outside?

Author: Dr. Shayna Hermiston  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures. Many indoor plants will see damage when temperatures drop to the mid to lower 40s°F and nearly all will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures.

Are plants ok outside at 40 degrees?

When do I know it's safe to bring my plant outside? It's safe to move your plants outside when the outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. Pay attention to the weather report. If nighttime temperatures are set to fall below 50°F, bring your plants in for the night.

What is the lowest temperature to leave plants outside?

There is no universal temperature for all plants that is too cold, so that is why it is important to do your research. However, it is safe to say if living in an environment with harsh winters and temperatures below 20°F, it is always wise to bring plants indoors during this time, if possible.

What is the lowest temperature a pothos can tolerate?

Ideal range 60-85°F (15-29°C) for healthy Golden Pothos. Avoid extremes below 50°F or above 95°F to prevent stress. Consistent temperature and placement key to avoiding leaf discoloration and wilting.

When can I put my indoor plants outside?

Grown under the marginal conditions of most homes and apartments, houseplants can become tired-looking during the winter months. You can renew your plants by moving them outdoors during the summer. Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June).

Can you save it? Cold damaged indoor plants

What temp is too cold for houseplants outside?

When nighttime temperatures start to dip consistently to around 50°F, it's time to bring plants back indoors. Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Can I put my potted monstera outside?

Monstera prefers a bright spot indoors, with indirect or morning sun only. Although it will also grow outdoors in a shaded and protected, frost free spot. These plants are natural climbers, so provide them with a coir or moss covered totem pole for support.

Should I water my plants when it's cold outside?

If the temperatures are below freezing all winter, it is unlikely you will need to water your plants. In freezing temperatures your plants would not be able to benefit from watering because the ground would be frozen and any water would just run off or freeze rather than being absorbed by the plant's roots.

Is 37 too cold for plants?

The general rule of thumb is that most plants freeze when temperatures remain at 28°F for five hours. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Seedlings, with their tender new leaves, often give up the ghost when temperatures dip to 32-33°F.

What is the lowest temperature a spider plant can survive?

Spider plant will tolerate temperatures as low as 35°F without damage, but plants will not grow much at temperatures below 65°F. Temperatures above 90°F will not directly damage spider plants, but will increase transpiration rate and increase uptake of potentially toxic micronutrients.

At what temperature should I cover my outdoor plants?

Cover Plants

Once temperatures drop below about 28°F, covering is typically no longer effective at preventing cold damage. Occasionally even with covering you may still see damage at temperatures above 28°F, especially when the below freezing temperatures are prolonged (5 hours or more).

What is the lowest temperature a monstera can tolerate?

Monstera plants thrive in a temperature range of 64-79 °F (18-26 °C). This range mimics the warm, humid conditions of the plant's native tropical climate, ensuring healthy photosynthesis and metabolic processes.

How cold is too cold for succulents?

Preferably 40 degrees and up. Temperatures under freezing are simply too cold for these plants to survive. Their plump and fleshy leaves where they store water will freeze and rot the plant. Frost hardy succulents will tolerate -20 degrees F.

How to revive a houseplant that got too cold?

How Can You Treat Cold Shock?
  1. Water the Plant — The first thing to do is to water your affected plants. An inch of water will help your plant to recover.
  2. Avoid Fertilizing — Do not fertilize your plants during this time. ...
  3. Avoid Pruning — You may be tempted to prune away the damaged areas but have patience.

Is 42 degrees too cold for house plants?

Most houseplants are tropicals and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. For many plants, temperatures below 50°F can cause problems.

What temperature is too cold for hanging baskets?

Even if you're antsy and can't wait to see the pop of color outside the porch, DO NOT put the basket outside until temperatures are consistently above 50F (minimum!). Let the basket stay toasty warm here, or keep it in a bright sunny space in your home away from sudden drafts or temperature fluctuations.

What overnight temp is too cold for plants?

There are, of course, many variables that can affect winter hardiness in a plant, but in general, my rule of thumb is as long as the mercury stays in the 20's at night and rises above freezing during the day, our plants should be just fine.

What is the lowest temperature for houseplants outside?

Low Temperatures

Wait until the temperature is consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) before moving houseplants outside. If temperatures dip below, bring your plants back inside.

How cold can pothos tolerate?

It prefers warm temperatures between 21 to 32 ℃ (70 to 90 ℉) but can tolerate low temperatures down to 10 ℃ (50 ℉) in short periods. For optimal growth, maintain a temperature range of 18 to 27 ℃ (65 to 80 ℉).

Why do farmers spray water on plants before an overnight freeze?

The root of the trick's protection is a concept called "latent heat of fusion." When the water on the plant starts to freeze, it releases heat (a necessary process to turn water into ice), and that heat helps protect the plant.

Will 45 degrees hurt plants?

So, yes, it's been cold at night around Southern California, but folks, 45 degrees is a still a long way from the freezing temps that can burn our tender tropicals and other plants, like a multiday cold snap in 2007 that severely damaged crops in Central and Southern California.

When should you not water outdoor plants?

The best time to water outdoor plants is in the morning when temperatures are usually cooler. This gives the plants time to absorb the water so they can get through a long, hot day. The second-best time is late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Try not to water at night.

When can I put my houseplants outside?

While it might be tempting to ship indoor plants outside at the first sign of spring, it's best to wait until nighttime temperatures stay at or above 60°F, and after any threat of frost has passed. If you're planning ahead, use the average last frost date for your area as your guide.

Do coffee grounds help Monstera?

Yes, Monsteras like coffee water, as they do well in slightly acidic soil. Coffee grounds also improve the soil and can enrich it with essential nutrients. Still, coffee water cannot replace fertilizers completely. You should still feed your Monstera in the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Do monsteras like deep pots or wide pots?

When selecting pots for your Monstera, consider both depth and width dimensions. A deep container may encourage downward root growth rather than outward expansion, so make sure to opt for containers with enough space below and around the roots. Additionally, you'll need to consider the height of your individual plant.

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