Can Money Plant Be Put Outside – Your Expert Guide For Lush Outdoor

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your gorgeous, trailing money plant indoors and wondered, “Could this thrive on my porch or in my garden?” It’s a question every houseplant lover asks eventually. You see that vibrant green and imagine it cascading from a hanging basket in the summer breeze.

Well, I’m here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! Giving your money plant a “summer vacation” outdoors can lead to incredible growth you just can’t replicate inside. But, and this is a big but, you can’t just toss it out on the lawn and hope for the best.

Don’t worry—I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to! This complete can money plant be put outside guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover the amazing benefits, a foolproof step-by-step process for moving it safely, and the essential care tips to keep it looking spectacular all season long.

The Big Question: Is It Really a Good Idea?

First, let’s clear something up. The term “money plant” can refer to a few different species, but the most common one is Epipremnum aureum, also known as Pothos. This guide is tailored specifically for this hardy, vining superstar!

Pothos are native to tropical forests, where they enjoy warm temperatures, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, and high humidity. So, can money plant be put outside? Absolutely, as long as you do your best to mimic its natural habitat.

Success depends entirely on your climate and your willingness to follow a few simple rules. When done right, the rewards are well worth the effort.

The Surprising Benefits of Moving Your Money Plant Outdoors

You might just be thinking about aesthetics, but the benefits of can money plant be put outside go far beyond looks. Your plant will thank you in more ways than one!

  • Explosive, Vigorous Growth: The quality and intensity of natural sunlight, even in the shade, are far superior to most indoor conditions. This encourages your money plant to produce larger leaves and grow its signature vines much faster.
  • Vibrant Color and Health: That extra dose of natural energy often results in deeper green or more pronounced variegation in the leaves. It’s like a health spa for your plant!
  • Natural Pest Management: Your garden is a living ecosystem. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help keep common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs in check naturally.
  • Enhanced Outdoor Ambiance: Imagine lush, green vines trailing from a hanging basket on your porch, climbing a small trellis, or spilling over the sides of a container on your patio. It instantly creates a tropical, relaxing vibe.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Can Money Plant Be Put Outside Safely

Transitioning an indoor plant to the outdoors requires a little patience. The process is called “hardening off,” and it’s the most critical step to prevent shock, sunburn, and stress. Here are the can money plant be put outside best practices to follow.

  1. Step 1: Wait for the Right Time
    Patience is a gardener’s best friend! Wait until all danger of frost has passed in the spring. The key is consistent warmth. Nighttime temperatures should reliably stay above 55°F (13°C) before you even consider starting the process.
  2. Step 2: Master the Art of Hardening Off
    This is a gradual introduction to the great outdoors. Think of it like easing into a cold pool instead of cannonballing.

    • Day 1-3: Place your money plant in a spot with deep, full shade for just 1-2 hours. A covered porch or under a dense tree is perfect. Then, bring it back inside.
    • Day 4-6: Increase its outdoor time to 3-4 hours, still in full shade.
    • Day 7-10: Move it to a spot that gets a little morning sun but is shaded from the harsh afternoon rays. Increase its time outside to 5-6 hours.
    • Day 11-14: Your plant should now be ready to stay in its chosen outdoor spot full-time!
  3. Step 3: Choose the Perfect Location
    Where your money plant lives outside will make or break its success. Remember its tropical forest origins!

    Light: The Goldilocks Zone

    Direct, scorching afternoon sun is the number one enemy. It will burn the leaves, leaving ugly brown patches. You’re looking for bright, indirect light. Ideal spots include:

    • Under the cover of a porch or patio.
    • Beneath a large tree that provides dappled sunlight.
    • On the east side of your house, where it only gets gentle morning sun.

    Protection: Shelter from the Storm

    Your money plant’s large leaves can be easily torn by strong winds. Place it in a spot that’s somewhat sheltered. Also, ensure the location doesn’t get pummeled by heavy rain, which can oversaturate the soil and damage the plant.

  4. Step 4: Check Your Pot and Soil
    If your plant is staying in a container, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes. Water needs to escape freely to prevent root rot. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. This is a great time to repot if it’s been in the same soil for a while!
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The Ultimate Outdoor Money Plant Care Guide

Once your plant is happily settled in its new summer home, its needs will change slightly. This can money plant be put outside care guide will keep it thriving.

Watering Wisely in the Open Air

Outdoor conditions like wind and warmer temperatures mean your plant’s soil will dry out much faster than it did indoors. Forget your indoor watering schedule!

The best method is to check the soil every couple of days. Stick your finger about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water thoroughly until you see it running out of the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated.

Feeding for Success

With all that extra light and energy, your money plant will be growing actively and will appreciate more nutrients. Feed it with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Always follow the package directions to avoid over-fertilizing.

Pruning and Maintenance

Don’t be afraid to give your money plant a haircut! Pruning encourages bushier, fuller growth. Simply snip off any leggy vines or yellowing leaves. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also directs its energy toward producing healthy new growth.

Preparing for Winter: The Journey Back Inside

For most of us, this outdoor adventure is temporary. As fall approaches and nighttime temperatures start dipping back toward 55°F (13°C), it’s time to reverse the process. Before bringing it inside, give it a thorough inspection for any pests that may have hitched a ride. A gentle spray-down with a hose can work wonders. Then, place it in a bright spot indoors, away from direct sun.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Can Money Plant Be Put Outside

Even with the best care, you might run into a few hiccups. Here are some common problems with can money plant be put outside and how to fix them.

Problem: My Plant’s Leaves are Turning Yellow!

Yellow leaves are a classic sign of a watering issue. If the leaves are yellow and mushy, you’re likely overwatering. If they’re yellow and crispy, it’s probably underwatering. Adjust your watering routine based on how the soil feels.

Problem: There are Brown, Crispy Patches on the Leaves.

This is a tell-tale sign of sunburn. Your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a shadier location immediately. The burned leaves won’t recover, but the plant will produce new, healthy ones in the right spot.

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Problem: The Vines are Long and Spindly with Tiny Leaves.

This is called “legginess,” and it means your plant isn’t getting enough light. While you want to avoid direct sun, deep, dark shade isn’t ideal either. Find a location with brighter, but still indirect, light.

Problem: I See Bugs! What Do I Do?

Pests like aphids or mealybugs can sometimes appear. For a light infestation, a strong spray of water can knock them off. For more stubborn pests, a sustainable can money plant be put outside solution is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These are effective and gentler on the environment.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Outdoor Care

Being a Greeny Gardener means caring for our plants and the planet. Adopting an eco-friendly can money plant be put outside approach is easy and rewarding.

  • Harvest Rainwater: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your plants. It’s free of the chlorine found in tap water and is great for your money plant.
  • Compost is King: Top-dress the soil in your pot with a bit of finished compost. It acts as a slow-release, organic fertilizer.
  • Propagate and Share: Pruning your money plant gives you the perfect opportunity to propagate the cuttings in water. Once they root, you can plant them to create new plants for yourself or to share with friends!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Money Plant Outside

Can money plant survive winter outside?

Unless you live in a truly tropical climate (USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12), the answer is no. Pothos are not frost-tolerant and will die in freezing temperatures. They must be brought indoors for the winter in most regions.

Can I plant my money plant directly in the garden soil?

In tropical zones, you can, but be aware that it can become an aggressive ground cover. For most gardeners, keeping it in a pot is the best practice. It gives you control over its growth and makes it easy to bring inside for the winter.

How do I know if my money plant is getting too much sun?

Look at the leaves. If they appear faded, pale, yellow, or have scorched brown spots, it’s a clear sign of too much direct sun. The ideal is a lush, deep green color.

Your Plant’s Outdoor Adventure Awaits!

So, can money plant be put outside? Not only can it, but it should! Giving your Pothos a season in the great outdoors is one of the best things you can do for its health and vitality.

Remember the keys to success: wait for warm weather, harden it off slowly, choose a spot with bright and indirect light, and adjust your watering routine. It might seem like a lot at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

Go ahead and give it a try. You’ll be rewarded with a bigger, healthier, and more beautiful plant than you ever thought possible. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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