Philodendron Temperature Tolerance (Lowest & Highest)

Philodendron is a tropical plant, so it cannot tolerate the same level of cold that other plants can. However, there are certain species that can get close to freezing and still survive!

So, exactly what temperature can philodendron tolerate? Philodendron tolerates temperatures down to 65 Fahrenheit (18 Celsius) up to 95 Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) without trouble. Many varieties are hardy to 40 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) with proper acclimation. Frost kills philodendron without cold protection. Temperatures over 95 Fahrenheit slow plant growth.

Some cold tolerant philodendron varieties can tolerate temperatures close to freezing, but that is pretty rare.

In this article, we’ll talk about the temperature tolerance of philodendron and just how much extreme heat or cold it can handle. We’ll also talk about what can happen to the plant at various temperature ranges.

Let’s get started.

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Philodendron Temperature Tolerance (Philodendron Temperature Range)

Philodendron will grow pretty well at temperatures in the range of 65F to 95F (18 to 35 C) without too much trouble. However, the ideal temperature range for philodendron is 75 to 85 F (24 to 29 C).

Outside of this ideal range, growth will slow down or stop (dormancy). If it gets too cold, the plant may suffer tissue damage or death. It if gets too hot, the plant may lack water and display yellow or brown leaves, wilting, and even death.

The table below gives you an idea of what happens to philodendron at various temperature ranges (please also see the notes below the table).

Temp Range	Effect
Freeze below 32F (below 0C)	Plant death.
Frost 32F 0C	Severe damage to plant tissue. Death of most varieties.
32-40F (0-4C)	Damage to plant tissue. Death of many varieties.
40F (4C)	Borderline temp for USDA Hardiness Zone 11. Most plants will not survive below this temperature.
40-65F (4-18C)	Below ideal temperature. May cause slow growth, dormancy, or some tissue damage.
65-75F (18-24C)	Acceptable, but below ideal temperature.
75-85F (24-29C)	Ideal daytime temperature. Optimal growth.
85-95F (29-35C)	Acceptable, but above ideal temperature.
Over 95F (over 35C)	Above ideal temperature. Plant growth slows down or stops. Plant dies in extreme heat and drought.

Notes:

60F (16C) is the minimum nighttime temperature for philodendron before growth slows or dormancy starts to kick in.
65-70 F(18-24C) is the ideal nighttime temperature for philodendron
Bacterial leaf spot is most severe in high temperature and high moisture environments.
Relative humidity of 60% to 100% best for philodendron growth.
Philodendron is adapted to zone 11 outdoors (40 to 50 F).
The species Philodendron selloum can withstand temperatures as low as 32 F (0 C).
Leave damaged plant tissue after frost or freeze to insulate the plant. Prune after it breaks dormancy.
The severity of cold damage depends on the duration of the cold exposure.

What Temperature Is Too Low For Philodendron? (Philodendron Cold Tolerance)

A freezing temperature (below 32 Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius) is too cold for philodendron. This tropical plant simply cannot survive freezing temperatures.

A temperature of 40 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) will likely kill a philodendron. There are some exceptions, such as the species Philodendron selloum, which can withstand temperatures as low as 32 F (0 C).

Any temperature of 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) for an extended time may damage a philodendron. Prolonged exposure to such a temperature may kill the plant. There is also the chance of slow growth or dormancy.

A temperature of 65 Fahrenheit (18 Celsius) is below the ideal temperature for philodendron. The plant may survive, but it will not be able to truly thrive.

Can Philodendron Tolerate 30 Degrees? (Can Philodendron Survive Freeze?)

Even the most cold-tolerant philodendron varieties cannot tolerate 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 Celsius). As a tropical plant, philodendron did not evolve to survive a freeze.

Can Philodendron Tolerate 40 Degrees?

A temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) is a “borderline” temperature for many philodendrons. If they are acclimated to living outdoors and experience a temperature of 40 degrees, they may survive. Any colder and they probably won’t make it (with exceptions, such as Philodendron selloum).

philodendron in pot — Some philodendrons can tolerate temperatures down to 40 Fahrenheit (4 Celsius), but they must be acclimated.

Can Philodendron Tolerate 50 Degrees?

A temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) is not ideal for philodendron. It may damage the plant – but if not, it will slow the plant’s growth. The plant may even go into dormancy and stop growing completely.

Can Philodendron Tolerate 60 Degrees?

A temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) is tolerable for philodendron. It may be below ideal and its growth may slow – but the plant should be able to survive. It is unlikely to go totally dormant at this temperature.

Can I Plant My Philodendron Outside?

You can plant philodendron outside if you live in USDA Zone 11 or higher (Zone 12, etc.) The cold hardy varieties (such as Philodendron selloum) may be able to survive outdoors in Zone 10b (perhaps 10a with cold protection).

climbing philodendron — In USDA Zone 11 or higher (12, etc.), you can plant philodendron outside. Otherwise, keep it indoors in winter!

If you live in a colder USDA Zone, you will probably have to keep your philodendron in a container and bring it indoors for the winter. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and bring the plant indoors before temperatures go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius).

What Temperature Is Too High For Philodendron? (Philodendron Heat Tolerance)

A temperature of 85 to 95 Fahrenheit (29 to 35 Celsius) is above the ideal temperature for philodendron. It is unlikely to hurt the plant, but its growth may slow down a bit. The plant may also need more water to survive, especially if your house is dry.

philodendron melanochrysum black gold philodendron 1 — Some philodendron species are more cold tolerant than others. On the other hand, extreme heat also poses problems.

A temperature above 95 Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) is getting to be too warm for philodendron. Its growth may slow down or stop entirely if it gets too hot. At such high temperatures, put the plant in shade, give it a breeze from a fan, and make sure it gets enough water to cool it down.

Can I Put My Philodendron Outside In Summer?

You can put your philodendron outside in summer and it should be fine. Just don’t put it in bright, direct sunlight right away.

philodendron small plant — If you put a philodendron outside in summer, avoid hot, bright sunlight that can damage leaves.

This is especially important if the plant was in a shady location indoors. A sudden transition from cool shade to hot, bright sunlight can damage philodendron leaves or dry out the soil and plant to the point where it cannot recover.