Pothos plants have gained immense popularity among house plant enthusiasts due to their elegant vining and easy care. However, as a new parent to a pothos, you might have concerns about providing the right care. One common mistake is exposing the pothos to too much sun, which can lead to various issues. In this article, we will explore how to care for pothos plants that are getting excessive sunlight and ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
The Natural Habitat of Pothos
Pothos’ genus name, Epipremnum aureum, roughly translates to “upon the trunk.” This name reflects the plant’s natural growth pattern, as it thrives on tree trunks near the forest floor. In this environment, pothos can grow up to an impressive length of 40 feet. However, it’s important to note that pothos rarely receives direct sunlight in its natural habitat. The canopy of the forest trees provides shade, allowing only medium to low amounts of light to reach the plant. Therefore, placing a pothos in direct sunlight, such as near a window, can have disastrous consequences. The leaves may turn yellow and even get burned, potentially causing the plant’s demise.
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If you notice that your pothos is exposed to direct sunlight, it’s crucial to take action. Move the plant to a shadier location and carefully remove any damaged leaves using disinfected cutting shears. By reducing the sunlight exposure, you can give your pothos a chance to recover and flourish once again.
Signs of Excessive Sunlight
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Another indication that your pothos is receiving too much sunlight is the loss of contrast in its variegation. Variegated pothos plants have lighter sections that lack sufficient chlorophyll production when exposed to excessive sunlight. As a result, the beautiful variegation may become washed out. To address this issue, relocate the plant to a spot with lower to medium light and closely observe it over the next few weeks. With the right conditions, the vibrant colors of the variegation may gradually return.
The Ideal Conditions: Water and Sunlight
Pothos plants thrive in medium light. This means they prefer a room that receives bright, indirect light. If your window has curtains or allows light to filter through without direct exposure, it’s an excellent spot for your pothos. You can display your plant by hanging it, trailing it, or allowing it to dangle down from cabinets, dressers, plant stands, or even baskets suspended from the ceiling. Some plant lovers even use mini Command hooks to trail the pothos vine around the room, adding a touch of greenery to any space.
When it comes to watering, it’s important to let the pothos soil dry out between waterings. To determine if your plant needs watering, consider using a water meter. These affordable devices are available online or at garden centers. Simply insert the meter into the soil, and it will provide information about the moisture level. While the finger test can work for smaller pots, larger pots may retain moisture at the bottom, potentially leading to root rot. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering since root rot can quickly kill a plant within days, leaving little chance for recovery.
When you find that your pothos requires watering, thoroughly saturate the soil. Just like when it rains, the water should pour onto the soil, ensuring it gets fully soaked. For an added benefit, taking your pothos to the shower for a leaf cleaning session can be a game-changer. Cleaning the leaves not only removes dust and improves aesthetics but also provides extra moisture and hydration for the plant.
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If showering your pothos isn’t feasible, make sure to water it until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures that all the soil has been adequately soaked and that the roots have a sufficient water supply until the next watering.
Helping a Withering Pothos
When a pothos starts to wither, it’s a clear indication that it needs watering. The plant communicates its thirst through the state of its leaves. However, it’s important not to mistake a withering pothos for an overwatered one. If you’re unsure, double-check the soil moisture using a water meter. It will likely confirm that your pothos needs a drink.
As dedicated plant parents, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about our green companions. We invest time, money, and love into nurturing these plants, so it’s understandable that we panic when we see yellowing leaves or signs of wilting. By paying attention to the signs your pothos displays, such as yellowing leaves indicating excessive light and wilting leaves signaling a need for more water, you can ensure your plant thrives and becomes a stunning centerpiece in your home.
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