Moonlight Pothos, a popular indoor plant, brings a touch of luminous green to any space. Its attractive foliage and relatively easy care make it a favorite for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Identifying Moonlight Pothos
Moonlight Pothos, botanically known as Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’, features distinct bright chartreuse to lime green leaves. These leaves often display a subtle silvery sheen, giving them a unique, almost iridescent quality. The foliage typically grows in a heart-shaped to oval form, appearing thicker and more robust than many other vining houseplants. Like other Pothos, it develops long, trailing vines that can cascade elegantly from hanging baskets or be trained to climb supports.
Moonlight Pothos Care Guide
Light
Moonlight Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. An east-facing window or a spot in a south-facing room away from direct sun provides suitable illumination. While it can tolerate lower light levels, its vibrant coloration may become less pronounced, and growth can appear leggy. Conversely, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to damage.
Watering
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. This plant is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot if the soil remains soggy.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining and airy soil mix is suitable for Moonlight Pothos. A commercial cactus or succulent potting mix works well due to its porous nature. For a custom blend, combine equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss or coco coir to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Repotting is generally needed only when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of the drainage holes. When repotting, select a pot that is only two inches larger in diameter.
Temperature and Humidity
Moonlight Pothos prefers consistent indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). While it can tolerate a broader range of 65-85°F (18-29°C), sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts should be avoided. This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, with over 60% being ideal, though it can adapt to household humidity as low as 40%. To increase humidity, consider using a pebble tray with water or a small room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, fertilize your Moonlight Pothos once a month or every four to six weeks. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. It is advisable to water the soil thoroughly before applying fertilizer. Reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Moonlight Pothos
Propagating Moonlight Pothos is commonly done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make a cut just below a leaf node, ensuring the cutting has at least two to three nodes. These cuttings can be rooted in water, where you should change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Once roots reach two to three inches in length, the cutting is ready to be planted in a well-draining potting mix. Rooting can also be achieved directly in a moist substrate like perlite and sphagnum moss.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves on a Moonlight Pothos can signal several issues. Overwatering is a common cause, especially if leaves also appear limp or mushy. Conversely, underwatering or inconsistent watering can also lead to yellowing, often accompanied by crispy leaves. Insufficient light can cause leaves to yellow and growth to become leggy.
Browning leaf tips are frequently a sign of low humidity or underwatering. If the entire leaf turns brown and mushy, overwatering may be the culprit, potentially leading to root rot. Too much direct sunlight can also cause leaves to burn and turn brown.
Is Moonlight Pothos Toxic?
Moonlight Pothos, like other plants in the Pothos family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause irritation if ingested by humans or pets. Symptoms of ingestion in animals may include excessive drooling, oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It is advisable to keep Moonlight Pothos out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.