Pothos plants are celebrated for their adaptability and resilience, making them a popular choice for indoor gardeners. While generally low-maintenance, they are susceptible to sunburn. Understanding their light requirements is important for their health and vibrant foliage.
Identifying Pothos Sunburn
Recognizing pothos sunburn is the first step. Sunburn typically manifests as discolored patches on the leaves, with affected areas ranging from yellow to brown, and sometimes even black. These damaged spots often feel crispy, indicating cellular damage from excessive light. The damage is usually concentrated on the upper leaves or the portions of the plant directly facing a light source. In variegated pothos varieties, direct sun can also cause the lighter patterns to “wash out” or fade. Older leaves may be particularly vulnerable to sunburn.
Understanding Causes and Prevention
Pothos plants are native to tropical forests, growing as understory plants that receive filtered sunlight through the dense canopy. This natural habitat explains their preference for bright, indirect light. Direct, intense sunlight, particularly the harsh afternoon sun, is the primary cause of sunburn in pothos. Placing a pothos too close to a south-facing window without diffusion, or exposing it to unfiltered west-facing light, can lead to scorching. Even artificial grow lights can cause sunburn if positioned too close to the plant.
Preventing sunburn involves mimicking their natural dappled light environment. Positioning your pothos a few feet away from a sunny window or using sheer curtains to diffuse the light can protect the foliage. East-facing windows often provide ideal conditions with gentle morning light. When moving a pothos to a brighter location, especially outdoors, acclimate the plant gradually over one to two weeks to avoid shock. Rotating the plant periodically also ensures even light distribution.
Caring for a Sunburnt Pothos
Once sunburn has occurred, immediate action can help the plant recover. The first step is to relocate the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light to prevent further damage. This could be a room with ample natural light that does not directly hit the plant, or a location several feet away from a window. Damaged leaves will not recover, so pruning them is recommended. Removing these discolored or crispy leaves allows the plant to redirect energy towards new, healthy growth.
When pruning, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make cuts at the base where the leaf meets the stem. After addressing light exposure and pruning, adjust your watering routine. Sunburnt plants may have altered water needs; avoid both complete drying out and overwatering, as damaged leaves use less water and can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering thoroughly, ensuring adequate drainage. Patience is necessary, as it takes time for a sunburnt pothos to produce new, healthy foliage.