Pothos do well at adaptingadapting to various conditions you give it. But it’s light that really makes a difference to how well they grow.
They can grow with little or low light but it won’t be as well as if you give them what they want. And that’s a balance of indirect but bright light.
So if you’re not familiar with the best lighting for pothos then this guide will help. I’ll take you through how to get that balance of lighting and look at every question and scenario you might encounter.
The Natural History of Pothos
Understanding where pothos comes from is important because it will help you to copy the conditions it would have grown in the wild. They would grow in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
This environment features:
- Filtered Light: Because of the layers overhead the sunlight get softened so it isn’t too strong.
- Consistent Daylight Hours: They grow in countries along the equator which can have 12 hours off light all year round.
- Shaded Roots: Pothos climbs trees, which leaves its roots in darker soil in the shade.
You don’t need to be in a tropical first to recreate the sorts of conditions pothos like. But it can show you the sort of light they like and need.
What Does “Bright, Indirect Light” Really Mean?
You’ve probably heard the term “bright, indirect light,” but what does it actually look like?
- Bright: In a home it would be well it and could easily read a book during the day without having to turn a light on.
- Indirect: Light gets to the plant without it being exposed to the sun directory. So this could be light that bounces off the wall or coming through curtains.
Simple Test:
Hold your hand about 6 inches above a surface near your plant. If the shadow your hand makes is soft and blurred then that’s indirect light. If the shadow is sharp and defined then that’s direct light and is too much for pothos.
Best Locations for Pothos in Your Home
Finding the best spot for your pothos is going to play a big part in the health of it. This is how the different areas of your home will work for your plant:
East Facing Windows
- Pros: Gentle light in the morning which is good for Pothos.
- Cons: Light becomes less intense as the day goes by.
South Facing Windows
- Pros: Bright light throughout the day, perfect when you use a sheer curtain to filter it.
- Cons: Risk of the leaves getting burned if you put your pothos too close.
North Facing Windows
- Pros: Light that isn’t very intense.
- Cons: Slower growth and won’t get as much variegation.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
- Pros: High humidity works well for Pothos; good if the area is well lit.
- Cons: Don’t put your pothos somewhere without much natural light unless you use an artificial lighting.
Signs of Incorrect Lighting and How to Fix Them
Your Pothos will tell you when it’s unhappy with its lighting. If you get good at reading these signs you’ll know when to take action.
Low Light Symptoms
- Stretched Stems: Long gaps between the leaves because your pothos is stretching for the light.
- Reduced Leaf Size: New leaves are smaller.
- Fading Patterns: Variegated Pothos wont have the patterns they’re known for.
Solutions for Low Light
- Move the plant closer to somewhere that gets natural light.
- Add a grow light. Choose an LED grow light that has full spectrum light to get the best results.
High Light Symptoms
- Scorched Leaves: Brown edges or spots that are sunburnt.
- Drooping Leaves: Too much sunlight can dry the soil and stress your pothos.
Solutions for Too Much Light
- Use a sheer curtain to diffuse any direct light.
- Move the plant further away from the window.
Using Artificial Lighting
Not everyone’s home has the right natural light. If not then artificial lights can work well.
Types of Artificial Lights
- LED Grow Lights: Energy efficient and customizable.
- Fluorescent Tubes: Cheaper and work well for larger areas.
- Incandescent Bulbs: Not recommended due to their heat and how inefficient they are.
Positioning Artificial Lights
- Put lights about 6 to 12 inches above the plant.
- Set timers for 12 to 14 hours of light daily to copy the light they would have got naturally.
Seasonal Adjustments
As the seasons change so will your the light your pothos needs.
- Winter: Move the plant closer to windows or use grow lights.
- Summer: Watch out for intense light and use curtains or move your pothos as needed.
Debunking Pothos Lighting Myths
- “Pothos can survive in complete darkness.” False. It may be tough but all plants need light to photosynthesize.
- “Pothos thrives in bright, direct sunlight.” Also false. Direct sun can burn its leaves.
Lighting Tips for Variegated Pothos
Variegated varieties like Marble Queen and Golden Pothos need the light to be a little brighter to grow their patterns. if they don’t get enough light the white and yellow pattern may fade and become green.
If you own these varieties then put them in brighter spots than regular pothos.
Unique Ideas for Light Access
If you get a little creative of can make a big difference.
- Mirrors: Use mirrors to reflect natural light onto your plant.
- Rotating Placement: Rotate your pothos every week so it gets light on all sides evenly.
- Elevated Stands: Lift trailing plants closer to yo or source of light using stands or shelves.
Final Thoughts
Giving your pothos the light it needs isn’t complicated. But you do have to pay attention to your plant and what it tells you.
If you recreate, or at least get quite close to, its natural environment and keep an eye on its signals your pothos will thrive. It doesn’t matter if you’re using natural light or artificial, just keep in mind that balance is super important.