If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s easy to care for, the Pothos plant should be right on top of your list. A plant that practically thrives on neglect, the Pothos is very hard to kill, even if you have the brownest of brown thumbs! This lush green vine is easy-going and amazingly resilient, shrugging off the worst possible conditions to add a verdant touch to any space.
In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the importance of proper lighting for your Pothos plants. How can you propagate your plant under a grow light or indoor plant lights, and what are the signs of excessive light? How often should you rotate your plant to get the best results? Find out all these, and more!
Also called the money plant, the Pothos plant is the most common indoor plant out there. Its trailing vines adorned with beautiful heart-shaped leaves come in a surprising variety of colours and patterns. These hardy plants are among the easiest greens to grow, as they require next to no care at all! They require minimal watering and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
Pothos plants come in many different colours and patterns, including green, golden, variegated, and marbled. They have weak stems and cannot stand upright; instead, they trail down from a hanging basket or climb up a moss pole or trellis. Pothos plants are relatively fast-growing—they may grow as much as 18 inches in a single month—so you can quickly fill a pot or basket with tropical foliage.
These plants are indoor superstars! Not only do they release oxygen into the air during photosynthesis, but they absorb toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene; and boost the ambience of your home. Among those who believe in Feng Shui, the money plant is considered to be lucky, ushering in peace and prosperity to your home.
Some of the most common strains of the money plant include the Golden Pothos, with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are yellow or white; and the Jade Pothos which has thick, green, and round leaves.
As all of us have studied in high school biology, light is the fuel that powers the world of plants. In just the same way that we need food for energy, plants rely on light to survive and thrive. They require adequate light for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into food.
Different plant species have varying light needs. Some thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, while others prefer lower light conditions. Knowing your plant’s specific needs is key to keeping it healthy and helping it to thrive.
By understanding the importance of proper lighting, you can create the ideal environment for your plants to grow well. Whether you’re using natural sunlight or supplementing with artificial grow lights for indoor plants, providing the right amount of light is essential for keeping your indoor jungle lush and green!
The most critical role of light in plants is enabling photosynthesis, and this amazing process is essentially how plants make their food, and looking up the food chain, how the rest of the world survives!
During photosynthesis, plants use light, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This glucose fuels all their growth processes, from building strong stems and vibrant leaves to producing beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. Without sufficient light, photosynthesis slows down or stops altogether, leading to a cascade of negative effects.
It’s not just the quantity of light, but also the quality, that matters. Sunlight provides a spectrum of light wavelengths, and different wavelengths play specific roles in plant development. For example, blue and red light wavelengths are particularly important for healthy growth, while some green wavelengths may be less critical for photosynthesis but can still influence plant health.
Different plant species have different light requirements. There are some plants, like cacti and succulents, that thrive in bright, direct sunlight. Others, such as ferns and certain indoor foliage plants, prefer lower light levels or indirect sunlight. Pothos plants fall into this bracket, and actually do a lot better in diffused indoor light than in bright sunlight!
By figuring out your plant’s specific needs, you can provide it with the best lighting conditions for healthy growth and vibrant colour. If natural light isn’t available, your plant can thrive just as well with artificial sunlight for plants.
While natural light is ideal for most plants, it’s not always available in sufficient quantities or with the right qualities indoors. Here’s the lowdown of different lighting options to keep your indoor plants healthy:
Natural light is the best source of light for most indoor plants. It provides a full spectrum of light wavelengths, including those that are needed for photosynthesis, plant growth, and overall health. The amount and quality of natural light will change depending on the direction your windows face, as well as the time of day. In general:
Incandescent bulbs are not really ideal for most indoor plants. While they emit a warm light similar to sunlight, they generate a lot more heat than light. They also don’t provide the full range of wavelengths needed for optimal plant growth. What’s more, they are not environmentally friendly, and their short lifespan means more frequent bulb changes!
Using UV light for plants that are mostly indoors can be beneficial, especially if they’re lacking natural sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light falls outside the visible spectrum for humans but is essential for plants as it stimulates various biological processes like photosynthesis and helps in the production of certain phytochemicals.
While ultraviolet (UV) light is a part of the natural sunlight spectrum, it’s important to note that too much UV exposure can be harmful to some plants. While some amount of UV light can help with plant growth and pest control, continued exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Sheer curtains can help filter out some UV rays while still allowing beneficial light to pass through.
CFLs, or Compact Fluorescent Lamps, are a more energy-efficient alternative to incandescent bulbs. They offer a broader light spectrum and can be positioned closer to plants without generating excessive heat. CFLs come in various light spectrums, with some designed specifically for plant growth. Look for bulbs labelled “full-spectrum” or “plant grow lights” for the best results.
LED grow lights are becoming increasingly popular for indoor plant lighting, and with good reason, too! Not only do LED lights last much longer than incandescent bulbs or CFLs, but they also use significantly less energy than other lighting options, making this a win-win option.
These lights can be targeted for optimal results, and can be designed to emit specific wavelengths of light that are most beneficial for plant growth. Many LED grow lights for indoor plants focus on red and blue wavelengths, which are crucial for photosynthesis and plant development.
Pothos plants, while famously adaptable, are no exception to the rule that light plays a crucial role in their growth and overall health!
Your Pothos plant prefers bright, indirect light. Think of a spot that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day, mimicking its natural forest floor habitat. Direct sunlight, especially for extended periods, can scorch its delicate leaves.
The good news, though, is that this popular plant can tolerate lower light conditions compared to many houseplants. However, in very low light, the growth will slow, the leaves may lose variegation (become a uniform green), and the stems can become leggy or stretched out.
If your Pothos isn’t getting the right light, you might see some of these signals:
However, if you give it the right amounts of light, your Pothos will have healthy and lush green foliage. Proper light encourages the Pothos to produce new leaves and maintain a dense, full appearance. If your plant comes with variegations of white, gold, or cream, sufficient light helps them retain these beautiful contrasting colours.
Here are some tips for proper lighting of your Pothos plants:
So, there you have it! Pothos plants are not only stunning additions to your home decor, but also prove to be gorgeous green companions that are fuss-free and don’t ask for much care. By providing them with bright, indirect light and following the simple tips outlined in this blog, you can ensure your Pothos flourish for years to come.
For more home décor guides, visit HomeLane and subscribe to our blogs. Do let us know in the comments below what you’ve named your Pothos, and share pictures of your thriving green friends. Happy planting!
Regular desk lamps can work in a pinch, especially if they use CFL or LED bulbs that are labelled “full-spectrum” or “plant grow lights.” However, their light intensity might be weaker than ideal. Also, your Pothos plant will benefit from a regular light cycle, so you can set a timer for 8-12 hours of light per day.
You should keep the lamp close enough for the light to reach the plant, but not so close it causes heat stress. A distance of 12-18 inches (1 to 1.5 feet) has been proven to be ideal.
Note that regular incandescent lamps will not work! Also, a desk lamp is not a long-term solution, and it’s always better to keep your plant in indirect or filtered natural light.
You can rotate your Pothos about 90 degrees (a quarter turn) every week or two. This encourages even growth towards the light source and prevents it from leaning towards the window in search of light.
Practically, though, if you have allowed your plant to climb on the window, it might not be possible to rotate it. You can only do this if it’s growing on a moss stick and has not extended beyond the length of the stick.
Pothos plants do not do well in direct harsh sunlight, and the leaves will get scorched, burnt or will lose their colour. Sunburned leaves with brown or crispy patches will not recover their original colour. You must cut off the severely damaged leaves to improve aesthetics and allow the plant to focus energy on healthy growth.
Make sure to move the plant to a shadier spot or filter direct sunlight with a sheer curtain.
This is not a good idea! Your Pothos can tolerate some outdoor sun, especially in dappled or morning light. However, avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, as it can scorch the leaves.
When in doubt, err on the side of less direct sunlight for your Pothos. They’d rather adapt to lower light than risk sunburn!
Reflective surfaces like mirrors can slightly enhance light reaching the plant, but the effect is minimal. It’s generally more effective to address the light source directly by positioning the plant closer to a window, or using a stronger grow light.
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