Pothos plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for, and they thrive when given 10 to 12 hours of indirect light each day. These popular tropical plants are highly adaptable, which is one reason they’ve become a favorite among indoor gardeners. While bright indirect light is ideal, Pothos can survive in a range of lighting conditions, including lower light areas.
Cate Kowalsky, a plant expert at DaHaing Plants, shares, “Pothos plants are incredibly resilient. I’ve seen them survive droughts, root rot, pests, and even curious kids tugging at their vines. They love to explore their surroundings and can adapt to almost any environment.”
Pothos is so easy to grow it even grows in water.
Interestingly, Pothos can even grow in water, making them one of the most versatile houseplants.
How Many Hours of Sunlight Do Pothos Need?
Commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or by their Latin name, Epipremnum aureum, Pothos thrive with 10–12 hours of bright, indirect light each day. However, their resilience allows them to adapt to medium or even low-light conditions.
Although Pothos can tolerate some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to harsh, intense light can damage their leaves. The best spot for your Pothos is about 5 to 10 feet away from a south-facing window, where it can get enough light without being directly exposed to the sun’s rays.
A north or west-facing window can also work well since these directions offer bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. If these options aren’t available, sheer curtains or blinds can help filter the light, protecting your Pothos from the intense rays.
Like all plants, Pothos rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, which is how they produce food and grow. If a Pothos is kept in low light, it might grow more slowly. In response to less light, Pothos may produce more chloroplasts, making the leaves greener while reducing the variegation, especially in varieties like Satin Pothos and Silver Ann.
There are several cultivars of Pothos, each with its own light preferences. Some popular ones include Jade Pothos, Neon, and Marble Queen. Despite these differences, all Pothos varieties generally thrive in bright, indirect light.
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light.
Do Pothos Need to Be Placed by a Window?
Pothos plants are so adaptable that they don’t necessarily need to be right by a window. However, for optimal growth, positioning them 5-10 feet from a south-facing window or near a west-facing window is ideal.
Pothos can even grow under fluorescent lights, making them perfect for offices or commercial spaces. Unlike many plants, they don’t require natural sunlight and can thrive under artificial lighting, which is why they’re such popular indoor plants.
How to Tell If Your Pothos Is Getting Enough Light
Even in rooms with limited natural light, Pothos can adapt and continue to grow, although at a slower pace. However, if kept in dim conditions for too long, they may become leggy. Occasional exposure to brighter light helps maintain their overall health.
Here are some signs that your Pothos may not be getting enough light:
- Yellowing Leaves: When Pothos don’t get enough light, their leaves may turn pale or yellow. This happens because the plant can’t produce enough chlorophyll, which is necessary for maintaining vibrant green leaves.
- Slow or No Growth: If your Pothos isn’t producing new leaves or if the leaves are smaller than usual, it might need more light. Consider moving it to a brighter location or providing some supplementary artificial light.
- Loss of Variegation: Insufficient light can cause a Pothos to lose its attractive variegation. Instead of the eye-catching patterns, the leaves may turn plain green as the plant shifts its energy towards photosynthesis.
Too much direct sunlight can cause Pothos leaves to turn brown or yellow.
Can Pothos Handle Direct Sunlight?
Although Pothos love bright light, it should generally come from indirect exposure. Direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can be too harsh and may cause damage.
Kowalsky suggests, “If you’re going to place your Pothos in direct sunlight, morning light is less intense and safer. However, if afternoon sunlight is your only option, limit exposure to 4 hours a day at most.”
Healthy Pothos should have bright, glossy leaves that grow close together on the vine. If your Pothos is exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the leaves may become scorched or bleached. To avoid this, try limiting direct sun exposure to a few hours in the morning or late afternoon.
Signs Your Pothos Is Getting Too Much Sun
Too much direct sunlight can harm Pothos, leading to scorched leaves. If you notice yellowing or brown spots, your plant might be getting too much sun. These burns often happen when the plant is in the path of unfiltered sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Wilting or curling leaves are another sign that your Pothos is struggling with excessive sun exposure. When leaves lose moisture too quickly due to intense light, they may wilt or curl. Trimming affected leaves can help redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth.
Finally, a variegated Pothos may lose its contrast if exposed to harsh sunlight for too long. The vibrant patterns might fade, but the plant will likely regain its variegation once moved to a spot with lower light intensity.
By carefully monitoring your Pothos and adjusting its light exposure as needed, you can keep this adaptable plant healthy and vibrant for years to come.
What to Do If Your Pothos Isn’t Thriving
If your Pothos isn’t looking its best despite being in ideal light conditions, consider these tips:
- Watering: Pothos prefer to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause the leaves to get crispy brown tips. Aim to water your Pothos every 7-14 days.
- Temperature & Humidity: Pothos thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F and slightly higher humidity. Misting the leaves or using a humidifier can help create a more natural environment.
- Soil: Pothos need well-draining soil that dries out between waterings. A potting mix with coarse organic matter and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, placing rocks at the bottom can prevent root rot.
