What does a pothos look like with too much sun?

Answered by John Hunt

When a Pothos plant receives too much sunlight, it can result in brown spots appearing on the leaves. These brown spots are actually sunburns, similar to when human skin gets burned from excessive sun exposure. The sunburns usually appear on the variegated parts of the leaves, which are the parts with lighter or different-colored patterns.

Unfortunately, once a leaf has been sunburned, the damage is permanent. The brown spots won’t heal or go away on their own. However, you do have the option to trim off the affected leaves if you find them unsightly or if you want to promote new growth.

I remember one incident where I had placed my Pothos plant near a window that received direct sunlight for several hours a day. Initially, the plant seemed to be thriving and growing well. However, after a few weeks, I started noticing brown spots appearing on the variegated leaves. At first, I wasn’t sure what was causing it, but upon researching, I realized it was due to sunburn.

To rectify the situation, I moved the plant to a spot where it received bright, indirect light instead of direct sunlight. Over time, new growth appeared, and the new leaves were free from sunburns. I also trimmed off the damaged leaves to improve the overall appearance of the plant.

It’s essential to find the right balance of light for your Pothos plant. While they do require bright light to thrive, direct sunlight can be too intense and result in sunburns. If you notice brown spots on the leaves, it’s a good indication that your plant is getting too much sun.

To prevent sunburns on your Pothos, you can consider the following tips:

1. Adjust the location: Move your plant to a spot that receives bright, indirect light. This could be a few feet away from a window or in a room with filtered light.
2. Use sheer curtains or blinds: If your plant is near a window with direct sunlight, you can use sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light and reduce its intensity.
3. Rotate the plant: If you can’t move your plant to a different location, consider rotating it regularly so that all sides receive equal amounts of light. This can help prevent excessive sun exposure on specific leaves.
4. Monitor light levels: Pay attention to the intensity and duration of sunlight your plant is receiving. If you notice signs of sunburn, adjust accordingly.

By being mindful of your Pothos plant’s light requirements, you can help it thrive and prevent unsightly sunburns on the leaves. Remember, trimming off affected leaves is always an option if you want to maintain a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.