How To Save A Sunburnt Pothos

Owning a pothos plant is like having a dependable friend who doesn't demand too much attention. But even the hardiest of friends can face some challenges, like sunburn. Yes, your pothos can get sunburnt! This might sound a bit odd, but it's true. Those beautiful, heart-shaped leaves can suffer if they're exposed to too much direct sunlight.

So, what's a plant parent to do? Well, if your pothos is showing signs of sunburn, this article is for you. We'll cover everything from identifying the symptoms to taking steps to revive your leafy companion. You'll be back to a thriving houseplant in no time.

Recognizing Sunburn in Your Pothos

First things first, how can you tell if your pothos is sunburnt? Typically, sunburn manifests as discolored patches on the leaves. These can range from yellow to brown, and sometimes even black. The affected areas might feel crispy to the touch, which is a clear indication of damage.

You'll often find these patches on the parts of the plant that are directly facing the light source. A sunburnt pothos might also shed leaves more frequently than usual. If you notice your plant looking a bit sparse, it might be time to assess its sun exposure.

Interestingly enough, the older leaves are often more susceptible to sunburn. This happens because they’ve been exposed to sunlight for a longer period. So, if you see your older leaves turning color while the newer ones look fine, it’s time for a little investigation.

Understanding the Cause

Now that you know what sunburn looks like on a pothos, let’s talk about what causes it. You might think more sunlight equals healthier plants, but that’s not always the case. Pothos prefer indirect sunlight, which means they thrive in bright, but not direct, light.

If your pothos is sitting on a windowsill with strong, direct sunlight, it might be getting more rays than it can handle. This is especially true if your windows face south or west, where the sun can be quite intense during certain times of the day.

Another factor to consider is artificial lighting. While many pothos plants do well under LED or fluorescent lights, positioning them too close can also lead to sunburn. Make sure there's enough distance between the light source and your plant to avoid any issues.

Moving Your Plant to a Safer Spot

Once you’ve identified that sunburn is indeed the culprit, the next step is to relocate your pothos to a safer location. Finding the right spot will help prevent further damage and allow your plant to recover.

So, where should you move it? Ideally, you want a place with bright, indirect light. This could be a room with plenty of natural light that doesn’t hit the plant directly, or perhaps a spot a few feet away from a sunny window.

If you don’t have a perfect spot, consider using sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight. This way, your pothos can still enjoy the light without the harmful direct rays. It’s all about balance, ensuring your plant gets enough light to thrive without getting scorched.

Pruning Damaged Leaves

Now that your pothos is in a safer location, it’s time to deal with those damaged leaves. Pruning might sound a bit intimidating, but don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process.

Start by identifying the most damaged leaves. Focus on those with extensive discoloration or a crispy texture. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut these leaves off. Make your cut at the base where the leaf meets the stem.

Removing the damaged leaves not only improves the plant's appearance but also allows it to conserve energy. Instead of trying to heal beyond-repair leaves, your pothos can focus on new growth. Remember, it's like giving your plant a fresh start.

Adjusting Watering Practices

After moving and pruning your pothos, the next step is to reassess your watering routine. A sunburnt plant may have different hydration needs, especially if it's been stressed by too much sunlight.

Be cautious not to overwater. Sunburnt leaves might not be able to use as much water, leading to potential root rot if there's excess moisture. Instead, allow the soil to dry out a bit more than usual before watering.

On the other hand, don’t let the plant dry out completely. The goal is to strike a balance, keeping the soil moderately moist. This ensures the roots remain healthy and capable of supporting new growth.

Fertilizing for Recovery

Once your pothos has settled into its new location and you’ve adjusted your watering habits, it’s time to think about fertilizing. A little boost can help your plant bounce back more quickly.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This provides the necessary nutrients without overwhelming your plant. Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding, which can be just as harmful as starving your plant.

Fertilize once a month during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer for most houseplants. This helps support new growth and strengthens your pothos as it recovers from sunburn.

Monitoring and Adjusting Light Levels

As your pothos begins to recover, keep a close eye on how it reacts to its new environment. Plants are pretty good at letting you know when something is off, so pay attention to any signs of stress.

If you notice new leaves showing signs of sunburn, it might be time to adjust the light level again. This could mean moving the plant further away from the light source or using additional barriers like curtains or blinds.

Conversely, if the plant appears to be stretching and the leaves are smaller than usual, it might not be getting enough light. In this case, gradually move it closer to the light source until you find the sweet spot.

Creating a Plant-Friendly Environment

If you want to prevent future sunburn, consider creating a plant-friendly environment that caters to all your green friends. This might involve rearranging your space to find the perfect balance of light for different plants.

Think about the direction your windows face, as well as the time of year. The position of the sun changes, affecting how much light enters your home. Maybe invest in a light meter to get an accurate reading of light levels, helping you better understand your plants' needs.

Also, consider the humidity in your home. Pothos plants enjoy moderate humidity, so if your air is too dry, it can add stress to your plant. Use a humidifier or place a small dish of water nearby to increase moisture in the air.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a sunburnt pothos might seem daunting at first, but with some simple steps, you can nurse your plant back to health. It's all about recognizing the signs, adjusting its environment, and giving it the right care to thrive once again.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to help you on your plant journey. Whether you're looking for new houseplants, need advice, or just want to chat about your green friends, feel free to email us or send a DM on Instagram. We believe plants are not just beautiful additions to our spaces; they're a way to connect with nature and each other. Let's grow together!