Do Pothos Like Direct Sunlight?

Pothos are among the most popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and adapt to different conditions. But one question many plant lovers have is about their light needs: Do pothos like direct sunlight?

The short answer is no. Pothos do best in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Let’s explore why, what happens if they get too much sun, and the best ways to keep them thriving.

Pothos are tropical plants that naturally grow under tree canopies in the wild. This means they are used to filtered light rather than direct, harsh sunlight.

If placed in strong, direct sun for too long, pothos leaves can:

Turn yellow or brown
Develop crispy edges
Lose their beautiful variegation

For example, if your plant is showing brown spots on leaves, direct sunlight could be the cause (learn more about brown spots on pothos leaves).

Best Light Conditions for Pothos

The ideal light for pothos is bright, indirect sunlight. Here’s what that means in practice:

Place near a north or east-facing window.
Use a sheer curtain to filter strong sunlight from south or west-facing windows.
Artificial grow lights can also work if you have a dark home.

Different pothos varieties have slightly different needs:

Marble Queen Pothos needs brighter light to maintain variegation (Marble Queen Pothos Care Guide).
Golden Pothos and Jessenia Pothos can handle lower light but grow more slowly (Jessenia Pothos Complete Care).

Can Pothos Survive in Low Light?

Yes, pothos are known as low-light-tolerant plants, which makes them perfect for offices and darker rooms. However, in low light:

Growth will be slower.
Leaves may become smaller.
Variegation might fade.

If your pothos looks like it’s growing slowly, it might be due to low light (why is my pothos growing slowly?).

Outdoor Light Requirements for Pothos

Pothos can also be grown outdoors in warm climates. However, they should never be placed in harsh afternoon sunlight. Instead, choose spots with:

Partial shade under trees
Shaded patios or balconies
Filtered light throughout the day

If you’re planning to grow pothos outside, check this guide: Can Pothos Grow Outdoors?.

Common Light-Related Problems and Fixes

Here are some signs your pothos is not getting the right amount of light:

Leggy growth (long stems, fewer leaves) → Move it to a brighter spot.
Leaves losing variegation → Needs more light, especially varieties like Marble Queen or Jessenia.
Burnt, crispy leaves → Too much direct sunlight.

If your leaves are turning yellow, light stress may be one of the reasons (Why Is My Pothos Turning Yellow?).

Conclusion

So, do pothos like direct sunlight? No. They prefer bright, indirect light and will reward you with lush, green leaves when placed correctly.

Avoid harsh direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Use filtered light indoors.
Place them in shaded outdoor areas if growing outside.

With the right light conditions, your pothos will stay healthy and vibrant for years.

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Do Pothos Like Direct Sunlight?