We all know, in general, how important sunlight is for our houseplants. But what we sometimes forget is how much these light preferences can truly affect their long-term health and growth. I’ve fallen victim to the “shop now, read later” buying sprees and failed to scan the accompanying care tips. Purchased plants labeled as needing full sun despise my home’s rather dark interior and now sulk broodily in the corner of my living room. Turns out, the perfect spot for my plant wasn’t so perfect after all! This, of course, can be easily remedied with a simple solution—knowing the ideal location to place indoor plants to fit their preferences.

Why Do Plants Need Sun Anyway?
Let’s go back to the basics. Your plant’s leaves are filled with chlorophyll, a pigment that gives them their green color. It’s chlorophyll’s job to gather energy from the sunlight and turn it into food through a process called photosynthesis. Less adequate light means less growth. And more sulky stares from your plant.

Understanding Light Levels
We all can see how light affects plants outdoors, where it’s easy to observe shadows and direct sunlight. But indoors, it can be more difficult to gauge light level, to the potential detriment of your plants. In general, there are three main categories for indoor light:

• Bright Light: Refers to direct sunlight for 5-6 hours (preferably all day) from a western or southern facing window.
• Indirect Light: Refers to light from eastern-facing windows or the other side of a room that receives bright light for most of the day.
• Low Light: Refers to light in rooms with northern-facing windows or windows shaded by outdoor foliage or other buildings.

When considering where to place indoor plants in your home, be sure to answer these questions first: which rooms receive the most sunlight? From which direction? What is the layout of each room, especially by the windows?

Know Your Plant Type
Some indoor plants thrive off of bright light, such as Aloe Vera or other succulents. Other plants, like the ZZ Plant or Golden Pothos prefer indirect and even low light. Knowing the light level each houseplant needs for optimal growth will determine where to place it in your home. But if you’re still not sure, place indoor plants close to a window that receives bright, indirect light. If after a few months, your plant still looks happy and healthy, it’s in the ideal location!

XO,
Micah

I can’t imagine a better way to start off the year than with a new plant. I was recently gifted a healthy Satin Pothos—a rare and lucky find—that now sways cheerily in its hanging pot by the front window. You may recognize this plant for its silvery variegation and velvety leaves. Once sighted, it’s easy to be drawn in by the unique colors and textures. I, for one, have always had my eye on them…

The name Satin Pothos (or Silver Philodendron) is actually a bit of a misnomer. While in the same family as both pothos or philodendron, they’re more cousins than siblings. Still, they display similar characteristics, including heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. Best of all, they’re also easy to care for and a great plant for beginners!

Sunlight
Satin Pothos, like their vining cousins, are happiest in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light, which is why they’re considered a good starter plant. However, placing your plant near a window (preferably on a shelf to allow vining) will help it thrive and grow lush and long quickly.

Water
Like most plants, a Satin Pothos only needs to be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry and dusty. This may be every couple of weeks, but routinely testing the soil for dryness is the best way to ensure you don’t overwater. It’s okay of the soil remains moist (just not drenched), but keep watch on the leaves. If they begin to turn yellow, your plant has been overwatered! Leaves that begin to curl inward is a sign your plant is thirsty.

Humidity
Satin Pothos do prefer a higher level of humidity than other indoor plants. This can generally be satisfied by keeping your plant in the bathroom or kitchen. Dry air will start to brown the tips of their leaves. Satin Pothos also enjoy warmer temperatures that don’t fall below 55 degrees, which makes them a great indoor plant.

Food
Fertilize your Satin Pothos every month during the growing season (spring – summer) to ensure it has the nutrients to grow healthy. Flush the soil every 3-4 months to remove any salt build-up that can harm your plant. When you notice roots poking through the drainage hole, repot it in a container that is a few inches wider than its diameter.

Propagation
When you notice the vines of your Satin Pothos becoming a bit too long, you can easily propagate them to make new plants! Simply find a root node on the vine (a brown nub) and snip the vine directly behind it. Place the propagated vine in water either permanently or until the new roots are 3-5 inches long. They can then be potted!

Outside of normal plant care, there isn’t much you have to do to keep these beautiful plants alive and thriving. Have you seen a Satin Pothos before? Or have experience owning one? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah