2023 Do Nephthytis Plants Like Direct Sunlight: Expert Tell You

Understanding Nephthytis Plants

Nephthytis plants, also known as arrowhead plants, thrive in warm, humid conditions with moderate lighting. Nephthytis belong to the Araceae family and are characterized by arrowhead or heart shaped leaves. They grow as creeping or climbing vines with long, arching stems. Also known as nephthytis aurea, these plants add warm, tropical flair to any indoor space.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

nephthytis, nephthytis, person holding brown and black frog — *Photo by* *Sandie Clarke* / *Unsplash*

Optimal Lighting Conditions for Nephthytis

Nephthytis prefer medium to low light intensity and thrive in indirect or diffused sunlight . These plants should receive around 2 to 4 hours of filtered or dappled sunlight each day to promote healthy growth. The best times to expose nephthytis to light are:

Early morning sunlight: This allows the plants to fully benefit from the light while avoiding harsh midday rays. Place nephthytis plants near an east- or northeast-facing window.
Scattered or diffused light throughout the day: For example, if the plants are placed in a room that receives dappled sunlight through a tree canopy.

If provided with adequate moisture, nephthytis can survive in low light conditions, however they benefit from higher light levels:

Indoor locations with high light will produce more vibrant green foliage and compact growth.
When exposed to indirect sunlight outdoors, nephthytis stems become stronger which allows the plant to climb walls or trellis systems.

In low light conditions, nephthytis plants tend to become leggy, pale and succumb more easily to pests and diseases. Avoid placing nephthytis:

Far from windows where they only receive artificial light.
In dark corners of rooms with little exposure.
Directly under bright lights which can causes uneven growth and leaf drop.

nephthytis, sunlight, red flower in close up photography — *Photo by* *Raimond Klavins* / *Unsplash*

The Benefits of Direct Sunlight for Nephthytis

While nephthytis plants thrive in indirect and low light conditions, providing them direct sunlight for at least a few hours each day offers several advantages:

Healthier and more compact growth: Nephthytis exposed to direct sunlight develop stronger stems that can support the plant’s weight as it matures. The plants also tend to be more compact and bushy compared to those in low light.

Brighter foliage color: The green leaves of nephthytis plants become a more vivid shade when they receive adequate direct sunlight. Colors like yellow and reddish tones also intensify in variegated varieties.

Fewer pest and disease problems: Direct sun helps reduce issues like powdery mildew and spider mites that often plague plants in low light. The stronger stems are also less susceptible to breakage.

Better ability to climb: Direct sun exposure results in woodier stems that can support the plant as it climbs poles, trellises or grows up walls.

Improved flowering: Nephthytis plants produce more abundant inflorescences or arrowhead-like flowers when provided balanced amounts of direct and indirect light.

However, gradually introducing nephthytis to higher light levels is crucial to avoid:

•Leaf drop

•Sudden elongation of stems

•Stress and chances of infection

Therefore, begin by placing plants in 1-2 hours of morning sunlight and increase exposure in 15-30 minute increments each week. Monitor the plants closely for signs of stress and adjust the light levels accordingly.

Only move nephthytis outdoors after they have adjusted to high light indoors.

nephthytis, foliage, green leafed plants — *Photo by* *pandu ior* / *Unsplash*

Tips for Providing Adequate Sun Exposure to Nephthytis

Providing the right amount of sunlight for nephthytis plants requires a gradual approach to avoid sun shock and damage:

Begin by placing nephthytis in 1-2 hours of morning sunlight indoors for 1-2 weeks. This allows the plant to adjust slowly.
Increase exposure by 15-30 minute increments each week, preferably in the morning when sunlight is less intense. Monitor the plant closely for signs of stress.
Rotate plants periodically to ensure even exposure. Leaves turning yellow or dropping off indicates too much sun; move the plant to a slightly darker spot if this happens.
Overcast or rainy days still provide diffused light, so take those days into account when moving the plant to a brighter area.
Once nephthytis are thriving in high light indoors, harden them off outdoors by initially placing them in dappled shade and gradually moving them to sunnier spots.
Use a sheer or lace curtain, translucent shade cloth or diffuser to reduce light intensity for nephthytis adjusting to more sunlight.
Foliage color can be used as an indicator:

•Vibrant green or brighter variegations show the plant is receiving adequate sun.

•Pale yellow or light green leaves indicate insufficient light.

Young nephthytis plants and ones adapting to more sun may require:

•More frequent watering to prevent leaf drop

•Increased humidity

To recap, provide nephthytis with just 1-2 hours of morning sunlight at first and extend exposure time in small increments to help the plant adjust slowly and successfully to higher light conditions.