I've noticed the same thing with pothos and snake plants. A while back, I was working on a remodel for a client who had a tiny home office—really cramped space, barely room to turn around. She added a couple of pothos near the window, and honestly, it felt like the room opened up overnight. Probably something about the way the leaves catch and diffuse the natural light...or maybe it's just our brains playing tricks. Either way, if it works, it works.
"Probably something about the way the leaves catch and diffuse the natural light...or maybe it's just our brains playing tricks."
Definitely agree with this. I recently worked on a small apartment redesign, and we placed a snake plant in a corner that always felt dark and cramped. Honestly, it was surprising how much brighter and more inviting that spot became. Plants seem to soften shadows somehow—maybe it's psychological, but hey, if it makes the space feel better, I'm all for it.
Yeah, I think you're onto something with the snake plant. Do you think the vertical shape and glossy leaves help bounce around the available light? I've noticed similar results using pothos vines draped over shelves or cabinets—something about the softer edges and varied leaf angles seems to diffuse shadows nicely. Could also be that shade of green itself acts as a subtle reflector...either way, plants definitely seem to have their own sneaky tricks for brightening up a room.
I've definitely noticed pothos doing something similar in my own space. It's interesting you mention the shade of green itself—never really thought about color playing a role, but it makes sense. I've also found mirrors placed strategically behind plants can amplify that effect even more. Have you experimented with reflective surfaces or mirrors near your plants? Curious if anyone else has tried this and noticed a difference...
I've actually used mirrors behind plants quite a bit, and it does make a noticeable difference. Not only does it amplify the natural light, but it also gives the illusion of more space—especially handy in smaller rooms. One thing I'd suggest though, from experience, is to angle the mirrors slightly rather than placing them flat against the wall. It helps bounce the light around more naturally and avoids that weird "plant staring at itself" look...unless your pothos enjoys admiring itself, of course.
