Pothos plants are popular for their adaptability and cascading foliage. Despite their easy-care reputation, leaf loss is a common issue, with healthy leaves yellowing, browning, or dropping. Understanding why this happens helps restore your Pothos.
Understanding Pothos Leaf Loss
Observing leaf loss characteristics helps pinpoint the cause. Mushy, yellowing leaves often indicate too much moisture, while crispy, brown leaves suggest insufficient watering. Leaves curling downward can signal either over or underwatering. Rapid, sudden leaf drops or wilting also provide clues.
Primary Causes of Pothos Leaf Loss
Overwatering
Overwatering often causes Pothos leaf loss by suffocating roots, leading to root rot. Consistently wet soil prevents oxygen absorption, causing roots to decay. Leaves, especially older ones, turn yellow, soft, or limp before dropping. Brown spots, water blisters, or mold on the soil surface may also appear.
Underwatering
Allowing the soil to dry out too much also causes leaves to drop. An underwatered Pothos wilts or droops due to lack of water pressure. Leaves become dry, crisp, or brittle, often browning from the edges inward. Parched soil pulling away from the pot’s sides indicates dehydration.
Insufficient Light
While Pothos tolerate lower light, inadequate light can cause leaf loss. Growth may slow, new leaves might be smaller, and the plant can become leggy. Older leaves may yellow and drop as the plant conserves energy. A sudden shift to a dimmer environment can also trigger yellowing.
Temperature Stress
Extreme temperatures can cause leaf discoloration and dropping. Pothos prefer 60-85°F (15-29°C). Cold drafts from open windows or vents can cause leaves to drop. Similarly, excessive heat or direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to wilt, crack, or develop brown edges.
Nutrient Deficiencies
A lack of nutrients can cause Pothos leaves to yellow and drop. When nutrients are low, the plant may pull them from older leaves to support new growth, causing older foliage to yellow. A nitrogen deficiency can cause uniform yellowing, especially in older leaves, while a lack of magnesium might result in yellowing between leaf veins.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can weaken a Pothos, leading to damaged, discolored, and dropped leaves. Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale, and whiteflies feed on plant sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, or visible webs and sticky residue. Diseases like root rot (often from overwatering) cause yellowing leaves and mushy stems. Fungal issues like leaf spot appear as brown or black spots.
Transplant Shock
Repotting or moving a Pothos can induce temporary transplant shock. This disturbance to the root system can cause wilting, yellowing leaves, or a temporary halt in growth. The plant may shed some leaves as it adjusts to its new environment or disturbed roots. This condition is usually temporary as the plant settles.
Natural Aging
Pothos plants naturally shed older leaves as part of their growth cycle. As new growth emerges, especially at vine tips, older leaves (particularly at the base) may yellow and drop. This is a normal process and not a concern unless excessive or accompanied by other distress signs.
Solutions and Recovery for Pothos Leaf Loss
Overwatering and Root Rot
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Ensure adequate drainage and remove standing water. If root rot is suspected, trim dark, mushy roots and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Underwatering
Thoroughly saturate soil until water drains, then maintain consistent watering.
Insufficient Light
Move to bright, indirect light (e.g., near a window), avoiding direct sun.
Temperature Stress
Relocate away from drafts, heating, or cooling vents. Maintain 60-85°F (15-29°C).
Nutrient Deficiencies
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half or quarter strength during the growing season (spring/summer).
Pests
Wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol (mealybugs/scale), spray with insecticidal soap, or use a strong water stream (spider mites/aphids).
Diseases
Remove diseased leaves (e.g., leaf spot) and improve air circulation.
Transplant Shock
Mist leaves to increase humidity and reduce stress.
Preventing Future Leaf Loss
Consistent care practices prevent future leaf loss in Pothos plants.
Watering: Establish a routine; water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry (every 7-10 days in growing season, less in winter).
Light: Provide bright, indirect light.
Temperature: Maintain stable indoor temperatures, avoiding drafts.
Fertilization: Fertilize occasionally in spring/summer with diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Pest/Disease Check: Regularly inspect for issues.
Environment: Ensure good air circulation, use well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.