Pothos plants are popular houseplants. Despite their adaptability, they are susceptible to watering issues that impact their health. Understanding proper watering is fundamental, as both too much and too little water cause distress. Recognizing the signs of underwatering versus overwatering is the first step in proper care.
Signs of Underwatered Pothos
When a Pothos is underwatered, visual and tactile cues appear. Leaves and stems wilt or droop, appearing less perky. Leaves may also curl downwards at the edges to slow water loss. The foliage develops a dry, crispy, or brittle texture, often starting at the leaf edges or tips. This browning can appear on new and old growth.
The soil will feel completely dry, often pulling away from the pot, and the pot may feel lighter. Prolonged underwatering can lead to stunted growth as the plant conserves energy.
Signs of Overwatered Pothos
An overwatered Pothos exhibits different symptoms. Yellowing leaves are common, especially on lower foliage, and feel soft or mushy. Black or brown spots, or soft browning edges, can also appear. The soil remains consistently wet, soggy, or waterlogged, and may develop mold. A foul, musty odor from the soil often indicates root rot, caused by lack of oxygen to the roots.
Despite wet soil, an overwatered Pothos may still wilt or droop. This occurs because waterlogged roots are unable to effectively absorb water and nutrients.
How to Tell the Difference
Distinguishing between underwatered and overwatered Pothos can be challenging due to similar symptoms like wilting or yellowing. The most reliable way to differentiate is by assessing soil moisture. Underwatered soil is bone dry, often pulling away from the pot. Overwatered soil is consistently damp, soggy, or waterlogged.
Leaf texture provides another clue. Underwatered leaves are dry, crispy, and brittle. Overwatered leaves, though yellow or brown, feel soft, limp, or mushy. Browning patterns also differ: underwatered browning is crispy tips or edges, while overwatered browning is soft, spreading patches, often with overall yellowing. A foul, rotten smell from the soil strongly indicates root rot due to overwatering.
Fixing Watering Problems
Addressing watering issues promptly is crucial for Pothos recovery. For an underwatered Pothos, provide thorough, deep watering from the top until water drains, or use bottom watering if soil is hydrophobic. Always drain excess water from the saucer.
For an overwatered Pothos, cease watering and allow soil to dry. Improve air circulation to speed drying. If root rot is suspected (foul smell or mushy roots), remove the plant from its pot.
Inspect roots, trimming brown, black, or mushy ones with sterilized scissors. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil in a clean pot with drainage holes, and avoid watering for several days.
Preventative Watering Strategies
Establishing a consistent watering routine prevents future Pothos problems. Before watering, perform the “finger test” by inserting your finger one to two inches into the soil; water only when the top layer feels dry. Use a pot with adequate drainage holes and well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then empty any standing water from the saucer. Adjust watering frequency based on environmental factors like season, light, temperature, and humidity. Pothos need more frequent watering in warmer, brighter conditions and less in cooler, darker months. Remain flexible and water based on the plant’s actual needs, not a rigid schedule.