Even resilient Pothos plants can show signs of distress. While popular for their ease of care, they can still develop issues. Identifying the specific problem is the first step toward helping your plant recover and thrive. This article guides you through common Pothos problems and their solutions.
Watering Issues
Overwatering
Overwatering frequently causes Pothos decline and root rot. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stems that turn black and become mushy at the base, and wilting despite wet soil. A foul odor from the pot indicates decaying roots. Consistently wet soil suffocates roots, preventing effective water and nutrient absorption.
To address overwatering, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes, as poor drainage exacerbates the problem. If root rot is severe, remove the plant, inspect roots, and trim away any brown, mushy, or slimy sections. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil.
Underwatering
Consistent underwatering causes dehydration and stress. Signs include drooping or wilting leaves that may feel crispy. Leaf edges might become dry and brown, and the soil will appear completely dry and pulled away from the pot’s sides. Leaves may also curl inwards to conserve moisture.
To remedy underwatering, water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom. For severely dry or compacted soil, bottom watering can be effective. Regularly check soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch or two into the soil; water only when the top layer feels dry.
Light Problems
Too Little Light
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, despite often being marketed as low-light plants. Insufficient light causes small leaves, leggy growth with long spaces between nodes, and loss of variegation in patterned varieties. Growth significantly slows as the plant struggles to photosynthesize.
Move your Pothos to a brighter location with ample indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. If natural light is limited, supplement with an LED grow light. Pruning leggy stems encourages bushier growth once light conditions improve.
Too Much Light
Too much direct sunlight can be detrimental, leading to sunburn and stress. Signs include scorched spots or brown patches on leaves, especially on the side facing the light. Foliage may also appear faded, bleached, or pale yellow, indicating chlorophyll breakdown. Leaves might curl downward or wilt, even with adequate watering, as the plant tries to reduce its exposed surface area.
To prevent sun damage, relocate your Pothos to a shadier spot or a location with bright, indirect light. Placing the plant a few feet from a sunny window or using sheer curtains can diffuse intense light. East-facing windows often provide ideal morning sun without harsh afternoon light.
Environmental Stressors
Temperature Fluctuations
Pothos prefer stable indoor temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C-30°C). Sudden or extreme temperature fluctuations induce stress. Symptoms include sudden wilting, leaf drop, or brown or black spots on leaves. Cold drafts from open windows or vents, and extreme heat from radiators, can cause damage.
Maintain a consistent environment to prevent temperature-related issues. Avoid placing Pothos near drafty areas, heating vents, or air conditioning units. Temperatures consistently below 60°F (15°C) can cause cold damage.
Low Humidity
Pothos, originating from tropical regions, appreciate moderate to high humidity, ideally 40% to 60%. Prolonged exposure to dry air can cause crispy leaf edges or tips and slower growth. Low humidity also makes the plant more susceptible to pests like spider mites.
To increase humidity, mist leaves regularly, especially during dry seasons. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring it doesn’t sit directly in the water, creates a localized humid microclimate. A small room humidifier can also maintain optimal humidity levels.
Nutrient Imbalances
Pothos require a balanced supply of nutrients for healthy growth. Deficiencies or over-fertilization can manifest as poor health, stunted growth, or specific leaf discolorations. For instance, yellowing of older leaves can indicate nitrogen deficiency, while yellowing between leaf veins might signal iron or magnesium deficiency.
To address nutrient imbalances, apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season, typically every 4-6 weeks, following product instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to nutrient burn and root damage. If the plant has been in the same soil for an extended period, repotting into fresh, well-draining potting mix can replenish depleted nutrients.
Root-Bound Conditions
A Pothos becomes root-bound when its roots outgrow the pot, forming a dense, tangled mass. Signs include stunted growth, quick-drying soil requiring more frequent watering, and roots circling inside the pot or growing out of drainage holes. The plant may also exhibit general wilting or yellowing leaves because compacted roots struggle to absorb water and nutrients efficiently.
Repotting is the solution for a root-bound Pothos. Select a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to avoid over-potting. Gently remove the plant, loosen any tightly bound roots, and replant in fresh potting mix, ensuring adequate drainage.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Pothos can fall victim to common houseplant pests that weaken the plant by feeding on its sap. These include spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and fungus gnats. Signs vary: spider mites create fine webbing and tiny spots; mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses; scale insects are small, immobile bumps; and fungus gnats are tiny, dark flies hovering around the soil.
Upon detection, isolate the affected Pothos to prevent spread. Many pests can be managed by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays are also effective, applied thoroughly to all leaf surfaces, including undersides. Addressing overwatering helps control fungus gnats, as they thrive in moist soil.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases in Pothos are often linked to environmental conditions like overwatering and poor air circulation. Root rot, caused by various fungi, results from consistently soggy soil, leading to mushy, decaying roots and yellowing, wilting leaves. Other fungal issues include leaf spots (discolored patches) or powdery mildew (white, powdery substance on leaves).
Prevention is key for fungal diseases. Ensure adequate drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings. Improve air circulation around the plant, and promptly remove any affected leaves to prevent spore spread. In severe root rot cases, repotting with fresh soil and trimming diseased roots may be necessary.
Steps to Revive Your Pothos
Once you have identified and addressed the underlying issue, patience is essential for your Pothos’ recovery. Begin by trimming away any severely damaged, yellowed, or crispy leaves and stems. This redirects the plant’s energy toward new, healthy growth. While the plant recovers, continue to monitor its soil moisture and light exposure closely, adjusting as needed for consistent care.
Avoid introducing new stressors, such as drastic environmental changes or excessive fertilization, during recovery. Observe for signs of new leaf development or improved vigor, indicating the plant is responding positively. Maintaining a stable environment and consistent watering routine will support its journey back to health.