Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as “Devil’s Ivy,” is a popular houseplant recognized for its resilience and ease of care. Even this hardy plant can show signs of distress, such as yellowing and drooping leaves. These symptoms indicate a need for adjustment in its environment or care routine. Understanding the common reasons helps diagnose the issue and restore the plant’s vibrant appearance.
Watering Problems
Improper watering frequently causes yellowing and drooping leaves in Pothos. Both overwatering and underwatering can lead to similar symptoms, making soil moisture observation crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Overwatering occurs when soil remains too wet, suffocating roots by depriving them of oxygen. This can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes roots to become mushy and unable to absorb water and nutrients. Symptoms include limp, yellow leaves that feel soft, and mushy stems. The soil may also appear consistently wet, or mold might grow on the surface. To correct this, allow the soil to dry out considerably before the next watering and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Conversely, underwatering also causes distress, particularly if the plant is left without moisture for too long. Pothos leaves may turn yellow, especially older or lower leaves, and can become crispy or dry at the edges. The plant will appear wilted or droopy, but the leaves typically perk up after a thorough watering. This occurs because the plant lacks turgor pressure, the internal water pressure that keeps leaves firm. To remedy underwatering, provide a deep watering until water drains from the bottom, then check the soil regularly, watering when the top inch or two feels dry.
Light Issues
Light exposure significantly impacts Pothos foliage health. Both insufficient and excessive light can cause leaves to yellow and droop.
When a Pothos receives insufficient light, its leaves may turn yellow, particularly older ones, and new growth can become leggy with smaller leaves. This occurs because the plant lacks energy for photosynthesis, the process converting light into energy. While Pothos tolerates low light, thriving requires brighter, indirect light. Moving the plant closer to a window or supplementing with artificial grow lights can help alleviate these symptoms.
Too much direct sunlight can be detrimental, leading to sunscald. Symptoms include bleached or faded yellow leaves, sometimes with scorched spots; leaves might also droop as a protective measure to reduce surface area exposed to intense light. Direct, harsh sun can break down chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves. Pothos prefers bright, indirect light, such as from an east or north-facing window. Adjusting the plant’s placement to a less intense light source, or providing sheer curtains to diffuse direct sun, can prevent further damage.
Nutrient and Soil Health
Soil health and nutrient availability are fundamental to a Pothos plant’s vitality. Issues in these areas can manifest as yellowing or drooping leaves.
Nutrient deficiencies can cause yellowing, particularly in older plants not recently repotted or fertilized. For instance, nitrogen deficiency often results in uniform yellowing across the entire leaf, especially in older foliage, as the plant reallocates this nutrient to new growth. Magnesium deficiency might show as yellowing between leaf veins while the veins remain green. Conversely, over-fertilization, or “fertilizer burn,” can also lead to yellowing and drooping. This happens when excess fertilizer salts build up in the soil, damaging roots and impeding water and nutrient uptake. Applying a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season can address deficiencies, while flushing the soil with clean water can help with over-fertilization.
Pothos can become rootbound when roots outgrow the pot and tightly circle within the container. When rootbound, the plant struggles to absorb sufficient water and nutrients from the limited soil, leading to stress, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or visible on the soil surface, and the soil drying out very quickly. Repotting into a slightly larger container (1-2 inches wider in diameter) can alleviate root congestion and allow for healthy root expansion. Poor drainage or compacted soil can also contribute to yellowing by creating conditions similar to overwatering, as roots sit in stagnant water.
Environmental Stressors
Pothos, while adaptable, can experience stress from extreme environmental conditions, leading to noticeable foliage changes. Temperature fluctuations and low humidity are common culprits.
Sudden or prolonged temperature extremes can shock a Pothos, causing leaves to yellow, droop, or even blacken. Cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents, especially in winter, can lead to chilling injury. Similarly, excessive heat, such as being too close to a heating vent, can cause wilting and stress. Pothos generally thrives in indoor temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Maintaining a stable temperature environment, away from direct drafts or heat sources, helps prevent this stress.
While Pothos tolerates average household humidity, extremely dry air can cause stress, particularly browning leaf tips and edges. While less common as a primary cause of widespread yellowing, prolonged low humidity can contribute to overall plant stress, potentially leading to some yellowing or drooping as the plant struggles to retain moisture. Increasing ambient humidity through misting, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby can be beneficial in arid environments.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can significantly impact Pothos health, often resulting in yellowing and drooping leaves as the plant’s vitality is compromised. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
Sap-sucking pests commonly threaten Pothos. Insects like spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips feed by extracting plant sap, leading to yellow spots, overall yellowing, and weakened, drooping foliage. Spider mites often leave fine webbing on leaf undersides, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. Regular inspection of both top and underside of leaves helps identify infestations early. Treating affected plants with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol can control these pests.
Fungal diseases, often a consequence of overwatering or poor air circulation, can cause yellowing and drooping. Root rot is a prevalent fungal issue caused by waterlogged soil, leading to mushy, discolored roots and yellowing, wilting leaves. Leaf spot, another fungal disease, presents as brown or black spots on leaves, which can be accompanied by yellowing. Ensuring proper drainage, allowing soil to dry between waterings, and improving air circulation are crucial preventive measures. If root rot is severe, affected roots may need trimming and the plant repotted in fresh, well-draining soil.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond common environmental and biological factors, other less frequent or natural occurrences can cause Pothos leaves to yellow and droop. These are often temporary or part of the plant’s natural life cycle.
Natural leaf aging is a normal process where older, lower leaves yellow and eventually drop off as the plant grows. This is a gradual process, unlike sudden widespread yellowing, allowing the plant to redirect energy to new growth. If only a few older leaves are yellowing while new growth appears healthy, it is likely part of this natural cycle. These yellow leaves will not turn green again and can be trimmed off.
Transplant shock can occur when a Pothos is moved to a new pot or different environment. This temporary stress can cause some leaves to yellow and droop as the plant adjusts. Root disturbance during repotting can temporarily impair water absorption. While some yellowing is common during this period, ensuring stable light and temperature, being gentle with roots, and watering wisely can help the plant recover.