Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow? Causes plus Fixes
Pothos leaves turning yellow usually come from an uneven watering rhythm or from older leaves aging out. South Dakota State University Extension advises letting the soil dry out between waterings. University of Wisconsin Extension notes older leaves turn yellow plus drop off naturally. Look at which leaves yellow, then check the soil.
The short answer
Yellow pothos leaves most often point to watering. South Dakota State University Extension notes continuous damp soil promotes rotting roots. University of Wisconsin Extension advises watering only when the soil surface is dry plus notes older leaves yellow plus drop naturally. Settle into a steady rhythm plus give bright indirect light.
Why do pothos leaves turn yellow?
Virginia Cooperative Extension lists yellowing on new plus old foliage as a sign of overwatering. University of Wisconsin Extension notes root rots, with brown or missing roots, are most often due to overwatering. Dry brittle leaves with brown edges signal the opposite, underwatering.
| Pattern | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Many yellow leaves in wet soil | Overwatering | Let the surface dry first |
| Black spots on leaves | Soil left too wet | Water less often |
| Brown dry edges | Underwatering | Water thoroughly |
| A few old leaves near the base | Normal aging | Remove them |
Source: South Dakota State University Extension plus University of Wisconsin Extension.
How often should pothos be watered?
South Dakota State University Extension advises watering thoroughly, then letting the soil dry out between waterings. It notes drooping leaves mean the plant needs water. University of Wisconsin Extension advises watering only when the soil surface is dry. Let the pot drain plus clear the saucer.
Is it normal for old leaves to yellow?
Yes. University of Wisconsin Extension notes older leaves turn yellow plus drop off naturally, so many vines end up with most leaves at the tips. It advises selective pruning to hold vines at a reasonable length plus promote new growth. One or two old yellow leaves are no reason for worry.
How to: step by step
- Check which leaves are yellow plus where they sit.
- Probe the soil an inch or two down.
- Water only when the surface is dry.
- Water fully until it drains, then empty the saucer.
- Offer the plant bright indirect light.
- Trim yellow leaves plus long bare vines.
Troubleshooting
Many yellow leaves plus wet soil: overwatering. Let it dry longer.
Yellow crisp leaves plus dry soil: underwatering. Water on a steadier rhythm.
A few old leaves by the base: normal aging. Remove them.
For more on watering see overwatering cannabis prevention plus diagnosis, underwatering cannabis plus checking soil moisture by feel. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Pothos: house plant how-to, South Dakota State University Extension
- Pothos, Epipremnum aureum, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Pothos, University of Illinois Extension
- Properly watering container houseplants (SPES-804), Virginia Cooperative Extension
FAQ
Can yellow pothos leaves turn green again?
Sources listed here do not say a yellow leaf regains its color, so plan to remove it. University of Wisconsin Extension advises selective pruning to promote new growth. Fix the watering rhythm first, then watch the next few leaves. Green new growth shows the change is working.
Does low light cause yellow leaves?
University of Wisconsin Extension notes low light can cause a loss of variegation. South Dakota State University Extension notes variegated types may revert to all green leaves without enough light plus pale leaves mean too much light. Bright indirect light suits pothos, away from much direct sun.
Should pothos be repotted?
Repot when roots fill the pot or the soil stays wet too long. South Dakota State University Extension advises well drained potting soil. Virginia Cooperative Extension advises against a pot that is much too large, since extra soil holds water. Go up one size with drainage holes.
Do pothos need fertilizer?
South Dakota State University Extension notes pothos are not heavy feeders but potting soil holds few nutrients, so it advises a balanced fertilizer every other month. University of Wisconsin Extension advises skipping winter feeding when the plant is not growing. Too much fertilizer can blacken leaf tips.
What pests can affect pothos?
University of Wisconsin Extension lists mealybugs, which look like white cottony masses in leaf axils plus on roots. It notes scale looks like bark colored bumps on stems plus leaves. Both can leave sticky honeydew. Check leaf undersides plus stems each time you water.
