Pothos plants are loved for their easy care and beautiful trailing vines, but when their leaves start turning yellow, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Yellowing leaves often indicate stress caused by watering problems, lighting issues, or nutrient imbalances. Understanding these causes can help you bring your pothos back to perfect health.
1. Overwatering
One of the most common reasons pothos leaves turn yellow is overwatering. Pothos prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When the soil stays soggy, the roots can’t breathe and begin to rot, leading to yellow and droopy leaves.
Solution:
Check the soil moisture before watering. Water only when the top inch feels dry. Make sure your pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot.
2. Underwatering
If you forget to water your pothos for too long, the leaves can also turn yellow and crisp. Underwatered plants may show dry soil, curling leaves, and brown edges.
Solution:
Water your pothos thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, but don’t let it sit in standing water. Keep a consistent watering routine.
3. Poor Lighting
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If kept in a dark corner or under low light for too long, the plant struggles to photosynthesize, and the leaves can lose their green color, turning pale or yellow.
Solution:
Move your pothos to a spot with bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves can also mean your pothos is not getting enough nutrients, especially nitrogen. Without proper nutrition, the plant’s growth slows, and older leaves may turn yellow first.
Solution:
Feed your pothos with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots.
5. Temperature or Humidity Stress
Pothos plants prefer stable indoor conditions. Extreme temperature changes, cold drafts, or very low humidity can cause the leaves to yellow and drop.
Solution:
Keep your pothos in a room with temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C). Avoid placing it near air conditioners, heaters, or open windows.
6. Pests or Diseases
Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects can cause yellow spots and weaken the plant. Fungal diseases due to poor air circulation or overwatering may also contribute to leaf yellowing.
Solution:
Inspect both sides of the leaves for pests. Wipe them off using a soft cloth dipped in soapy water or use insecticidal spray. If root rot is suspected, trim damaged roots and repot in fresh soil.
7. Natural Aging
If only a few lower leaves turn yellow while the rest of the plant looks healthy, it might just be natural aging. Older leaves eventually die off as the plant grows new ones.
Solution:
Trim off yellow or dying leaves to keep your pothos looking tidy and to encourage fresh growth.
How to Prevent Yellow Leaves on Pothos
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight.
- Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
- Fertilize regularly during growing months.
- Keep the environment warm and humid.
FAQs
Should I cut off yellow pothos leaves?
Yes, trimming yellow leaves helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth and prevents the spread of possible disease.
Can yellow pothos leaves turn green again?
Once a leaf turns yellow, it will not regain its green color. Remove it so your plant can redirect nutrients to healthy foliage.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow after repotting?
Your plant might be in transplant shock. Give it time to adjust, water it lightly, and avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
How often should I water my pothos?
Usually, once every 1–2 weeks is enough, depending on the room temperature and humidity. Always check soil moisture first.
Does direct sunlight cause yellow leaves?
Yes, direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause yellow or brown patches. Keep your pothos in filtered light.
Final Thoughts
Yellowing leaves on your pothos are a clear sign that your plant needs attention. By checking your watering habits, light conditions, and overall care routine, you can quickly identify the issue and bring your pothos back to full health. With proper care, your pothos will reward you with lush, vibrant green vines that brighten any space.
