What’s Wrong With My Pothos -Troubleshooting Guide

Last Updated on July 25, 2024

There are a few things that could be wrong with your pothos plant if it isn’t looking its best. One possibility is that it isn’t getting enough light. Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight so make sure to place yours in a spot where it can get plenty of light.

Another possibility is that you’re overwatering your plant. Be sure to only water your pothos when the top couple inches of soil are dry – too much water can lead to root rot which can be fatal for your plant. Lastly, make sure you’re using a well-draining potting mix as pothos plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil.

If you suspect any of these issues are present, take corrective action to bring your pothos back to life.

Too Much Sun Is Affecting Your Pothos

Pothos plants are known for their hardiness and ease of care, but even these tough little plants can suffer from too much sun. If your pothos is looking pale and limp, it may be getting too much sunlight.

Too much sun can bleach the leaves of your pothos, causing them to lose their green color and become pale or yellow.

The leaves may also become dry and/or crispy. If you see these signs, move your plant to a shadier spot. Pothos are tolerant of low light conditions.

So if you’re not sure how much sun your plant is getting, err on the side of caution and give it less rather than more sunlight.

Your pothos will thank you for it!

Signs That Your Pothos Plant is Not Healthy

Pothos Leaves Turning Brown

One of the most common problems that people face with their pothos plants is that the leaves start to turn brown. There are a number of reasons why this happens, and luckily, it is usually not too difficult to fix the problem.

One of the most common causes of brown leaves on pothos plants is overwatering.

Pothos are native to tropical areas and do not like to be kept too wet. When they are overwatered, the pothos roots start to rot and the plant cannot take up nutrients from the soil properly. This leads to the leaves turning brown and eventually dying.

If you think your pothos might be overwatered, check the soil before watering it again. If it is still moist, wait another day or two before watering again. Another common cause of brown leaves is direct sunlight.

Pothos like bright indirect light but can scorch if left in direct sun for too long. The leaves will start to turn brown around the edges as a sign that they are getting too much sun exposure. Move your plant to a shadier spot and see if that helps revive its color.

If you have ruled out both of these potential causes, then there are a few other possibilities including pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Take a closer look at your plant and see if you can identify any pests or diseases that might be causing problems.

Pothos Root Rot

Pothos Root Rot is a serious problem that can kill your plants. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Phytophthora and it thrives in wet, humid conditions. The first sign of this disease is usually wilting leaves, followed by yellowing and eventually browning.

The affected leaves will drop off the plant and the stem may turn black. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action immediately. If you think your plant has Pothos Root Rot, the first step is to remove all affected parts of the plant.

This includes any leaves or stems that are showing signs of disease. You should also remove any dead roots from the pot. Once you have done this, disinfect your pot with bleach or another disinfectant, and then replant your Pothos in a fresh, sterile potting mix.

Unfortunately, once your plant has Pothos Root Rot, there is no cure.

Overwatered Pothos

If your Pothos is wilting, yellowing, and generally looking unhealthy, it may be overwatered. Pothos are very tolerant of neglect and can go weeks without water, but they will start to show signs of distress if they’re overwatered. Overwatered plants are often characterized by wilted, yellow leaves.

The leaves may also be soft or mushy to the touch. You may see brown or black spots on the leaves, which is a sign of fungal disease. The roots of overwatered plants are often rotted or have turned black.

If you think your Pothos is overwatered, the first step is to stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely. Once the soil is dry, you can start watering again, but be sure not to overdo it!

If you’re not sure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger in the soil – if it’s moist more than an inch down, it doesn’t need water yet.

Credit: houseplantresourcecenter.com

What Does an Unhealthy Pothos Look Like?

An unhealthy pothole typically has wilted, yellowed leaves. The plant may also have brown spots on the leaves, and the stems may be discolored or brittle. If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will droop and the stem will become limp.

How Can I Help a Struggling Pothos?

If your pothos is struggling, there are a few things you can do to help. First, make sure that it is getting enough light. Pothos need bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive.

If your plant is not getting enough light, it will start to yellow and its leaves will begin to droop. Second, check your watering schedule. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons why pothos struggle.

These plants like to be kept on the drier side, so be sure to only water them when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Finally, take a look at the temperature and humidity levels in your home. Pothos prefer warm temperatures and high humidity levels.

If your home is too cold or too dry, your plant will likely suffer as a result. It’s a good idea to mist your pothos once a day if you are living in a hot humid area.

How Do I Know What’s Wrong With My Pothos?

If you’re worried about your pothos, there are a few things you can do to figure out what’s wrong. First, take a close look at the plant and see if there are any obvious signs of problems, like wilted leaves or brown spots.

If you don’t see anything immediately wrong, try looking up some pictures of healthy pothos plants on online forums like Reddit so you have a reference to compare your plant to.

Next, feel the soil your pothos is growing in. Is it dry or moist? Pothos prefer slightly moist soil, so if the soil is too dry or too wet this could be causing problems for your plant.

Another thing to check is whether the roots of your pothos are crowded. If they are, it might be time to repot into a larger pot.

If you’ve checked all of these things and you’re still not sure what’s wrong with your pothos, it might be best to consult with a professional (like a gardener or horticulturist).

They’ll be able to help you diagnose the problem and figure out how to fix it.

What Does an Overwatered Pothos Look Like?

An overwatered pothos can have a number of different symptoms, which can include: leaves that are wilted or drooping, yellow or brown leaves, leaf spots, and stunted growth. In severe cases, an overwatered pothos may even die.

If you think your pothos are overwatered, the first step is to allow the soil to dry out completely.

If the symptoms persist, you may need to repot your pothos plant into a fresh, dry potting mix.

Conclusion

Pothos plants are a common houseplant, but they can sometimes experience problems. Some common issues include leaves turning yellow, brown, or black; wilting; and flowers falling off.

These problems can be caused by too much or too little water, poor drainage, insufficient light, or pests.

If you suspect your pothos have a problem, check the roots and stems for signs of damage and consult a plant expert for help.