Pothos plants, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, are celebrated for their resilience and ease of care, making them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Often recommended as one of the first houseplants to own, pothos are generally low-maintenance. However, like all living things, they are susceptible to certain issues, and one of the most common signs that your pothos might be experiencing stress is yellowing leaves. Spotting yellow leaves early is key to diagnosing the problem and bringing your plant back to its lush, green glory. Let’s explore the reasons behind yellowing pothos leaves and how to effectively address them.
Can Yellow Leaves on a Pothos Turn Green Again?
Unfortunately, once a pothos leaf has turned yellow, it will not revert back to its green or variegated state. The yellowing indicates a loss of chlorophyll in that part of the plant. However, the good news is that by identifying and correcting the issue causing the yellowing, you can encourage your pothos to produce new, healthy, and vibrant green leaves. Focus on fostering an environment where new growth can flourish, rather than trying to revive yellow leaves.
Should You Remove Yellow Leaves From Your Pothos?
Whether or not to remove yellow leaves from your pothos depends on the cause of the yellowing. If the yellowing is due to natural aging, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies, it can be beneficial to leave the yellow leaves on the plant until they are completely yellow and dry. This allows the plant to reabsorb some valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, before the leaf is entirely spent. This nutrient recycling can support the plant’s overall health.
However, if you find the yellow leaves aesthetically displeasing, or if the yellowing is due to overwatering, root rot, or disease, it’s generally best to remove them promptly. Removing diseased leaves helps prevent the spread of infection, and in cases of overwatering, removing the stress of maintaining damaged leaves can help the plant recover. Use clean pruning shears or scissors to snip off the yellow leaves at the base of the stem.
Common Reasons for Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow
Let’s delve into the most frequent culprits behind yellowing leaves in pothos plants:
1. Natural Aging
Just like any living organism, pothos leaves have a lifespan. As pothos plants mature, it’s natural for older leaves, typically those at the base of the vines, to turn yellow and eventually drop off. This is a normal part of the plant’s growth cycle and isn’t usually a cause for concern if the plant is otherwise healthy and producing new growth.
Solution: If you suspect natural aging is the cause, there’s no need for drastic measures. Continue to provide standard pothos care, including adequate light, appropriate watering, and occasional fertilization during the growing season. Monitor the plant to ensure that yellowing is limited to older leaves and that new leaves are emerging healthy and green. A balanced houseplant fertilizer can help replenish soil nutrients and support healthy growth.
2. Underwatering
Pothos plants are relatively drought-tolerant, but prolonged periods of dryness can lead to stress, manifesting as yellowing leaves, often accompanied by crispiness, particularly at the leaf edges. Underwatering causes the plant to conserve moisture, leading to the sacrifice of older leaves. Another telltale sign of underwatering is droopy or limp-looking vines and leaves.
Solution: Check the soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the pot’s drainage holes. This ensures that the roots are adequately hydrated. To help rehydrate very dry soil, you can try aerating the soil by gently poking holes into it with a chopstick or skewer before watering, allowing for better water penetration. In the future, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
3. Overwatering
Overwatering is a more common issue for pothos than underwatering, and it’s a frequent cause of yellowing leaves. When pothos roots are constantly waterlogged, they are deprived of oxygen, leading to root suffocation and decay. This root rot impairs the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in yellowing leaves, often accompanied by wilting and potentially brown, mushy spots.
Solution: If you suspect overwatering, the first step is to allow the soil to dry out significantly before watering again. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. You can also improve soil drainage by amending the potting mix with perlite or coarse sand to increase aeration. In severe cases of overwatering, consider repotting your pothos in fresh, well-draining potting mix and a pot with good drainage. Moving your pothos to a brighter location can also help the soil dry out more quickly.
4. Inconsistent Watering
Pothos plants thrive on consistent watering practices. Swinging between excessively dry soil and oversaturated conditions can stress the plant and lead to yellowing leaves. This inconsistency disrupts the plant’s ability to regulate water uptake and can lead to both underwatering and overwatering symptoms.
Solution: Establish a consistent watering schedule based on your pothos’s needs and environmental conditions. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Follow a proper watering technique: water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom, and then allow the soil to dry slightly before the next watering. This consistent approach promotes healthy root function and prevents water-related stress.
5. Root Bound Condition
When a pothos plant outgrows its pot, it becomes root-bound, meaning the roots have filled the pot and are tightly packed. This can restrict nutrient uptake and water absorption, leading to stress and yellowing leaves. You might also observe roots growing out of the drainage holes or stunted growth.
Solution: Repot your pothos into a slightly larger pot, typically 1-2 inches wider in diameter. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and inspect the root ball. If the roots are densely circling the pot, gently loosen them before repotting in fresh potting mix. Repotting provides the roots with more space to grow and access nutrients, revitalizing the plant. Spring or early summer is the ideal time for repotting.
6. Root Rot
Root rot is a serious condition caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in overly moist soil. It’s a direct consequence of prolonged overwatering and poor drainage. Root rot severely damages the root system, hindering the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in widespread yellowing of leaves, mushy stems, and a general decline in plant health.
Solution: If you suspect root rot, immediate action is crucial. Carefully remove the pothos from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan, while rotted roots are mushy, brown or black, and often have a foul odor. Prune away all affected roots with sterilized shears. Repot the plant in a clean pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Consider using a fungicide when repotting to prevent further fungal growth. Water sparingly initially to avoid re-aggravating the condition.
7. Bacterial Leaf Spot
Bacterial leaf spot is a less common issue in pothos but can occur, especially in humid conditions. It manifests as yellow halos around soft, water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually turn mushy. This bacterial infection can spread if not addressed.
Solution: If you identify bacterial leaf spot, promptly remove all affected leaves and petioles (leaf stems) using sterilized pruning shears. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plant. In severe cases, you might consider treating the plant with a bactericide, following the product instructions carefully.
8. Pest Infestation
While pothos are relatively pest-resistant, they can occasionally be affected by common houseplant pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Pest infestations can stress the plant and lead to yellowing leaves, often accompanied by other symptoms like visible insects, webbing, or sticky residue.
Solution: Regularly inspect your pothos for signs of pests. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while spider mites are tiny and may be identified by fine webbing. For mealybugs, dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For spider mites, spray the plant forcefully with water to dislodge them and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate infested plants to prevent pests from spreading to other houseplants.
Bringing Your Pothos Back to Health
Identifying the cause of yellowing pothos leaves is the first step in restoring your plant’s health and vibrancy. By carefully observing your plant, assessing your care practices, and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can effectively address the issue and enjoy a thriving, green pothos once again. Remember that patience is key, as it may take some time for your pothos to recover and show new growth. With consistent care and attention, your pothos will bounce back and continue to be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your indoor plant collection.
