Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow: Causes and Treatment

Yellowing leaves on your Pothos plant can be a worrying sight, but don't panic! There are many reasons why this could be happening, and in this article, we'll explore the most common causes and how to treat them. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for yellowing leaves on Pothos plants. When you water your plant too frequently or give it too much water at once, the roots become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. This, in turn, prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients properly, causing the leaves to turn yellow.

To fix this, make sure you're not overwatering your Pothos. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, and ensure that the pot has proper drainage so excess water can escape.

A Pothos with yellow leaves due to overwatering

2. Underwatering

On the other hand, underwatering can also cause yellowing leaves on Pothos plants. When you don't water your plant enough, it becomes dehydrated and unable to absorb essential nutrients. This leads to the same result as overwatering - yellowing leaves.

To fix this, make sure you're watering your Pothos regularly. When the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water again. However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely as this can also harm your plant.

A Pothos with yellow leaves due to underwatering

3. Lack of Nutrients

Plants need nutrients to survive and thrive, and if your Pothos isn't getting enough, its leaves may start turning yellow. The most common nutrient deficiencies in Pothos plants are nitrogen, iron, and magnesium.

To fix this, you can use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully, as applying too much fertilizer can harm your plant.

A Pothos with yellow leaves due to lack of nutrients

4. Pest Infestations

Finally, pest infestations can also cause yellowing leaves on Pothos plants. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing damage and preventing it from absorbing nutrients properly.

To fix this, you'll need to identify the type of pest and use an appropriate pesticide or insecticidal soap to remove them. You may also need to isolate your plant to prevent the infestation from spreading to other plants.

A Pothos with yellow leaves due to pest infestation

Wrapping Up

If your Pothos plant's leaves are turning yellow, don't worry - there are solutions. By identifying the cause and taking the necessary steps to fix it, you can get your plant back to full health and enjoy its beautiful foliage once again. Remember to water it properly, fertilize it occasionally, and keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestation.

Nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, and pest infestations are all common causes of yellowing leaves in Pothos plants. By addressing the underlying cause and taking the necessary steps to fix it, you can get your plant back to full health and enjoy its beautiful foliage once again.