Pothos are forgiving houseplants and ideal for beginners or novice gardeners. Low maintenance costs allow beginners to make mistakes before gaining experience.
But that doesn’t mean these houseplants are invincible. Pothos also become stressed when growing conditions do not meet required standards.
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Pothos often vent their frustrations through the leaves. If you notice your pothos leaves turning yellow, it indicates that something is wrong with the plant.
You don’t have to worry because there are several remedies to revive the plant. You need to find the cause of the yellowing and darkening of the leaves of pothos.
So why are my pothos leaves turning yellow? Yellow leaves on pothos are caused by insufficient light, too much moisture, insufficient nutrients, low humidity, fungal diseases, pests, and the turnover process.
Identifying and fixing the problem will help restore the houseplant. This article provides detailed information on what causes and what to do with yellow leaves on pothos.
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Contents
Reasons Why Pothos Leaves Turn Yellow
bad sunshine
Pothos grow under the canopy in their natural habitat. These plants often receive bright indirect sunlight to carry out their physiological processes.
This property allows the plant to thrive in indoor conditions. To be a successful grower, you need to make sure your houseplant gets enough sunlight.
But too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the houseplant. Pothos will likely have droopy, yellowing leaves.
If the condition persists for an extended period, the plant will wither and die. It can be heartbreaking in the long run.
Additionally, insufficient sunlight can lead to long stems and yellowing leaves. The condition will also cause stunted growth as it does not support photosynthesis.
The best option is to place the plant near the window with curtains. The filtered sunlight will create a favorable environment for better growth and amazing leaf development.
If you are growing the houseplant in a dark room, consider adding artificial light to keep the leaves from turning yellow. Pothos can tolerate low light.
Indirect natural sunlight will help keep pothos leaves from turning yellow. Expose the plant to indirect sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day.
nutrient deficiency
Pothos are not big eaters. But these plants need nutrients and sunlight when grown indoors. These nutrients and light will allow the houseplant to perform vital physiological activities.
Pothos leaves that turn yellow with brown spots are an indication of insufficient nutrients in your potting mix. The houseplant will also grow on long legs and develop curving stems.
The best option is to grow the houseplant in a potting soil rich in calcium, nitrogen, magnesium, copper and other minerals. The plant will then experience healthy growth.
If your houseplant is experiencing yellowing of leaves and foliage, consider applying a water-soluble nitrogen-rich fertilizer around the roots.
These minerals will prevent your pothos from developing yellow leaves. It also promotes the healthy growth and well-being of your houseplant.
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stress too much water
Overwatering is the main cause of yellowing pothos leaves and it occurs due to poor drainage. Makes potting soil soggy and soggy.
Due to the humid environment, indoor plants suffer from root rot. Damaged roots cannot absorb water and other essential nutrients from the soil.
If you notice your houseplant leaves turning yellow, it is due to a lack of nutrients and mineral ions. Sometimes the plant eventually wilts and dies.
Solving a problem with too much water is very easy. Allow the potting soil to dry out before watering the houseplant again. But don’t forget to check the moisture level of the soil first.
I recommend sticking your index finger 2-3 inches into the ground. If the soil is dry, consider watering the houseplant.
It is best to use a container with drainage holes in the bottom. These holes help eliminate excess water in the potting mix.
You can also transplant the plant to another container with fresh potting soil. Cut the affected roots with sterilized scissors. You will also see pothos leaves turn yellow after transplanting.
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underwater problem
Pothos are tropical plants and very fond of water. It would be best to keep in mind that water and sunlight are crucial elements for photosynthesis.
Lack of water in the soil forces the houseplant to conserve energy and nutrients. If the condition persists longer, the foliage of the houseplant will turn yellow and limp.
Wilting and leaf drop will also occur due to excessive water loss. Solving the water problem is super simple and easy.
All you have to do is set a watering schedule. Rutin will help prevent leaf yellowing and overwatering.
Be sure to use a large container with drainage holes in the bottom. These holes help drain excess water and prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Exposure to extreme temperatures
Pothos prefer a temperature range of 70-90OF (21-30OC). The condition allows the houseplant to grow better and stay healthy.
The indoor environment is more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. These variations generally affect plant growth and health.
Any temperature above 90°F (32°C) or below 50°F (10°C) will cause pothos leaves to turn yellow. High temperatures cause pothos to drop and limp.
The general rule is to keep your houseplant away from hot and cold drafts. Helps prevent long-term leaf curling and yellowing problems.
Find a place in the house that does not experience temperature fluctuations. Keep your houseplant indoors and try to maintain the temperature as much as possible.
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fungal diseases
Moist soil creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi. The condition occurs as a result of overwatering the houseplant.
Overwatering is common when using a container without drainage holes. Excessive soil moisture content promotes fungal growth.
Most fungi usually cause root rot. Damaged roots no longer absorb vital nutrients and minerals from the soil.
Pothos leaves that turn yellow and brown are a sign of malnutrition. The houseplant will also grow long and limp.
The best option is to transplant the plant into a new container with fresh potting soil. Do not forget to cut the affected roots with sterilized scissors.
But you will also see the pothos leaves turn yellow after transplanting. The good news is that the symptom does not last long.
pest infestations
Pothos are vulnerable to insect pests. Some of these insects are spider mites, scale insects and scale insects. These insects pierce the leaves and release poison that causes leaf diseases.
Regular drilling damages vital leaf tissue. Stressed pothos will display yellow leaves with brown spots.
I recommend buying a neem oil spray and applying it to the leaves of the plant. This will help prevent these pests from entering your houseplant.
Another great option is to rub alcohol wipes on the stems and leaves. The alcohol content will help get rid of bugs on your houseplant.
Natural leaf yellowing.
Aging is inevitable in plants and animals. But the condition usually lasts for a short period of time in plants. Older pothos will experience leaf yellowing.
Old, yellowing lower leaves are normal. Helps houseplants redirect energy and nutrients to new growth.
You don’t have to worry because those yellow leaves will fall off. There is no way to prevent old leaves from turning yellow and falling off.
low humidity
Pothos thrive in high humidity conditions. The gardener should ensure that the indoor condition mimics its natural habitat.
Low humidity is associated with high transpiration. The houseplant eventually loses more water than the roots absorb.
Excessive water loss causes pothos leaves and stems to drop. Additionally, you will notice your pothos leaves turn yellow with brown spots.
I recommend spraying the leaves several times a day. The technique increases the humidity around the plant. Additionally, it will prevent the pothos leaves from turning yellow.
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frequently asked Questions
Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow and brown?
Low humidity and natural aging are the main causes of the problem. Other possible causes include fungal diseases, direct sun exposure, improper watering and heat stress.
Why are my Pothos leaves turning brown?
Prolonged exposure to sun and heat stress. These two factors are the most common cause of pothos leaf browning. Other causes are low humidity, pests, disease and lack of water.
Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow with brown spots?
It is caused by harmful insects. These sap-sucking pests invade the leaves and puncture them more frequently. The leaves show their displeasure by turning yellow with brown spots.
Why do my Pothos leaves turn yellow after transplanting?
The plant is trying to cope with the new environment. Leaf yellowing is usually short-lived and there is no need to panic. Maintain proper growing conditions to enjoy beautiful, long-term foliage.
Why does my pothos turn yellow in water?
Pothos hate excess water or moisture around their root systems. Yellowing leaves are a sign of stress from damaged roots. The condition usually damages the roots and prevents them from doing their job.
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Ultimately
If your pothos leaves are turning yellow, try to find the underlying cause and take the appropriate steps to correct it.
Pothos are easy to grow and maintain. These houseplants are less susceptible to plant diseases that cause yellow and brown leaves.
To prevent your houseplant leaves from turning yellow, take the time to read the article and learn how to fix yellowing pothos leaves.
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