Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow? Know the Causes and Solutions!

Are the leaves on your pothos plant turning yellow? You’re not alone, so don’t worry! Although this frequent problem can be worrying, it typically indicates that your plant needs a little more attention. In our blog article “Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow? Know the Causes and Solutions!” we’ll look at the several causes of this as well as solutions. Whether the cause is poor lighting, insufficient nutrients, or overwatering, we have helpful advice to assist you bring back your Pothos’s vivid green splendor. Let’s get started and provide your plant all the care it requires to flourish!

Pothos

Pothos, popularly called Devil’s Ivy, is a well-liked houseplant renowned for its heart-shaped leaves and thick, trailing vines. Both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts love this adaptable plant, which is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Pothos is really unique because of its adaptability and resilience. It is a great option for practically every indoor environment because it can flourish in a range of lighting situations, from dim to bright indirect light.

Pothos has many advantages, one of which is its ability to filter the air. This plant is great in removing typical household toxins from the air, such as xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene, helping to create a healthier living space. Furthermore, Pothos requires very little maintenance and is very easy to care for. Because it can withstand erratic watering schedules, it’s ideal for people who lead hectic lives or frequently neglect to take care of their plants.

Pothos gives your house a little greenery and a sense of peace and wellbeing. Its flowing vines may climb over trellises, hang from baskets, and drape elegantly over shelves to give any area a bright, natural look. Pothos plants are a great option if you want to start indoor gardening or grow your collection because they mix aesthetic appeal, low maintenance requirements, and health advantages.

Also Read: How to Grow, Care, Prune and Propagate Silver Satin Pothos

Common Reasons for Yellowing of Pothos

If your pothos leaves are turning yellow, don’t panic! It’s a common issue that can usually be resolved once you understand the underlying causes. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons why your pothos might be showing signs of distress and how you can bring it back to its vibrant self.

• Overwatering: Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for yellowing of pothos leaves. Between irrigations, pothos prefer for their soil to become dry. The leaves might turn yellow due to root rot, which can occur when the soil is excessively wet. Make sure your pothos is planted in soil that drains effectively and in a container with drainage holes to prevent this. Before rewetting, let the top inch of soil dry off. If you’re not sure, it’s preferable to submerge than to surface!
• Underwatering: On the other hand, yellow leaves can also result from underwatering. Long-term excessive dryness of the soil prevents the plant from absorbing the required moisture and nutrients, which finally turns the leaves brown and yellow. Make sure to water your plant as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and keep a regular eye on the moisture content of the soil.
• Inadequate Lighting: Although these plants are very flexible, they do have some lighting requirements. Although they can withstand low light levels, leaves that are exposed to extremely low light for an extended period of time may become yellow. Conversely, excessive exposure to sunshine can scorch leaves, causing them to turn brown and yellow. To maintain your plant healthy and green, it is best to set it in bright, indirect light.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Like other plants, these plants need specific nutrients in order to grow well. The yellowing of leaves can be attributed to a deficiency of important nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Consider applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to your garden to replenish any nutrients that you believe are lacking. During the spring and summer growing seasons, fertilize it once a month. In the fall and winter, when the plant’s development stops, trim back.
• Pests: Additionally, pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can induce yellowing of the leaves. These pests damage the plant and cause discolouration by sucking the sap from it. Check your pothos frequently for pest indicators, such as tiny insects or webs. If any are discovered, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plant.
• Environmental Stress: Stress from temperature or humidity variations can cause yellowing of the leaves on your pothos. It prefers moderate humidity levels and can withstand temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Keep your plant away from air conditioners, heating vents, and drafty windows. Keeping your pothos in a steady environment will help them stay healthy.
• Old Foliage: Yellowing leaves might occasionally be merely an indication of a plant’s aging process. Sometimes, when new growth appears, older leaves will turn yellow and eventually die off. There’s no need to panic if the plant appears healthy and only a few leaves are impacted. Simply trim off the yellow leaves to maintain the best-look of the plant.

Also Read: How to Grow, Care, Pot, Prune, and Propagate Marble Queen Pothos

How to Revive Yellow Leaves of Pothos?

Let’s start by determining what is causing the leaves to become yellow. The most frequent causes include deficits in nutrients, inadequate light, overwatering, and underwatering. Analyze your irrigation practices first. Overwatering is a common offender. Reduce the amount of watering if the soil feels wet or mushy. Make sure the pot your pothos is in has adequate drainage to keep water from pooling at the bottom. Conversely, water your plant well and let any extra water drip out if the soil is too dry.

After that, think about the lighting. Bright, indirect light is ideal for growth. It’s possible that your plant isn’t receiving enough light in a low-light region for it to keep its vivid green hue. Shift your plant to a brighter area; however, stay out of direct sunlight as it may burn the leaves.

A potential problem is a nutrient deficit. For optimal health, plants require a balanced fertilizer. If it’s been a while since you fertilized your plant, consider administering a dose of a liquid fertilizer that is well-balanced. Adhere to the label’s directions to prevent overfertilizing, which can also be detrimental to your plant.

It’s time to get rid of the yellow leaves. Cut off the yellow leaves at the base of the plant using pruning shears or clean, sharp scissors. This makes the plant look better and enables it to focus its efforts on developing new, healthy growth.

Finally, look for pests. Yellowing leaves may indicate the presence of insect infestations such as mealybugs or spider mites. Examine your plant carefully, and use insecticidal soap if necessary.

You can bring your pothos back to life and enjoy its rich, green foliage once again by modifying your watering plan, making sure it receives enough light, giving it the nutrients it needs, and pulling off any yellow leaves.

Also Read: Neon Pothos: Guide to Grow, Care, Propagate and Repot

Preventive Measures

Take care of the irrigation first. Plants prefer a little bit of soil aridity in between waterings. It’s time to water if you insert your finger approximately an inch into the soil and it feels dry. Yellow leaves are frequently caused by root rot, which is brought on by overwatering. But, avoid letting the soil become completely dry for an extended period of time. The secret is to strike that balance.

Think about the light next. The optimal light for plants is bright, indirect light. The leaves may get yellow due to scorching from excessive direct sunlight. Your plant may also suffer if it is in a dimly lit location. Relocating it to an area with abundant indirect lighting can yield significant improvements.

Giving your plants food is also essential. Every few months, a well-balanced fertilizer that dissolves in water can provide it the nutrients it needs to be lush and colorful. Just be careful—applying too much fertilizer can damage the plant.

Make sure the dirt around your plant drains properly as well. This lessens the likelihood of water pooling at the roots, which can cause rot and yellowing leaves. Sand or perlite added to a quality potting mix can help with drainage.

Finally, monitor the humidity and temperature. Temperatures between 60°F to 85°F with some humidity are ideal for plants. Consider using a humidifier or setting up a tray of water close to the plant to add humidity if the air in your house is too dry, especially in the winter.

Also Read: How to Grow, Care, and Propagate Manjula Pothos

FAQs

How often should I water my Pothos to prevent yellow leaves?
When the top inch of soil appears dry, water your pothos. Yellow leaves might result from overwatering or from leaving the plant submerged in water. However, yellowing might also result from underwatering. Maintaining good pothos requires finding the ideal balance.

How to Revive my yellow leaves of pothos?
Regretfully, a Pothos leaf that becomes yellow cannot be turned green again. The greatest way to promote fresh, healthy growth is to clip off the yellow leaves. To stop further leaves from turning yellow, concentrate on modifying care procedures including feeding, lighting, and watering.

Is low light causing my Pothos leaves to yellow?
Yes, yellowing leaves of pothos can result from inadequate light. Although they may survive in low light, pothos prefer bright, indirect sunshine. To maintain your plant healthy and green, move it to a brighter place if it isn’t receiving enough light.