First, you must understand my core needs are not being met. Look at where I am placed. I crave bright, indirect light. If I am in deep shadow, my leaves will yellow and growth will cease as I cannot photosynthesize. Conversely, if I am in harsh, direct sun, my leaves will scorch, turning brown and crispy. Please move me to a spot with gentle, filtered light. Also, check the temperature. I dislike drafts, both cold from air conditioners and hot from heaters. A stable room temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C) is my comfort zone.
My distress is most often caused by water. Gently lift me from my pot to inspect my root system. If the soil is soggy and smells musty, and my roots are dark, mushy, and slimy, you have overwatered me. This is root rot, and it is suffocating me. If the soil is pulling away from the pot's edges, is bone-dry, and my leaves are wilted and crispy, you have underwatered me. My roots are thirsty and unable to transport nutrients. The goal is consistently moist soil, not wet or desert-dry.
If you found root rot, immediate action is required. Carefully remove all the wet soil from my roots. Using clean, sharp scissors, prune away every single soft, brown, and rotten root. Be ruthless; only healthy, firm, white roots should remain. This stops the decay from spreading. If you found me severely underwatered, soak my entire root ball in a basin of room-temperature water for 30-45 minutes to rehydrate me thoroughly.
Do not put me back in the same old soil, as it contains pathogens from the rot. Repot me into a clean pot with adequate drainage holes—a pot only slightly larger than my remaining root system. Use a high-quality, well-aerated potting mix. I thrive in a blend that includes perlite or orchid bark to ensure water drains quickly and my roots can breathe. This new environment is crucial for my recovery.
Do not be afraid to cut me back. My energy is finite, and I need to focus on growing new roots, not sustaining long, leafless, or dying vines. Prune away any yellow, brown, or dead leaves and stems. You can also trim back the longest vines to a node (the little brown bump on the stem). This signals to me to stop trying to sustain the damaged parts and to push out fresh, healthy new growth from the base and nodes.
After this intensive care, place me back in my ideal spot with indirect light. Water me deeply but only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Do not fertilize me while I am recovering; my tender new roots cannot handle it and will burn. It may take several weeks for you to see signs of new growth. This is normal. I am working hard below the soil to re-establish my foundation. Your patience and consistent care will be rewarded.
