As a Pothos plant, my roots are my lifeline. If I'm dying, the first thing to check is my root system. Gently remove me from my pot and inspect my roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan. If they're mushy, dark, or smell foul, I'm suffering from root rot due to overwatering or poor drainage. Trim away the rotten roots with sterilized scissors and repot me in fresh, well-draining soil. If my roots are dry and brittle, I might be underwatered—soak my pot in water for 30 minutes to rehydrate me.
Watering is critical to my survival. If my leaves are yellowing and drooping, I might be drowning from too much water. Pothos plants like me prefer the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil—if it's soggy, hold off on watering. If the soil is bone dry and my leaves are crispy, I'm thirsty! Water me thoroughly until excess drains out, but never let me sit in standing water, as it suffocates my roots.
I thrive in bright, indirect light, but I can tolerate low light. However, if I'm placed in direct sunlight, my leaves will scorch and turn brown. On the other hand, if I'm in deep shade for too long, my growth will slow, and my leaves may lose their variegation. Move me to a spot with filtered sunlight, like near a north or east-facing window, where I can photosynthesize efficiently without getting burned.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects can weaken me. Look for tiny webs, white cottony spots, or sticky residue on my leaves. If you spot any, wipe my leaves with a damp cloth or treat me with insecticidal soap. Fungal infections, often caused by excess moisture, can also cause black or brown spots on my leaves. Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation around me to prevent further issues.
If my leaves are pale or stunted, I might be lacking nutrients. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during my growing season (spring and summer). However, too much fertilizer can burn my roots, so dilute it to half strength. Also, if my soil is old and compacted, it may not hold nutrients or oxygen well. Repot me in fresh potting mix to give me a nutrient boost.
If I have long, leggy stems with few leaves, I might need pruning. Trim back the bare stems to encourage bushier growth. You can also propagate healthy cuttings in water or soil to grow new plants. Cut just below a node (the bump where leaves emerge) and place the cutting in water until roots develop, then replant me in soil. This way, even if parts of me are dying, new growth can thrive.
