One of the most common reasons your pothos leaves are turning yellow is overwatering. Pothos plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When the roots sit in soggy soil for too long, they can't access oxygen, leading to root rot. This condition prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients properly, causing the leaves to turn yellow as a distress signal. To fix this, reduce watering frequency and ensure your pot has proper drainage holes.
While overwatering is a frequent issue, underwatering can also cause yellow leaves. Pothos plants are drought-tolerant but still need consistent moisture. If the soil becomes too dry for extended periods, the leaves may yellow and wilt. Check the soil regularly—water when the top 1-2 inches feel dry. Adjust your watering schedule based on the plant's environment, as factors like light and temperature affect how quickly the soil dries.
Even if you water correctly, poor drainage can mimic overwatering symptoms. If the potting mix retains too much water or the container lacks drainage holes, excess moisture accumulates around the roots. Repot your pothos in a well-draining mix (e.g., peat, perlite, and pine bark) and use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Yellow leaves may indicate a lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, iron, or magnesium. Nitrogen deficiency often causes older leaves to yellow first, while iron deficiency leads to yellowing between the veins of new leaves. Feed your pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as salt buildup can also harm the plant.
Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can suffer in direct sunlight. Excessive light scorches the leaves, causing them to yellow or develop brown spots. Move your plant to a spot with filtered light or farther from windows. Conversely, too little light can also cause yellowing, but the leaves typically appear pale rather than bright yellow.
Pothos prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Exposure to cold drafts, sudden temperature drops, or hot air from vents can stress the plant, leading to yellow leaves. Keep your pothos away from doors, windows, or HVAC vents to maintain a stable environment.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects can sap nutrients from your pothos, causing yellowing leaves. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems for tiny bugs, webbing, or sticky residue. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate the plant to prevent spreading.
Older leaves near the base of the plant may naturally yellow and drop as part of the growth cycle. If only a few leaves are affected and the rest of the plant looks healthy, this is likely normal. Simply prune the yellow leaves to encourage new growth.
If your pothos has outgrown its pot, the roots may become cramped, limiting nutrient uptake and causing yellow leaves. Check for roots circling the pot or growing through drainage holes. Repot the plant into a container 1-2 inches larger in diameter to give the roots more space.
Tap water containing chlorine or fluoride can sometimes cause leaf yellowing, especially in sensitive plants. Let water sit overnight before using it, or switch to filtered or rainwater. Similarly, avoid using harsh chemicals near your pothos, as fumes can stress the plant.
