Last Updated on March 14, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If your pothos leaves are turning yellow, you may be wondering what is causing this and how you can fix it. Pothos plants are very popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and have beautiful leaves. However, if your plant’s leaves start to turn yellow, there may be something wrong. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible causes of yellow leaves on a pothos plant and how to correct them!
Related: How To Grow and Care for Neon Pothos
17 Reasons Why Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow
There are several reasons why your pothos leaves may be turning yellow. Here are the most common causes:
1. Low light levels
The lower the light levels, the more chlorophyll the leaves will produce in order to make use of what little light is available. This can cause a yellowing of the leaves.
Pothos plants also prefer indirect light, so if you are having problems with your plant’s leaves turning yellow, try moving it to a location where it will receive indirect light.
2. Lack of nutrition
One of the main reasons why leaves turn yellow is due to a lack of nutrition. When plants don’t get enough nutrients, their leaves will start to yellow in order to conserve energy. If you think your plant is not getting enough nutrients, try giving it a fertilizer designed for pothos plants.
3. Overwatering
The main reason is that overwatering can encourage root rot, which will then turn the leaves yellow.
When you water your pothos, make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. If you think you may have overwatered your plant, try to increase the air circulation around it by moving it to a different location.
If your pothos is in a pot with a drainage hole, make sure you’re using a potting mix that drains well. If your pothos is in a pot without drainage holes, water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
4. Underwatering
Underwatering is one of the main reasons why pothos plants turn yellow. When the plant doesn’t receive enough water, the leaves will start to turn yellow and eventually drop off.
If you think your pothos plant is underwatering, make sure to give it a good watering and then check the soil to see if it’s dry. If the soil is dry, you will need to water your plant more frequently.
Underwatered plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests.
If you notice that your pothos plant is turning yellow and dropping leaves, it’s likely due to underwatering. This can make the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
To help prevent this, make sure to water your plant regularly and check the soil to see if it’s dry. If it is, you will need to water your plant more frequently.
5. Fertilizer burn
Fertilizer burn can occur when plants are over-fertilized or the fertilizer is applied too heavily. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and may even lead to plant death. Fertilizer burn is most likely to occur when nitrogen fertilizers are used.
If you think your plant has been affected by fertilizer burn, remove the fertilizer from the soil and water the plant thoroughly. If the leaves do not return to their original color, you may need to replace the plant.
6. Pests
There are a few reasons why pests can cause your pothos to turn yellow. One possibility is that the pest is feeding on the plant, which can lead to defoliation and discoloration.
Another possibility is that the pest may be carrying a disease or fungus that is affecting the plant’s health. Finally, pests may simply stress the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
If you suspect that pests are causing your pothos to turn yellow, there are a few things you can do. First, try to identify the pest and remove it from the plant.
If you cannot identify the pest, or if the plant is heavily infested, you may need to treat the plant with an insecticide or fungicide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as over-treating can harm the plant.
Finally, try to improve the plant’s growing conditions to reduce stress and help it recover from any damage that has been done.
By taking these steps, you can help your pothos to recover from pests and prevent further damage.
7. Bacterial leaf spot
Bacterial leaf spot is a common problem for pothos yellow turning yellow. The best way to prevent this disease is to provide your plant with proper care.
Make sure that it has enough water and that it is not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
If you see any signs of bacterial leaf spot, such as yellow or brown spots on the leaves, you should remove the affected leaves immediately. By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your pothos yellow turning yellow stays healthy and beautiful.
8. Bacterial wilt disease
Bacterial wilt disease is caused by a bacteria called Ralstonia solanacearum. This bacteria is found in the soil and it infects the plant through the roots. The disease is spread by water, wind, and insects.
The symptoms of bacterial wilt disease are wilting leaves, yellow leaves, and stunted growth. The best way to control bacterial wilt disease is to plant resistant varieties of plants and practice good sanitation.
There are several ways to prevent bacterial wilt disease, including planting resistant varieties of plants, practicing good sanitation, and using a soil drench. Planting resistant varieties of plants is the best way to control bacterial wilt disease.
There are many different types of bacteria that can cause bacterial wilt disease, so it is important to choose a plant that is resistant to the specific type of bacteria that is causing the disease.
Practice good sanitation by keeping your garden clean and free of debris. Use a soil drench to kill the bacteria in the soil. A soil drench is a solution of water and chemicals that is applied to the soil. The chemicals in the soil drench will kill the bacteria that is causing the disease.
9. Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal infection that affects many types of plants. Pothos are particularly susceptible to this infection, and their leaves will often turn yellow as a result.
While powdery mildew can be unsightly, it is not typically harmful to the plant. However, if the infection is severe enough, it may stunt the plant’s growth or cause it to die.
There are several ways to treat powdery mildew, including using fungicide sprays or applying a baking soda solution. If you suspect your pothos has powdery mildew, be sure to take action quickly to prevent any further damage.
If your pothos starts exhibiting signs of powdery mildew, the first thing you should do is isolate the plant from any healthy plants. This will help to prevent the spread of the infection. Next, you’ll need to identify the type of powdery mildew that is affecting your pothos.
There are many different types of this fungus, and each one requires a different treatment. Once you’ve identified the type of powdery mildew, you can choose the appropriate treatment.
If your pothos is affected by powdery mildew, you may be able to treat it with a fungicide spray.
There are many different types of fungicide sprays available, so be sure to select one that is specifically designed for treating powdery mildew. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as using too much or too little of the spray can be ineffective.
Another option for treating powdery mildew is to apply a baking soda solution. To make this solution, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one gallon of water. Once you’ve mixed the solution, simply spray it on the affected plants. Be sure to avoid getting the solution in your eyes or mouth, and always use caution when handling it.
If you’re unable to treat the powdery mildew with a fungicide spray or a baking soda solution, you may need to remove the infected plant from your garden altogether. If the infection is severe enough, it may be impossible to save the plant.
10. Southern blight
Southern blight is a fungal disease that affects many plants in the Solanaceae family. The most common symptoms are yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. Southern blight is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani.
This fungus can live in the soil for years without causing any problems. However, when conditions are right (high humidity and warm temperatures), the fungus will start to grow and infect plant roots.
Southern blight is most common in the southern United States, hence its name. However, it can occur anywhere in the world where conditions are favorable for the fungus to grow.
There are several things you can do to prevent southern blight from occurring in your garden. First, make sure to plant your plants in well-drained soil.
Second, avoid overhead watering, which can create the perfect conditions for the fungus to grow.
Third, remove any affected plants from your garden as soon as you notice symptoms. fourth, practice crop rotation so that the same plants are not planted in the same spot year after year. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent southern blight from affecting your plants.
11. Age
Age can be a factor in why pothos leaves turn yellow. As plants age, they produce less chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color. This can cause leaves to change color as they lose their green pigmentation and become more yellow or even white.
If your pothos is showing signs of aging, don’t worry – it’s still healthy and can continue to grow. You may just need to give it a little bit more light so that it can produce the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis.
Age is also a factor in how quickly plants lose water. As plants get older, their cells become less efficient at transporting water throughout the plant. This can cause leaves to droop or turn yellow from dehydration. Make sure your pothos is getting enough water, especially if it’s been in a pot for a while and the soil has started to dry out.
12. Temperatures
Temperatures that are too low can cause pothos leaves to turn yellow. If the temperature dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will start to turn yellow. If the temperature gets much lower than that, the leaves will start to die and fall off the plant.
It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature if you’re growing pothos indoors. If the temperature starts to get too low, you can try to raise it by moving the plant to a warmer spot in your house or apartment. You can also try using a space heater to raise the temperature around the plant.
If you’re growing pothos outdoors, you’ll need to be careful of frost. If the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will start to turn yellow and die. If it gets much colder than that, the plant will die completely.
Make sure you protect your pothos plants from frost by bringing them inside when the temperature starts to drop below freezing. You can also try moving them to a spot that’s sheltered from the wind. If you’re not able to bring them inside, you can try covering them with a blanket or tarp to keep them warm.
If you’re having trouble keeping the temperature around your pothos plants consistent, you might want to invest in a plant heater. Plant heaters are designed to raise the temperature around plants and help them to thrive in colder environments.
No matter what, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature if you’re growing pothos. Too much heat or too much cold can be deadly for these plants. By taking some simple precautions, you can make sure your pothos plants stay healthy and happy all year round.
13. Salty soil
Salty soil can cause pothos leaves to turn yellow. If the soil is too salty, then the plant will not be able to absorb nutrients from the soil and the leaves will start to turn yellow. You can test the soil’s salt levels by doing a simple taste test.
Add a little bit of water to the soil and then lick your finger and taste it. If it tastes salty, then the soil is too salty and you will need to take action to fix the problem. One solution is to add some fresh soil to your pot and mix it in with the old soil. You can also water your plant more often so that it can absorb more of the salt from the soil.
If you are not sure if the soil is too salty, then you can also test the pH levels of the soil. The ideal pH level for a pothos plant is between six and seven. If the pH level of your soil is off, then you will need to take action to fix it. You can add some baking soda to the soil to raise the pH levels. You can also add some vinegar to the soil to lower the pH levels.
Once you have fixed the problem with the soil, then you should see a difference in the color of your pothos leaves. They should start to turn green again within a few days. If they do not, then you may need to consult a professional to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
14. Root Rot
If your pothos plant is losing its leaves, it’s most likely due to root rot. Root rot is a common problem with pothos plants and can be caused by overwatering or using a pot without drainage holes.
If your plant has already developed root rot, you can try using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to treat it. To prevent root rot, water your plant correctly and make sure to use a pot with drainage holes.
15. Root bound
Root bound plants have restricted root growth due to being confined in a pot that is too small. This can cause pothos leaves to turn yellow.
To avoid this, make sure to choose a pot that is two inches wider than the previous one. If your plant is already root bound, try gently loosening the roots before repotting into a new pot. Be sure to use a quality potting mix that will allow for good drainage.
16. Manganese toxicity
Manganese toxicity is a common problem with pothos plants. The leaves will turn yellow and the plant may die. To avoid this, make sure to use a potting mix that doesn’t have too much manganese in it.
You can also add some chelated iron to the soil to help combat the toxicity. If your plant is already showing signs of toxicity, you can try watering it with a solution of iron sulfate. This will help to leach the manganese out of the soil and hopefully save your plant.
If you think your pothos plant has manganese toxicity, the first thing you should do is test the soil. You can buy a soil test kit at your local garden center. If the test shows that there is too much manganese in the soil, you’ll need to repot your plant using a potting mix that doesn’t have as much manganese. You can also add some chelated iron to the soil to help combat the toxicity.
If your plant is already showing signs of toxicity, you can try watering it with a solution of iron sulfate. This will help to leach the manganese out of the soil and hopefully save your plant.
If all else fails, you may need to remove the plant from the pot and replant it in fresh soil. Be sure to use a potting mix that doesn’t have too much manganese in it. You can also add some chelated iron to the soil to help combat the toxicity.
17. Ethylene damage
Ethylene damage is the number one reason for pothos leaves to turn yellow. Pothos plants are very sensitive to ethylene gas, and even a small amount can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
The gas is produced by ripening fruit and some vegetables, as well as by car exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. It can also be produced artificially, and is used commercially to speed up the ripening of fruits. Pothos plants are very sensitive to ethylene gas, and even a small amount can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
If your pothos plant starts losing its leaves and they start turning yellow, you can be pretty sure that ethylene gas is the culprit. The best way to deal with this problem is to get rid of any sources of ethylene in your home or office.
This includes ripening fruit, smoking cigarettes, and using gas-powered appliances. You should also keep your pothos plant away from any areas where ethylene gas might be present. If you can’t get rid of the source of the gas, you can try moving your pothos plant to a different location.
Once you’ve dealt with the source of the ethylene gas, your pothos plant should start to recover and its leaves will return to their normal green color.
If you’re having trouble getting your pothos leaves to turn green again, you might want to try using a fertilizer specifically for houseplants. A good quality fertilizer can help to restore the nutrients that have been depleted from the soil. You can also try misting your pothos plant with water every day, which will help to keep it healthy and hydrated.
FAQs
Should I remove yellow leaves from pothos?
That depends. If the leaves are yellowing due to a lack of sunlight, then you should move the plant closer to a window or add artificial light. If the leaves are yellowing due to over-watering, then you should reduce watering. In most cases, it’s best to just leave the leaves alone. They will eventually fall off on their own.
If you do decide to remove the leaves, make sure to dispose of them in a trash can that is lined with a plastic bag. This will prevent the leaves from contaminating your compost bin. Alternatively, you can place the leaves in a sealed container and freeze them until you’re ready to discard them.
Can Yellow pothos leaves turn green again?
Yes, Yellow pothos leaves can turn green again. The leaves may start to yellow if the plant is not getting enough sunlight or if it’s in a drafty area. You can move the pot to a brighter spot or use a grow light to help the plant get more light.
Make sure the pot has good drainage so the soil doesn’t stay too wet. If the leaves are yellow and new growth is stunted, it’s probably due to a nutrient deficiency. Use a fertilizer designed for houseplants to give the plant a boost. With proper care, your Yellow pothos should start to show green new growth in a few weeks.
What does an overwatered pothos look like?
Pothos leaves will typically turn yellow if they are getting too much water. The leaves may also start to wilt or fall off the plant. If you think your pothos is overwatered, it’s important to take action immediately.
To help your pothos recover, start by giving it a thorough watering with clean water. Let the water drain out completely and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. If the leaves are still yellow after you’ve taken these steps, you can try gently removing some of the affected leaves. This will help the plant put its energy into growing new, healthy leaves.
If your pothos is severely overwatered, it may be necessary to repot the plant into a new container with fresh soil. Be sure to water lightly until the plant recovers.
What does pothos root rot look like?
Pothos root rot looks like yellowing leaves and stems. The leaves may also have brown or black spots. The roots may be black, mushy, and smelly. If you think your pothos has root rot, take it to a nursery or garden center for diagnosis.
Treatment options include removing the affected plant parts and treating the roots with fungicide. Prevention is the best defense against root rot, so be sure to water your pothos regularly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Conclusion
So, if you notice your pothos leaves turning yellow, it could be due to a number of reasons. Most likely, it’s nothing to worry about and can be easily fixed. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional. With proper care, your pothos plant will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment. Thanks for reading!
