What to Do About Root Rot in Pothos? Causes and Treatment Methods Explained

Pothos is a shade-loving plant that prefers scattered light and is fairly tolerant of shade. It survives as soon as it touches water, and because of its tenacious vitality it is called the “flower of life”. Below are pothos growing tips: the causes of root rot in pothos and how to treat it.

1. Causes of root rot in pothos

1. Temperature too low

Pothos is a heat-loving plant, with an optimal growing temperature of 15~25°C, and in winter it must not drop below 10°C for it to survive the winter safely. When the temperature is too low, root growth is inhibited and root rot easily occurs.

2. Overwatering

Pothos likes water, but that does not mean it should be watered a lot. Soil growing and water growing are different; with water growing you change the water regularly and just ensure there is enough oxygen in the water. With soil growing, watering simply provides water for the plant's growth, and when you water too much the soil becomes oxygen-deficient, the roots get no oxygen, and rot occurs.

3. Fungal and bacterial infection

Bacterial infection is unavoidable, and in a hot, humid environment the plant is very easily attacked by fungi.

4. Poor water quality

Another important cause of root rot is dirty water, since the water contains a large amount of bacteria, and when the roots stay in this kind of environment for a long time they do not get enough nutrients and rot easily.

2. How to treat root rot in pothos

1. Soil-grown pothos

Root rot in soil-grown pothos is usually caused by waterlogging, and what you need to do is give the pothos a new home. Prepare fresh soil, add more large-particle soil such as peat, cut off the rotted roots of the pothos, wash them clean, and replant. If the original plant really is too far gone to save, you can only take cuttings from the stems and leaves and re-propagate. (Tips for taking pothos cuttings)

2. Water-grown pothos

If a water-grown pothos has rotted beyond saving, the owner must have been very lazy and not changed the water. When the roots gradually turn to mush and give off a bad smell, a perfectly good potted plant is ruined. But it is not a big deal: take the pothos out and cut off the rotted parts. Also be sure to wash the bottle clean and disinfect it while you are at it. Then change the water and start water-growing again.