6 Major Causes of Yellow Leaves on Pothos and How to Fix Them Completely

Many plant lovers have pothos at home, and the most frustrating problem when growing pothos is probably yellow leaves. As a foliage plant, once its leaves turn yellow, it not only loses its ornamental value but may also gradually wither and die.

The following are the causes of yellowing in pothosthe six main causes, and yellowing in home-grown pothos is basically caused by these reasons. If any of you have pothos at home, save this quickly and treat the root cause, so you can effectively prevent that distressing yellow-leaf problem.

Overwatering

Although pothos likes water relatively well, overwatering can easily cause yellow leaves. If the young leaves of pothos are dull and yellow, lose their gloss, and the stems become thin and yellow, this may be caused by overwatering.

We need to drain the accumulated water in the pot promptly. In severe cases, take the pothos out of the pot and place it in a ventilated, shady spot, then put it back in the pot once the soil has dried somewhat.

Long-term lack of water

Lack of water and drought can also cause pothos leaves to turn yellow. Unlike yellowing from too much water, pothos that lacks water will have dry, withered leaf edges and tips, and the old leaves will turn yellow and fall off from the bottom upward.

So when watering, we should "water thoroughly when we water." If you see water flowing out of the drainage holes of the pot, that means it has been watered thoroughly.

Improper lighting

Strong or insufficient light can both cause yellow-leaf problems in pothos. Strong light will cause the leaves to scorch and turn yellow, with yellow sunburn spots, while insufficient sunlight means the leaves lack chlorophyll, take on an unhealthy pale yellow color, and then fall off.

When caring for pothos, we should place them in a spot with ample light, and when the midday sun is strong, provide appropriate shade, especially in summer.

Repotting adjustment period

After repotting pothos and changing the soil, the pothos may develop yellow leaves. This is because pothos in the seedling recovery and adjustment period needs some time to adapt to the new potting soil.

If the yellow leaves are caused by a recent repotting, there is no need to worry too much at this time. Just care for it normally, and it will be fine after the recovery period.

Improper fertilizing

When overfertilizing causes pothos yellow leaves, the leaf tips will become dry and brown, the leaf surface will lose its glossy green luster, become less relaxed and spreading, and gradually fall off.

So when fertilizing, we must use an appropriate amount, otherwise, in severe cases, the potting soil will have to be replaced. But a lack of fertilizer is also no good. At that time, the young leaves of pothos become lighter in color, turning yellow or pale green, and the old leaves will also gradually turn yellow.

Root rot

Rotting of the pothos root system will directly cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow. At this time, the young leaves of pothos will become lighter in color, turning yellow or pale green.

When root rot occurs, we should promptly remove the rotted and infected roots, place the pothos in a ventilated spot to dry, and after the roots dry and the wounds heal, replant it in the potting soil.