What to Do When Pothos Leaves Turn Yellow? Learn the Correct Care Methods

I. Introduction to Pothos

Pothos is a perennial evergreen climbing vine. Its vines can reach over 10 m in length. It is a slightly woody epiphytic vine with aerial roots and small grooves between the stem nodes. Its leaves grow larger as the plant matures. The leaves are ovate, alternate, evergreen, and glossy, light green in color. There are also variegated cultivars with irregular speckles and stripes inlaid in golden yellow, white, and grayish green. It is praised as having "beautiful leaf shapes and an elegant plant form," and has become one of the evergreen flowers grown in homes. Pothos can both purify the air and make full use of space, adding lively lines and bright colors to otherwise dull cabinet surfaces. In recent years, pothos has become an excellent choice among indoor decorative foliage plants.

Pothos is a tropical foliage plant that prefers a warm environment. The most suitable growing temperature is 20-28°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. When the temperature drops below 10°C in winter, stem and leaf growth slows, and the leaves droop and become limp. If it drops below 5°C, the plant will suffer cold damage and lose its leaves. In summer, when the temperature exceeds 30°C, growth stalls, and continuous high temperatures above 35°C can also cause damage.

The original growing region of pothos is in tropical rainforests shaded by towering trees. It is a shade plant that dislikes direct sunlight, prefers diffused light, and is fairly shade-tolerant. When grown indoors, it can be placed near a window, but direct sunlight must be avoided. Too much sunlight will scorch the leaves of pothos, while too much shade will cause the beautiful markings on the leaf surface to disappear. In overly dark conditions with temperatures below 10°C, it can also lead to yellow leaves and leaf drop, affecting the plant's growth and ornamental value.

II. Reasons Why Pothos Develops Yellow Leaves:

(1) Pothos bought in winter has generally been exposed to cold, so it will quickly develop yellow leaves when placed indoors. After these cold-damaged yellow leaves have all fallen, new leaves will grow again around the Spring Festival.

(2) Newly purchased pothos generally takes about 1 month to adapt to a new environment, and yellow leaves at the base are normal. However, remember: do not directly pull off yellow or dead leaves. Instead, cut them off from the middle of the leaf stalk. This avoids excessive water loss and added wounds from direct removal, which can cause the upper leaves to turn yellow as well.

(3) Although pothos is not afraid of shade, a very dark environment can also cause yellow leaves. You can periodically move it to a location with better light. At the same time, it must not be exposed to intense sun. Excessive exposure under strong light will not only cause yellow leaves and leaf drop, but can also lead to the death of the whole plant.

(4) Soil that is too dry or too wet in the pot can both cause metabolic disturbances, damage the root system, and lead to yellow leaves and leaf drop.

(5) A lack of fertilizer and poor nutrition can also cause yellow leaves. At this time, fertilizer should be supplemented promptly.

III. Methods for Dealing with Yellow Leaves on Pothos

1. Newly purchased pothos generally takes about 1 month to adapt to a new environment, and yellow leaves at the base are normal. However, remember: do not directly pull off yellow or dead leaves. Cut them off from the middle of the leaf stalk. This avoids excessive water loss and added wounds from direct removal, which can cause the upper leaves to turn yellow as well.

2. The most suitable growing temperature for pothos is 20°C-28°C during the day and 15°C-18°C at night. In winter, as long as the indoor temperature is not lower than 10°C, pothos can safely overwinter. If the temperature is below 5, it easily causes yellow leaves and leaf drop, affecting growth. During the growing season, spraying Zhuangjingling at the appropriate time can make the plant stems thicker and stronger, the leaves thicker, the leaf color fresher and more tender, and the plant more luxuriant.

3. If the leaves have already turned very yellow, be sure to control watering. Too much or too little water is both bad. At this point, place the pothos in a well-ventilated spot with light.

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