What to Do If a Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Has Root Rot? Detailed Causes and Solutions
Pothos is a shade-loving plant that prefers indirect light and is fairly tolerant of low light. It survives as soon as it touches water, and because of its tenacious vitality it is known as the “flower of life”. Below are pothos growing tips: the causes of pothos root rot and how to deal with it.
I. Causes of Pothos Root Rot
1. Temperature too low
Pothos is a heat-loving plant, and its most suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C; 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 heavily. Soil culture and water culture are different: with water culture you change the water regularly and just ensure there is enough oxygen in the water. With soil culture, watering simply provides water for the plant's growth; when you water too much, the soil becomes oxygen-deficient, the roots cannot get oxygen, and rot occurs.
3. Fungal and bacterial infection
Bacterial infection is unavoidable; in a hot and humid environment, plants are very susceptible to fungal invasion.
4. Poor water quality
Another important cause of root rot is dirty water quality. When there are large amounts of bacteria in the water and the plant stays in this environment for a long time, the roots cannot get enough nutrients and root rot easily occurs.
II. How to Handle Pothos Root Rot
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 is truly beyond saving, you can only cut off branches and leaves and re-propagate from cuttings. (Tips for propagating pothos from cuttings)
2. Water-grown pothos
If water-grown pothos has root rot 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 restart water culture.