What to Do About Yellow Leaves on Hydroponic Pothos? Cause Analysis and Solutions

  Some people say pothos is very easy to grow and will survive as soon as it touches water, but what you may not know is that newly purchased pothos, whether grown hydroponically or in soil, needs a period of adjustment, otherwise yellowing leaves are very likely to appear! Below is an analysis of what to do when the leaves of hydroponic pothos turn yellow?

  The remedy for yellowing pothos leaves is very simple. First, find the cause of the yellowing. Pothos can be propagated by cuttings, and each node on its stem bears a leaf bud, so a single section planted in soil can grow. When pothos leaves turn yellow, remove the rotten roots and simply change the water. Right after planting a cutting, it must not be exposed to strong direct light; it can be placed in a spot with weaker light, and in about 20 days the newly planted pothos will develop roots.

  I. Causes of Yellowing

  1. Sudden environmental change

  Generally, newly purchased pothos needs about 1 month to adapt to a new environment, and yellow leaves at the bottom are normal. However, remember: do not pull off yellow or dead leaves directly; cut them off from the middle of the leaf stalk instead, to avoid excessive water loss and added wounds from direct removal, which would cause the upper leaves to turn yellow as well.

  2. Unsuitable light and temperature

  Pothos likes to grow in cool, shady places. Exposure to blazing sun or strong light will cause the leaf tips and leaf edges to wither, and yellow spots will appear on the leaves. Conversely, if it is kept in dim conditions for a long time, the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis and will also turn yellow. It is best to place it under appropriate light conditions, such as incandescent lamplight. Pothos likes a hot, humid, semi-shaded environment and is not cold-tolerant; the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 10°C. It is sensitive to temperature, and in summer it should be kept out of direct sunlight, because under strong light the leaves easily turn dry and yellow and drop off. In winter it grows well under bright indirect light indoors, and during the growing period it has a relatively high demand for water.

  3. Poor water quality

  Hydroponic pothos may also turn yellow because of bacteria in the water; if it is grown in tap water, it may be due to a high content of bleaching powder in the water. Pothos itself is not tolerant of low temperatures, and prolonged low temperatures combined with too much water can cause root rot, leading to an insufficient water supply from the roots; finally the leaves at the base begin to turn yellow, and the leaves at the top lose their luster.

  II. Solutions

  1. Plenty of sunlight

  It should be placed where there is plenty of indirect light, and during the growing period the leaves should be sprayed with water frequently. Spraying 0.2% monopotassium phosphate can restore the vivid markings on the leaves. Use as large a growing container (in terms of water surface) as possible, and if conditions allow, oxygenate the water.

  2. Change the water frequently

  For hydroponic pothos, water is a very crucial part. Tap water, well water, clean river water and so on can be used, but the water should be left to stand for one or two days before use. In addition, change the water once a week for hydroponics; if conditions allow, adding some maifan stone or small stones will effectively reduce the occurrence of yellow leaves. When changing the water, rinse the roots well and cut off the diseased roots. Do not put in too much water; just enough to cover the roots. When growing it in water, it is recommended to wrap the roots of the pothos together with soil and sawdust in a cloth before placing it in the water.

  3. Reasonable fertilizing

  Spraying 1% urea is also an option. Every living thing has a life cycle, and it may simply have grown old; just let nature take its course. Only after it withers and yellows will new leaves grow, so there is no need to worry.

  The editor reminds you that when pothos leaves turn yellow, remove the yellow leaves promptly; do not feel it is a pity! Also, if root or stem rot occurs, especially in the early stages of hydroponics, remove it promptly too! Improve ventilation, improve water quality, and you can appropriately add nutrient solution, three drops per week! Add it when changing the water (change the water once a week when nutrient solution has been added).

  Of course, newly purchased pothos needs about 1 month to adapt to a new environment, and yellow leaves at the bottom are normal. Do not pull off yellow leaves directly; cut them off from the middle of the leaf stalk to avoid water loss and added wounds, which would cause the upper leaves to turn yellow as well. If the leaves are severely yellow, pay attention to controlling the amount of watering, and place the pothos in a spot with good ventilation and indirect light!