Epipremnum aureum is one of the most easy-going plants out there, but if you see your Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow, then there might be many reasons behind it. Let’s find out!
Here are the secret tips for growing lush pothos all year round
Reasons for Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow
Occasionally, the yellowing of leaves is normal. When the leaf ages and falls off, it can turn yellow too. All you have to do is remove that, and the rest is good to go. However, constant yellowing has many other reasons. Here is why your Pothos leaves are turning yellow:
1. Over Watering
One of the main reasons why Pothos leaves turn soft, yellow, and brown is due to oversaturated soil and watering too generously.
Remedy: The best trick is to let the topsoil dry between watering, and you can check it by feeling the topsoil.
2. Under Watering
Pothos plants tend to show evident signs of dehydration. Their leaves start to droop, and they feel limp to the touch, followed by yellow and brown spots.
Remedy: The Pothos plant can get easily stressed out with an irregular watering routine. You can also try bottom watering—We have a great article on it here.
3. Diseases
One of the main causes of diseases in Pothos is fungal infections, which can be induced by wet foliage and excessive moisture and result in brown spots and yellow halos on the foliage.
Remedy: Avoid wetting or misting the foliage, especially when the weather is cold or humid. Also, do not over-water the plant and place it in an area with excellent air circulation. Snip away diseased leaves or stems immediately to stop them from spreading further.
4. Too Much or Too Little Light
Too much light will make the leaves burn, turning them crisp. Too little light can harm the leaves of the plant, turning them yellow and tender. Avoid placing it in a too dark spot and refrain from exposing the plant to direct sunlight for a long time.
Remedy: Any place with a dappled light is great for the plant. Also, several hours of gentle morning sun is wonderful for its growth.
5. Pot Without Drainage Holes
Drainage holes are extremely important while growing plants in pots. They help drain excess water, saving the soil from remaining soggy constantly, which turns the leaves droopy and yellow.
Remedy: A pot with a drainage hole will ensure the soil is never overly moist and the plant is not sitting in wet soil for long. Get a container with drainage holes and if it doesn’t have one, drill a few at the bottom.
6. Pests
Pothos is susceptible to more attacks by spider mites and mealybugs. These sap-sucking bugs usually exhaust the plant by siphoning all the moisture out. This again causes the leaves to turn yellow with brown spots.
Remedy: Use a strong jet of water to get rid of spider mites, aphids, or other pests. Alternatively, you can use a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap.
7. Lack of Nutrients
Some Pothos turn yellow due to an improper balance of nutrients within the soil or the water.
Remedy:
- Yellowing around the edges indicate a magnesium deficiency.
- If the leaves at the bottom of your plant turn yellow, it’s due to a nitrogen deficiency.
- If the top leaves are turning yellow, then less sulfur is to blame.
Use a fertilizer accordingly.
8. Hard Water
Hard water usually comes with a high amount of calcium and other minerals, this hinders plant growth by affecting the plant’s nutrient uptake ability, which turns the foliage yellow. One easy to identify hard water problem is to notice white water spots and rings develop on leaves of houseplants.
Remedy: Excessive minerals and salt buildup due to hard water is also the primary reason behind yellow leaves. Make sure that you are storing the tap water overnight, especially if it contains chlorine. Alternatively, you can use RO water, soft water, or use boiled water after cooling it down.
9. Cold and Hot Temperatures
Fluctuating temperatures cause Pothos to live in stress, which leads to problems related to its growth, including the yellowing of leaves.
Remedy: The average temperature Pothos love is 50-90°F (10-33°C). Also, keep the plant away from cold drafts of air and avoid keeping it near an air conditioning vent. If you have a centrally heated home, keep it away from the heating outlet.
10. Over Fertilization
Overfertilization is also one of the leading causes of the pothos leaves turning yellow. It also causes brown and yellow spots on leaf margins and wilting of lower leaves.
Remedy: Too much feeding or using a poor quality fertilizer also causes the plant to turn yellow. If you see the overfertilization symptoms, place the plant under running water for some minutes to flush the excess fertilizer from the soil. Make sure the water is neither too warm nor cold.
- Lakshmi Rao
- September 17, 2021 At 8:33 am
- Very good and helpful post
- Reply
Very good and helpful post
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