Overview of the Pothos plant
Description of the Pothos plant
The pothos plant, also known as devil’s ivy, is an extremely popular houseplant known for its easy care, large lush leaves, and vining growth habit. Botanically called Epipremnum aureum, pothos is native to the Solomon Islands and belongs to the arum family Araceae. It is categorized as an evergreen perennial vine that can climb or trail and typically has heart-shaped, waxy green leaves with yellow, white, or pale green variegation.
Growing conditions
Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light and average room temperatures between 60-85°F. It prefers mildly moist soil that drains well and medium to high humidity. Pothos tolerates low light conditions better than most houseplants but grows best with some direct sunlight. Established plants are fairly resilient and can adapt to various indoor conditions.
Common reasons for dropping leaves
Several issues can cause pothos leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or drop from the plant. Identifying the cause is important to get your plant healthy again.
Underwatering
If the plant is not getting enough water, leaves will often turn yellow before they drop. Underwatering makes leaves droop and brown leaf edges appear. Pothos needs more frequent watering in warm weather, fast-draining soil, and during active growth periods.
Overwatering
Too much water prevents roots from getting oxygen. This stress can make leaves yellow and drop suddenly. Overwatered pothos may have soft, mushy leaf stems and develop root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Improper lighting
Insufficient light leads to sparse, smaller growth. Leaves furthest from the light source are most prone to dropping. However, direct hot sunlight can scorch leaves and cause leaf tip burn. Find a bright spot without harsh afternoon sun.
Low humidity
Pothos prefers 40-50% ambient humidity. In dry indoor air, leaf tips and edges turn brown and leaves drop more readily. Increase humidity levels around your plant with a pebble tray or humidifier. Mist leaves regularly to mimic its tropical climate.
Pest infestation
Common pests like spider mites, aphids, and scale suck fluids from pothos leaves. Heavy infestations cause stippling, spots, wilting, and leaf drop. Inspect undersides of leaves and stems to identify pests early. Treat infestations promptly before they spread.
Diseases
Several fungal or bacterial diseases may affect pothos. Leaf spots, blights, and root rots can occur from overwatering or high humidity. Yellowing leaves that drop signal a disease issue. Improve air circulation and isolate affected plants.
Temperature stress
Exposure to cold drafts below 50°F, heat vents, or sudden temperature changes can shock pothos. Leaves may yellow, wilt, or drop after temperature stress. Keep pothos away from cold windows, hot radiators, and direct summer sun.
Transplant shock
Repotting or dividing the pothos stresses the plant and may cause some leaf yellowing and drop. Water sparingly after repotting until new root growth occurs. Allow several weeks for it to adjust before resuming normal watering.
Solutions for dropping leaves
Adjust watering
Monitor soil moisture and only water when the top 1-2 inches become dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess water in the saucer. Drooping leaves may perk up after watering if underwatering was the culprit.
Provide proper lighting
Place pothos where it gets bright, indirect light through the day. A north or east window is ideal in most homes. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get sufficient light exposure to support healthy leaves.
Increase humidity
Use a humidifier or place pebbles in a tray with water, then set the pot on top of the pebbles. Misting the leaves every few days adds a quick humidity boost. Grow pothos in bathrooms for access to moist air.
Inspect for pests and diseases
Check leaf undersides, stems, and soil for tiny insects or webbing. Remove any diseased portions immediately and treat fungal issues with neem oil. Isolating affected plants prevents spreading.
Maintain ideal temperatures
Keep pothos between 60-85°F and avoid drafty areas. Move it away from heat and A/C vents that may dry out the air. Avoid repotting or pruning during winter when temperatures fluctuate.
Allow time to adjust after repotting
Expect some stress and leaf loss within a few weeks of repotting or propagation. Reduce water and fertilizer until new growth appears. Wait at least 3-4 months before repotting again.
How to prevent future leaf drop
Learn the plant’s needs
Understand the water, light, temperature, and humidity requirements specific to pothos. Recognize signs of over or underwatering. Pothos is flexible but still has optimal care guidelines.
Provide consistent care
Stick to a regular watering and fertilizing regimen year-round. Allow the soil to partly dry out before soaking again. Maintain steady temperatures and moderate humidity in your home.
Monitor for signs of stress
Yellowing, wilting, drooping, dry leaf edges, and stunted growth indicate an underlying problem. Address issues promptly to keep your pothos healthy.
Quarantine new plants
Isolate new pothos for a few weeks to ensure they are pest and disease free. Inspect closely and treat any problems before introducing them.
Prune strategically
Remove yellow or dying leaves promptly. Trim drooping stems back to an outward-facing leaf node to encourage new growth. Avoid overpruning.
When to be concerned about leaf drop
Significant and rapid leaf loss
While pothos naturally sheds older leaves, quick and excessive leaf drop requires attention. Troubleshoot the cause and remedy it before serious damage occurs.
Leaf yellowing or spots
Discolored or spotted foliage preceding leaf drop may signal improper cultural care, pests, or disease. Address bad conditions right away.
Failure to thrive
Poor growth, bare stems, and thin foliage indicate an underlying issue. Review care practices and environment to identify problems.
FAQs
Do pothos like to be rootbound?
Pothos tolerate being slightly rootbound but need repotting every 2-3 years in fresh soil and a larger container to support growth. Severely congested roots hinder nutrient uptake.
How often should you water pothos?
Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. In summer this may be every 5-7 days for plants in fast draining mix. In winter, allow the soil to dry out further between waterings.
Why are my pothos leaves limp and drooping?
Leaves droop and go limp when the plant is underwatered. Feel the soil and water if dry. Overwatering can also cause leaves to go limp from lack of oxygen to roots.
What does yellowing leaves mean?
Various issues cause yellow leaves on pothos – low light, underwatering, transplant stress, or pests. Assess growing conditions and troubleshoot yellow leaves promptly before they drop.
Can I propagate a pothos with yellow leaves?
It’s best to propagate from healthy vines to start new plants successfully. Prune off yellow leaves and allow time to regain vigor before taking cuttings.