Yellowing leaves on your pothos plant can be concerning. But don’t panic — this is a common issue with clear causes and simple fixes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the reasons your pothos might be turning yellow and exactly what you can do about it.
1. Is Yellowing Normal for Pothos?
Yes — but only sometimes.
If just one or two older leaves are turning yellow at the base of the plant while the rest are healthy, it’s often just natural aging. Pothos plants shed old leaves to conserve energy for new growth.
What’s normal:
-
One or two yellowing leaves at the bottom
-
No signs of pests or root issues
-
New leaves are green and healthy
What’s not normal:
-
Multiple yellow leaves at once
-
Yellowing spreading to new growth
-
Accompanied by mushy stems, wilting, or pests
2. Overwatering — The #1 Culprit
Too much water is the most common reason for yellow leaves on pothos.
Signs of Overwatering:
-
Yellow leaves with a soft, mushy texture
-
The pot feels constantly wet
-
Soil smells musty or sour
-
Root rot (black, mushy roots when inspected)
How to Fix It:
-
Stop watering immediately
-
Check drainage holes
-
Let the soil dry out completely
-
Repot using fresh, well-draining soil if rot is severe
Pro Tip:
Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Pothos prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.
3. Underwatering — Less Common but Still Possible
Pothos are drought-tolerant, but long periods without water can lead to stress.
Signs of Underwatering:
-
Leaves turn yellow and crispy
-
Drooping or curling leaves
-
Bone-dry soil pulling away from the edges
How to Fix It:
-
Water thoroughly until the water drains out
-
Keep a regular watering schedule (every 1–2 weeks, depending on season)
4. Poor Drainage and Root Rot
Even if you’re not overwatering, poor drainage can lead to similar symptoms.
Signs:
-
Water sits in the pot too long
-
Drainage holes are clogged or absent
-
Soil remains soggy for days
Solution:
-
Use a well-draining soil mix
-
Repot into a container with proper drainage holes
-
Add perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration
5. Inconsistent Watering Habits
Pothos likes consistency. If you frequently switch between overwatering and underwatering, the plant can become stressed.
Signs:
-
Irregular yellowing
-
Some leaves are soft, others crispy
-
Slow or stunted growth
What to Do:
-
Stick to a watering routine
-
Always check the soil moisture before watering
6. Light-Related Stress
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light — but too much or too little can lead to yellowing.
Too Much Light:
-
Leaves get sunburned or yellow at the edges
-
Fading color
Too Little Light:
-
Overall leaf yellowing
-
Leggy growth
-
Loss of variegation
Light Fix:
-
Move the plant to a bright room with filtered light
-
Avoid placing directly in front of harsh, south-facing windows
-
Rotate the plant regularly
7. Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen, can cause gradual yellowing.
Signs:
-
Yellowing starts from the bottom leaves
-
Slow growth, pale appearance
-
No signs of pests or rot
Fix:
-
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once a month during spring/summer
-
Don’t over-fertilize — too much can also damage roots
8. Pest Infestation
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale can stress the plant and cause yellowing.
Signs:
-
Yellow dots or patches
-
Sticky residue on leaves (honeydew)
-
Webbing or visible bugs under leaves
Solution:
-
Wipe leaves with soapy water or neem oil
-
Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread
-
Repeat treatment weekly for best results
9. Temperature Stress and Drafts
Pothos prefer temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Signs:
-
Sudden yellowing after a cold night
-
Leaves droop or curl
-
Yellowing along leaf margins
Fix:
-
Move away from drafty windows or AC vents
-
Avoid placing near heaters
-
Maintain a consistent indoor temperature10. Transplant Shock or Recent Changes
Repotting, moving the plant, or changing care routines can cause temporary yellowing.
Symptoms:
-
Yellowing shortly after a move
-
No pests, watering, or light issues
-
Plant otherwise looks healthy
Tips:
-
Give it time — most plants adjust within a couple of weeks
-
Maintain optimal care during this period
-
Avoid over-fertilizing or watering during shock
Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Pothos Green & Thriving
Yellow leaves aren’t always a disaster — but they do signal a problem that needs attention.
Healthy Pothos Checklist:
-
Water when the topsoil is dry
-
Keep in bright, indirect light
-
Use a well-draining pot with proper soil
-
Fertilize monthly in the growing season
-
Monitor for pests regularly
Pro Tip: If the issue persists despite fixing the basics, try repotting and trimming back damaged growth. This gives your pothos a fresh start.
FAQs
Q: Should I cut off yellow leaves on pothos?
Yes — remove yellow leaves to direct energy to healthy parts and prevent disease spread.
Q: Can yellow pothos leaves turn green again?
No — once a leaf turns yellow, it won’t go back to green. Focus on saving the rest of the plant.
Q: How often should I water a pothos?
Typically every 1–2 weeks. Always check that the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry before watering.
