Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are known for being low-maintenance houseplants—but even the hardiest plants can suffer from root rot. If your pothos is wilting or turning yellow, root rot might be the hidden culprit.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what root rot is, how to identify it, how to treat your pothos, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What Is Root Rot in Pothos?
Root rot is a serious fungal or bacterial infection that affects the plant’s root system. It usually happens when the roots are exposed to excess moisture, often due to overwatering or poor drainage. Healthy pothos roots are firm and white or pale tan—rotting roots, on the other hand, become black, mushy, and foul-smelling.
Key Signs Your Pothos Has Root Rot
Look out for these common symptoms:
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Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones
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Wilting, even when the soil seems moist
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Mushy, black, or brown roots when you check below the soil
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Foul, sour odor from the pot
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Sudden drooping or stunted growth
These symptoms are usually progressive. Early detection is the key to saving your plant.
Main Causes of Pothos Root Rot
Several conditions can trigger root rot in pothos:
1. Overwatering
Too much water leads to oxygen-starved roots, making them vulnerable to rot.
2. Poor Drainage
If your pot lacks drainage holes or the soil is compacted, water sits too long—perfect conditions for fungal growth.
3. Contaminated Tools or Soil
Unsterilized pruning tools or reused soil can introduce harmful pathogens.
4. Low Light or Poor Air Circulation
Environments with low light and high humidity slow down water evaporation, which increases moisture buildup.
5. Fungal/Bacterial Infections
Pathogens like Pythium or Phytophthora thrive in wet soil and attack weakened roots.
Step-by-Step: How to Diagnose Root Rot in Pothos
Here’s how to confirm if your pothos has root rot:
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Remove the plant from the pot gently.
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Inspect the roots:
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Healthy = firm, white/tan
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Rotted = mushy, black, brown, smelly
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Check the stem: if it’s soft near the base, rot may have traveled up.
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Touch the soil: if soggy days after watering, it’s a red flag.
How to Treat Root Rot in Pothos
Follow these steps to rescue your pothos:
1. Rinse the Roots
Wash off the soil with lukewarm water to clearly see the root damage.
2. Trim the Rotten Roots
Use sterilized scissors to remove all mushy, black, or slimy roots. Only healthy roots should remain.
3. Apply Fungicide (Optional)
Spray the healthy roots with a mild fungicide or hydrogen peroxide solution to kill lingering pathogens.
4. Repot in Fresh Soil
Choose a well-draining mix (potting soil + perlite or orchid bark) and a sterile pot with drainage holes.
5. Avoid Watering Immediately
Wait 3–5 days before watering to let roots heal and adjust.
Aftercare: Helping Your Pothos Recover
Once repotted:
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Place in bright, indirect light
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Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
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Do not fertilize for a few weeks
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Watch for new leaf growth, which signals recovery
Optional: If the root loss was severe, consider taking a healthy cutting and propagating it in water or soil.
Can You Save a Pothos with Severe Root Rot?
If more than 75% of the roots are mushy, saving the plant might not be possible. But all is not lost—you can:
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Snip off healthy stems
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Propagate in water or soil
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Grow a new pothos from your existing plant
This method helps preserve the beauty of the original plant without carrying over disease.
How to Prevent Root Rot in the Future
Prevention is far easier than treatment. Here’s how to avoid root rot:
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Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry
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Use a pot with drainage holes
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Choose a well-draining soil mix
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Clean your tools before pruning or repotting
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Place pothos in a spot with indirect light and airflow
Pro tip: If in doubt, underwater rather than overwater—pothos can handle short dry periods better than soggy soil.
FAQs About Pothos Root Rot
How long does it take for a pothos to recover from root rot?
With proper care, you might see signs of new growth in 2–4 weeks.
Can I use cinnamon or hydrogen peroxide to treat root rot?
Yes. Cinnamon is a natural antifungal. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) diluted with water can help disinfect roots.
Is root rot contagious?
Yes, especially in shared water sources or tools. Isolate infected plants and sterilize tools.
Conclusion
Root rot is a common but treatable problem for pothos owners. By learning the signs early and following the right steps, you can revive your plant—or start fresh with a healthy propagation. Always remember: proper watering and good drainage are your plant’s best defense.
