Pothos is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to care for and looks beautiful. But if you’ve noticed brown spots on your pothos leaves, it might worry you. Don’t panic—these spots are a common issue that can be resolved once you understand the underlying cause.
In this article, we’ll explain why brown spots happen, what they mean, and how you can treat and prevent them.
Why Does My Pothos Have Brown Spots?
Brown spots can appear for many reasons. Let’s look at the most common ones.
1. Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering is the top reason for brown spots on pothos. When you water too often, the roots stay wet and may begin to rot. This causes leaves to turn yellow and then develop brown or black spots.
What Does an Overwatered Pothos Look Like?
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Leaves become soft, yellow, and then brown.
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Soil stays wet for too long.
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Roots may look black, mushy, and smell bad.
2. Leaf Spot Disease (Fungal or Bacterial)
Fungal or bacterial infections can cause brown spots. These spots may be circular, have yellow edges, or look like they’re spreading.
Wet leaves, poor airflow, or a dirty environment can cause these diseases.
3. Pest Attacks
Tiny bugs like spider mites, thrips, or scale insects can damage pothos leaves. They suck the plant’s juice and leave behind brown or black spots.
4. Underwatering or Dry Air
If you forget to water your pothos or your home has dry air, the leaves can turn brown, usually at the edges. These spots look dry and crispy, not soft.
5. Too Much Sunlight
Pothos likes bright but indirect light. If the plant sits in direct sunlight, the leaves may get sunburned. These spots look dry and faded brown.
6. Lack of Nutrients
If the plant doesn’t get enough nutrients like magnesium or calcium, the leaves may start turning yellow with brown spots. This usually happens on older leaves.
7. Bad Water Quality
Tap water with chlorine, fluoride, or salt can also harm pothos leaves. You may see brown tips or edges because of mineral buildup in the soil.
Do Brown Spots Always Mean Overwatering?
No, not always. While overwatering is common, it’s not the only reason. You need to check the leaf shape, color, and feel to understand what’s going on.
Soft and mushy brown spots? Most likely overwatering.
Dry and crispy spots? Probably dry air or sunburn.
How to Tell What’s Causing Brown Spots (Step-by-Step)
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Check the soil: Is it soggy or dry?
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Feel the leaves: Are they soft (overwatering) or dry (underwatering)?
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Look under the leaves: Do you see tiny bugs?
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Smell the soil: A bad smell means root rot.
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Think back: Have you changed the plant’s location, watering schedule, or light recently?
How to Treat Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves
For Overwatering and Root Rot
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Stop watering and let the soil dry out.
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Repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
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Trim off soft, brown, or yellow leaves and rotten roots.
For Leaf Spot Disease
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Cut off affected leaves.
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Use a natural fungicide or neem oil spray.
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Avoid getting the leaves wet while watering.
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Keep your plant in a spot with good airflow.
For Pests
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Rinse the plant with water to remove bugs.
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Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Isolate the plant so pests don’t spread.
For Underwatering or Dry Air
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Water your pothos regularly (but not too much).
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Keep humidity up—use a tray with water and pebbles or a humidifier.
For Sunburn
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Move your plant away from direct sunlight.
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Use sheer curtains if it’s near a sunny window.
For Water Quality
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Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
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Let tap water sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine before using.
Can You Save a Pothos with Brown Spots?
Yes! If you catch the problem early and fix it, your plant can recover.
Should You Cut Off Brown Leaves?
Yes—cut off the badly damaged leaves. This helps the plant focus on new growth.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
You may see improvement in 2–4 weeks. New leaves will grow if the plant is healthy again.
How to Prevent Brown Spots in the Future
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Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
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Use a pot with drainage holes.
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Give bright, indirect light.
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Wipe leaves and check for pests often.
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Use clean, safe water.
FAQs: Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves
Why are my pothos leaves turning brown at the edges?
This usually means dry air, underwatering, or poor water quality.
Can I use tap water for pothos?
Yes, but it’s better to let the water sit overnight to remove chlorine.
Should I mist my pothos?
Yes, misting can help increase humidity, but avoid soaking the leaves.
How often should I repot pothos?
Every 1–2 years or when the roots outgrow the pot.
Are brown spots contagious to other plants?
Suppose it’s a disease or pest problem, yes. Keep infected plants away from others.
Conclusion
Brown spots on pothos leaves are a sign that something’s not right—but they’re usually easy to fix. Whether it’s overwatering, pests, or too much sun, knowing the cause is the first step. Keep an eye on your plant, adjust care as needed, and your pothos will be green and healthy again.
