Pothos is one of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants to grow, which is why it’s loved by beginners and experts alike. But even a hardy plant like pothos can struggle if its care needs aren’t met. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my pothos dying?” or searching for ways to “revive a pothos plant”, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover the most common pothos problems, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly, how to save a dying pothos.
Why Is My Pothos Dying? (Common Causes)
A pothos plant can look unhealthy for several reasons. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
1. Overwatering and Root Rot
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Signs: Yellow leaves, soft stems, soggy soil, and foul smell from the pot.
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Fix: Remove the plant from its pot, trim away mushy black roots, let the healthy roots dry, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
2. Underwatering
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Signs: Crispy leaves, dry soil, and drooping vines.
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Fix: Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom, and follow a consistent watering schedule.
3. Lighting Problems
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Too little light: Pale or small leaves, slow growth, faded variegation.
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Too much light: Scorched or bleached patches on leaves.
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Fix: Place your pothos in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight.
4. Poor Soil and Drainage
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Signs: Compacted soil, slow growth, roots staying wet too long.
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Fix: Use a well-draining mix such as potting soil with perlite or coco coir.
5. Temperature Stress
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Signs: Leaves curling, plant wilting near AC vents or heaters.
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Fix: Keep pothos in a stable environment between 65–85°F (18–29°C).
6. Pests and Diseases
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Signs: Sticky residue, tiny bugs, webbing, or black spots on leaves.
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Fix: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve airflow to prevent fungal issues.
7. Nutrient Deficiency
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Signs: Pale leaves, stunted growth, slow recovery after pruning.
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Fix: Fertilize once a month during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
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Golden Pothos Dying – What’s Different?
Golden pothos is one of the most common pothos varieties, but it comes with its own issues:
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Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering.
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Faded variegation: Indicates not enough light.
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Drooping stems: Root stress or inconsistent watering.
If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my golden pothos dying?”, check its watering habits and adjust its lighting to restore the signature golden streaks.
How to Revive a Pothos Plant
If your pothos plant is dying, don’t panic. Pothos are resilient, and with the right care, they can bounce back. Here’s a step-by-step revival plan:
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Inspect and Prune
Cut away yellow, brown, or mushy leaves and stems. Healthy growth should remain green and firm. -
Check the Roots
Gently remove the plant from the pot. Trim away rotten or black roots. Healthy roots should be white or light tan. -
Repot in Fresh Soil
Use a clean pot with drainage holes and fill it with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. -
Water Correctly
After repotting, water lightly and then let the soil dry out before watering again. From then on, water only when the top inch of soil is dry. -
Provide Proper Light
Move your pothos to a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid low-light areas and direct sunlight. -
Treat Pests if Needed
If pests are present, wipe the leaves and spray with diluted neem oil every few days until the problem clears. -
Fertilize for Recovery
Once new growth appears, feed with a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season. -
Propagate Healthy Cuttings
If your plant is too far gone, you can still save it by taking healthy cuttings. Place them in water until roots develop, then plant them in soil.
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Dead Pothos vs. Recoverable Pothos
Sometimes a plant is too far gone. A dead pothos usually has:
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Black, brittle roots.
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Dehydrated, brown stems.
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No living green tissue.
If your pothos looks like this, your best option is to propagate healthy cuttings from any remaining green stems.
Preventing Future Pothos Issues
To avoid saying “my pothos is dying” again, follow these prevention tips:
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Use well-draining soil with perlite or coco coir.
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Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
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Keep the plant in bright, indirect light.
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Fertilize monthly during spring and summer.
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Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth.
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Repot every 1–2 years to prevent root binding.
FAQs About Dying Pothos
1. Why is my pothos not growing?
Likely due to low light, poor soil, or lack of nutrients. Move it to better lighting and fertilize monthly.
2. Can a dying pothos come back to life?
Yes! Pothos are very resilient. As long as some healthy roots and stems remain, you can revive it.
3. How long does it take to revive pothos?
Recovery can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the damage.
4. Should I cut brown leaves off my pothos?
Yes, removing dead leaves helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth.
Conclusion
A dying pothos doesn’t mean the end. Whether it’s overwatering, lighting issues, or pests, the key is identifying the cause early and taking corrective steps. From pruning and repotting to propagation, there are many ways to save your pothos plant.
With the right care, your pothos will return to being the lush, vibrant plant it’s meant to be.
