My pothos used to be the pride of my plant collection – lush, trailing, and full of life. But recently? It’s droopy, yellowing, and looking like it’s over everything. I’ve definitely had my moments of feeling the same!
After a little detective work, I realized it just needed proper watering and a sunnier spot to perk up. If your pothos is acting up too, don’t worry. There are simple ways to bring it back to its vibrant, happy self!
So, here are 9 common signs your pothos is crying out for help, what they mean, and how to get it back on track.
1. Yellowing Leaves: The Classic Cry For Help
Yellow pothos leaves are a plant’s way of saying, “Something’s off!” Overwatering your pothos is often the culprit, drowning the roots and cutting off oxygen. On the flip side, not giving your plant enough water can cause yellowing too.
Fix it: Check the soil moisture – if it’s soggy, ease up on watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out before the next drink. If it’s bone-dry, give it a good soak and adjust your watering routine.
2. Drooping Leaves: The Floppy Statement
Droopy leaves can make your pothos look like it’s having a bad hair day. Usually, this is caused by inconsistent watering – too much or too little.
Fix it: Feel the soil. If it’s dry, give your plant a thorough drink. If it’s wet, let it dry out before watering again. Consistency is key to keeping your pothos perky.
3. Wilting Stems: The Big Drama
When stems wilt, it’s a sign your pothos is seriously stressed. Common causes include dehydration, root rot, or even low humidity.
Fix it: Check for overwatering or underwatering and adjust accordingly. If the soil smells funky, root rot could be the issue – trim damaged roots and repot in fresh soil.
4. Brown Leaf Tips: The Dry Air Dilemma
Brown tips are often a sign of low humidity or over-fertilizing. I learned this the hard way when I went a little too heavy-handed with the plant food.
Fix it: Mist the plant occasionally or place a small humidifier nearby. If fertilizer is the problem, flush the soil with water to wash away excess salts and cut back on feeding.
5. Stunted Growth: The Silent Protest
If your pothos isn’t growing, it’s sending a quiet message. Lack of light, poor soil, or nutrient deficiencies might be to blame.
Fix it: Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight. If that doesn’t help, repot it with fresh, nutrient-rich soil that’s ideal for pothos plants.
6. Yellow And Brown Spots: The Pest Party
Pothos plants occasionally fall victim to pests like spider mites or mealybugs. These tiny invaders can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
Fix it: Inspect the leaves closely. If you spot pests, wipe them off with a damp cloth or spray the plant with a mixture of water and mild soap.
7. Curling Leaves: A Cry For Water Or Shade
Curling leaves often mean your pothos is either thirsty or getting too much direct sunlight. Mine curled up after I accidentally left it in a sunny window for too long.
Fix it: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light and adjust your watering schedule. A little pampering will have those leaves unfurling again.
8. Leggy Stems: The Stretch For Light
When stems grow long and scraggly with fewer leaves, your pothos is stretching for light.
Fix it: Move it to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunlight. Prune the leggy stems of your pothos to encourage fuller and better growth.
9. Mushy Stems: The Overwatering Warning
If the stems are soft and mushy, overwatering and root rot are likely the culprits.
Fix it: Remove the plant from its pot, trim any rotten roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering and make sure the pot has good drainage.
Your pothos might be begging for help now, but with a little attention and care, it can bounce back to its lush, vibrant self.
I’ve had my share of pothos drama, but trust me, these plants are incredibly forgiving. Give your pothos what it needs, and it’ll reward you with endless greenery and good vibes.