Introduction:

Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are some of the most popular and beginner-friendly houseplants around. With their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, they add a touch of greenery to any room. Whether you’re new to houseplants or already have a growing indoor jungle, chances are you’ve either owned or thought about owning a pothos.

One of the reasons pothos is loved by plant parents is its reputation for being low-maintenance. It can grow in water or soil, tolerate low light, and survive a bit of neglect. But even the hardiest plants can show signs of stress and one of the most common issues pothos owners face is yellowing leaves.

If you’ve recently noticed your pothos leaves turning yellow, don’t panic. It’s a frequent concern and often easy to fix once you understand what’s causing it. Yellow leaves can result from several factors, including poor lighting, overwatering, underwatering, or even natural aging.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons pothos leaves turn yellow and, more importantly, how to fix them. Whether you’re a plant newbie or an experienced green thumb, these simple solutions will help you get your pothos back to looking lush and healthy in no time.

🌱 Most Common Reasons Your Pothos Leaves Are Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves on your pothos plant can be frustrating, but don’t worry most causes are simple to fix. Below are the most common reasons why your pothos may be struggling, along with clear signs and easy solutions.

1. Insufficient Light

Why it happens:
Pothos plants are known for surviving in low light, but they still need some sunlight to stay healthy. Without enough light, photosynthesis slows down, and the leaves can lose their vibrant green color.

What to look for:

• Pale green or yellow leaves, especially at the bottom of the plant
  
• Slow growth or leggy stems stretching toward the light
  

How to fix it:

• Move your plant near a window that gets bright, indirect light
  
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves
  
• If natural light is limited, consider using an LED grow light for 6–10 hours a day
  

2. Overwatering

Why it happens:
Pothos likes to dry out between waterings. Overwatering keeps the roots sitting in soggy soil, which can cause root rot, a common cause of yellow leaves.

What to look for:

• Mushy or blackened stems
  
• Wet, smelly, or soggy soil
  
• Yellow leaves with brown or black spots
  

How to fix it:

• Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again
  
• Make sure your pot has drainage holes
  
• Use well-draining potting soil to avoid water buildup
  

3. Underwatering

Why it happens:
While pothos is drought-tolerant, too little water for too long can dry out the plant’s roots and cause stress.

What to look for:

• Dry, compact soil that pulls away from the pot
  
• Drooping stems and leaves
  
• Yellowing along the edges, with crisp, brittle tips
  

How to fix it:

• Water your pothos thoroughly until water drains from the bottom
  
• Stick your finger into the soil water when the top inch feels dry
  
• Create a consistent watering schedule (about every 1–2 weeks depending on conditions)
  

4. Natural Leaf Aging

Why it happens:
Just like people, plants age. Sometimes older pothos leaves turn yellow and fall off as part of the natural life cycle.

What to look for:

• Yellowing limited to older, lower leaves
  
• No other signs of stress (like drooping or rot)
  

How to fix it:

• Gently remove the yellowed leaves with clean scissors or pruning shears
  
• Don’t worry this is completely normal and helps the plant focus energy on new growth
  

5. Stress from Repotting or Relocation

Why it happens:
Pothos can get shocked when moved to a new environment or after being repotted. Changes in light, humidity, or temperature can all trigger yellowing leaves.

What to look for:

• Leaves yellowing shortly after moving or repotting
  
• No signs of pests, rot, or light issues
  

How to fix it:

• Give your plant time about 1 to 2 weeks to adjust
  
• Keep it in a stable location with good light and avoid further changes
  
• Don’t fertilize or overwater during the recovery phase

🌿 Additional Possible Causes of Yellow Pothos Leaves

If you’ve already ruled out light issues, watering mistakes, or natural aging, your pothos might be reacting to other less obvious problems. Let’s take a look at some additional causes that could be making your pothos leaves turn yellow.

1. Nutrient Deficiency

Why it happens:
Just like people need vitamins, plants need nutrients especially nitrogen and magnesium to stay green and healthy. A lack of these essential nutrients can cause yellowing, especially between the leaf veins.

What to look for:

• Pale yellow leaves with green veins (called chlorosis)
  
• Slow growth or small new leaves
  
• Yellowing that affects many leaves at once
  

How to fix it:

• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer)
  
• Consider a magnesium boost with diluted Epsom salt spray (1 tsp per 1 liter of water)
  
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup and further stress
  

2. Pest Infestation

Why it happens:
Tiny pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids suck the sap from pothos leaves, weakening the plant and causing discoloration.

What to look for:

• Sticky residue on leaves (called honeydew)
  
• Tiny bugs on leaf undersides or in leaf joints
  
• Fine webbing (sign of spider mites)
  
• Yellowing or curling leaves without other clear causes
  

How to fix it:

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or insecticidal soap
  
• Spray with neem oil weekly until pests are gone
  
• Isolate the plant from others to prevent spreading
  

3. Poor Drainage or Wrong Pot Size

Why it happens:
Pothos prefer to be slightly root-bound meaning they like snug pots. Too big a pot can lead to soggy soil, while pots without drainage trap water at the roots.

What to look for:

• Yellow leaves despite a good watering schedule
  
• Constantly damp or swampy soil
  
• Root rot signs (dark, mushy roots)
  

How to fix it:

• Use a pot with proper drainage holes
  
• Choose a snug-fitting pot rather than upsizing too much
  
• Use a well-draining indoor plant soil mix
  

4. Temperature Stress

Why it happens:
Pothos plants are tropical and prefer stable, warm conditions. Exposure to cold drafts, AC vents, or sudden temperature drops can shock the plant and cause yellowing.

What to look for:

• Yellowing shortly after a seasonal change
  
• Leaves near windows or vents affected more
  
• No watering or light issues present
  

How to fix it:

• Keep your pothos in a room with stable temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C)
  
• Avoid placing it near drafty windows, heaters, or air conditioners
  
• Move it away from doors that open to the outside in winter
  

🕵️‍♂️ How to Diagnose the Problem

When your pothos leaves start turning yellow, it can be frustrating to figure out what’s wrong. But don’t worry by following a step-by-step approach, you can identify the root cause and fix it before the damage spreads.

✅ Step-by-Step Diagnosis Guide

Here’s a simple way to evaluate your plant’s health:

1. Check the Light Source

• Is your pothos near a bright window?
  
• Is it getting too little or too much direct sunlight?
  
• If the plant is in a dark corner or far from windows, light deficiency could be the issue.
  

👉 Quick Fix: Move the plant closer to bright, indirect light or add a grow light.

2. Inspect Your Watering Habits

• Do you water on a schedule, or only when the soil feels dry?
  
• Are you watering too often or letting the soil stay dry for too long?
  

👉 Tip: Stick your finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it’s soggy, it may be overwatered. If it’s bone dry, underwatering is the likely cause.

3. Look at the Environment

• Has the plant been recently moved, repotted, or placed near cold/hot air vents?
  
• Was there a recent drop in room temperature?
  

👉 Solution: If yes, your plant might be experiencing stress. Leave it undisturbed in a stable spot for 1–2 weeks to adjust.

📒 Keep a Plant Care Log

Tracking your care routine can help you spot patterns and prevent future issues. Your log should include:

• Date and amount of watering
  
• Fertilizer use (what kind and how often)
  
• Any changes in location, pot, or lighting
  
• Noticed symptoms (yellowing, drooping, spots)
  

👉 Bonus: You can even take weekly photos to visually track progress.

🔍 Inspect the Plant Closely

Doing a quick visual and touch inspection can tell you a lot:

1. Leaves

• Are the yellow leaves at the top or bottom?
  
• Do they feel crispy or mushy?
  
• Are there spots, holes, or sticky residue?
  

2. Soil

• Is it compacted, soggy, or dry?
  
• Does it smell bad (like rotting)?
  

3. Roots (if needed)

• Gently slide the plant out of its pot to check the roots.
  
• Healthy roots are white and firm.
  
• Dark, mushy roots = root rot from overwatering.
  

✅ Fixes & Prevention Tips

Noticing yellow leaves on your pothos? Don’t worry it’s often reversible with the right care! Below are simple yet effective tips to revive your plant and keep it healthy in the long run.

🌱 How to Revive Yellowing Pothos Leaves

• Trim the Damage: Start by pruning any fully yellow or dying leaves with clean scissors. This stops the plant from wasting energy and encourages new, healthy growth.
  
• Identify the Cause: Use the diagnosis steps mentioned earlier (light, watering, soil, etc.) to figure out the reason for yellowing.
  
• Correct the Problem: Whether it’s too much water, poor light, or nutrient deficiency adjust care accordingly.
  

💡 Tip: Only remove yellow leaves if they’re mostly yellow. Partially yellow leaves might still recover.

🗓 Set a Proper Watering & Light Schedule

Watering:

• Water your pothos only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  
• Use a moisture meter or do the “finger test.”
  
• Always let excess water drain completely never let the pot sit in water.
  

Lighting:

• Place your pothos in bright, indirect light.
  
• If natural light is low, use a grow light.
  
• Avoid placing it in direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
  

🔁 Consistency is key! Try to check your plant at the same time every week.

🪴 Choose the Right Pot and Soil Mix

• Use well-draining soil – a standard indoor potting mix with perlite or orchid bark works well.
  
• Pick the right pot size – pothos actually prefer to be a little root-bound.
  
• Ensure proper drainage – choose pots with holes at the bottom to prevent water buildup.
  

🚫 Avoid heavy, compact soils they hold water and increase the risk of root rot.

✂️ When to Prune and Propagate

Prune:

• Remove yellow, damaged, or leggy vines to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Pruning regularly keeps the plant in shape and boosts health.
  

Propagate:

• Don’t throw out healthy vines you cut! You can easily root them in water and grow new plants.
  
• Place the cutting in water near sunlight, and roots should appear within 2–3 weeks.
  

🌿 Bonus: Propagation is not just fun it’s also a backup in case the mother plant struggles.

⚠️ When to Worry

While a few yellow leaves here and there are normal, sometimes yellowing can be a red flag that your pothos is facing a more serious issue. Here’s how to know when it’s time to take extra action.

🚨 How to Tell If Yellowing Is a Bigger Problem

Yellowing is normal in older leaves or minor care mistakes, but it can also signal deeper issues. Watch for these warning signs:

• Widespread Yellowing: If many leaves across the plant turn yellow at once.
  
• Rapid Decline: Yellowing happens quickly, spreading over days.
  
• Multiple Symptoms: Yellowing combined with wilting, brown spots, mushy stems, or foul smells.
  
• Unusual Leaf Patterns: Yellowing that’s patchy, streaked, or includes black spots.
  
• Pests or Mold: Check under leaves and near soil for bugs, sticky residue, or fuzzy mold.
  

🧪 If you suspect a disease (like root rot or a pest infestation), act quickly before it spreads.

🧑‍🌾 When to Consult a Local Plant Expert or Nursery

If you’ve tried adjusting water, light, and care routines but the yellowing continues or worsens it’s time to seek help:

• Bring a sample of the yellow leaf to a local nursery or plant shop.
  
• Take photos of the whole plant and close-ups of affected areas.
  
• Describe your watering, lighting, and repotting history.
  

Local experts can often spot what’s wrong just by looking and asking a few questions especially when climate or humidity are playing a role.

📍 Tip: Local advice is tailored to your environment, making it more accurate than a one-size-fits-all guide.

❓FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

🌿 Can yellow pothos leaves turn green again?

Unfortunately, once a pothos leaf turns yellow, it won’t turn green again. Yellowing usually means the leaf’s cells have broken down. The best approach is to remove the yellow leaf so the plant can focus its energy on healthy growth.

✂️ Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Yes, it’s a good idea to trim yellow leaves. Removing them:

• Helps the plant direct nutrients to healthier leaves
  
• Improves appearance
  
• Prevents possible spread of rot or disease
  

Use clean, sharp scissors and snip near the base of the stem.

💧 How often should I water my pothos?

Water your pothos only when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. In general:

• Every 1–2 weeks is ideal (varies by temperature and humidity)
  
• Less frequent in winter
  
• Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil
  

Consistency is key overwatering is one of the top causes of yellowing.

☀️ Does pothos like direct sunlight?

Pothos prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to yellowing. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. If your home is dim, consider using a grow light to supplement.

Conclusion

Yellowing leaves on your pothos plant can be worrying, but the good news is that most causes are simple and easy to fix. The key reasons include insufficient light, overwatering, underwatering, natural leaf aging, and stress from repotting or moving your plant. By carefully observing your pothos, adjusting its light and watering routine, and giving it time to settle in new environments, you can bring your plant back to health.

Remember, yellow leaves are a common part of plant care, not a reason to panic. With a little patience and attention, you can keep your pothos thriving and continue to enjoy the lush greenery it brings to your home.

So, take a close look, make the necessary changes, and keep nurturing your indoor jungle. Happy growing! 🌿