Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow? Here's What to Do
The most forgiving plant in the world is asking for help. Let's fix it.
If your pothos is turning yellow, something is off - because pothos are famously hard to kill. The good news? They are also famously easy to fix. The most likely cause is overwatering, followed by too much direct light.
Your pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a Cheerful plant - resilient, fast-growing, and forgiving. If even this plant is complaining, it's worth paying attention.
1. Overwatering (most common)
Pothos are drought-tolerant. They would rather be too dry than too wet. Soggy soil suffocates their roots.
How to tell: Leaves are yellow and soft. Soil is consistently moist. Lower leaves affected first. Stems may feel mushy at the base.
The fix:
- Let the soil dry out completely before watering again
- Check for drainage holes - pothos absolutely need them
- If roots are brown and mushy, trim them and repot in fresh soil
- Going forward, water only when the top half of the soil is dry
2. Too much direct sunlight
Pothos thrive in low to bright indirect light. Direct sun burns them.
How to tell: Yellow or bleached patches on leaves facing the window. Crispy brown edges alongside the yellowing.
The fix:
- Move away from direct light. Pothos are happy in spots most plants would hate
- A shelf, desk, or north-facing window is perfect
- They even grow in offices under fluorescent lights
3. Root bound (needs repotting)
If your pothos has been in the same pot for 2+ years, the roots may be circling the pot with nowhere to grow.
How to tell: Roots growing through drainage holes. Water runs straight through without absorbing. Growth has slowed despite good care.
The fix:
- Repot into a pot 2-5cm larger with fresh potting mix
- Gently loosen the root ball when transplanting
- Water well after repotting
4. Natural aging
Like monsteras, pothos naturally drop their oldest leaves.
How to tell: Only the oldest leaves (closest to the base or furthest along the vine) are yellowing. Everything else looks healthy.
The fix: Nothing needed. Remove the yellow leaf. This is normal and healthy.
5. Cold stress
Pothos are tropical plants. Temperatures below 10C (50F) will cause yellowing.
How to tell: Sudden yellowing after a cold snap, being placed near a drafty window, or an air conditioning vent.
The fix:
- Move to a warmer spot, away from drafts and cold windows
- Keep above 15C (60F) at all times
- In winter, pull plants away from cold windowsills at night
Quick diagnostic
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Soft yellow leaves + wet soil | Overwatering |
| Crispy yellowing near window | Too much sun |
| Roots through drainage holes | Root bound |
| Only oldest leaves yellow | Natural aging |
| Sudden yellowing in winter | Cold stress |
Quick reference
| Light | Low to bright indirect |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 7-14 days, when top half of soil is dry |
| Humidity | 30-50% |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Personality | Cheerful |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes - mild to moderate (cats and dogs) |
Your pothos is a Cheerful plant. In LeafLovers, it would say: "I am pretty tough, but even I have my limits. Check the soil before watering - I like to dry out between drinks!"
Related guides
Care reference
Need the full care profile for Pothos?
Check the encyclopedia for light, watering, soil, pet safety, and pot guidance - then use LeafLovers to fit it to your plant and home.
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