The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as the Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most beloved houseplants due to its hardiness and easy care routine. However, even the toughest plants can experience issues, and yellowing leaves on your Pothos can be a sign that something is amiss. Don't worry! In this article, we'll help you troubleshoot the common causes of yellowing leaves on Pothos and offer solutions to get your plant back to its healthy, vibrant self.

1. Overwatering

One of the most common reasons Pothos leaves turn yellow is overwatering. When the plant receives too much water, the soil remains soggy, suffocating the roots and causing root rot. As a result, the leaves start to yellow and may eventually fall off.

Signs of Overwatering:

• Yellowing leaves, especially starting from the bottom of the plant
• Mushy or foul-smelling soil
• Soft, black or brown roots (root rot)

What to Do:

• Check the soil: If it feels overly wet or waterlogged, let it dry out before watering again.
• Adjust your watering schedule: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Pothos thrives on a 'less is more' approach.
• Ensure drainage: Make sure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
• Repot if necessary: If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim any affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

2. Underwatering

On the flip side, if your Pothos isn’t getting enough water, it may start to develop yellow leaves as well. Without adequate moisture, the plant will try to conserve water by shedding its leaves.

Signs of Underwatering:

• Dry, crispy leaves
• Yellowing leaves that feel brittle
• Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot

What to Do:

• Increase watering frequency: Water your Pothos thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. However, be sure not to overcompensate by drowning the plant.
• Use a watering reminder: If you often forget to water your plant, consider setting a reminder or using a moisture meter to gauge when the soil is dry.

3. Inadequate Light

Pothos plants are known to tolerate low light, but too little light can lead to yellowing leaves. When a plant doesn’t get enough light, it can’t produce the energy it needs, causing its leaves to yellow and drop.

Signs of Inadequate Light:

• Yellowing of lower leaves
• Slower growth or leggy stems
• Fading variegation (for variegated varieties)

What to Do:

• Move your Pothos: Place your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
• Rotate the plant: If your Pothos is getting uneven light, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure all parts of the plant receive adequate exposure.

4. Nutrient Deficiency

If your Pothos has been in the same pot for a long time or hasn’t received fertilizer, it may be suffering from a nutrient deficiency. Yellow leaves can be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough nutrients, particularly nitrogen.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:

• Yellowing of older leaves while new growth appears pale
• Slow or stunted growth

What to Do:

• Fertilize: Feed your Pothos with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil.
• Repot in fresh soil: If your plant hasn’t been repotted in a few years, fresh soil can provide a new supply of nutrients.

5. Pests

Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can infest your Pothos, sucking the sap from the leaves and causing them to yellow. Check for small bugs on the leaves and stems if your plant is showing signs of stress.

Signs of Pest Infestation:

• Yellowing leaves with small, discoloured spots
• Visible pests on the underside of leaves
• Sticky residue or webbing on the plant

What to Do:

• Inspect regularly: Check your plant for pests every time you water it.
• Treat with insecticidal soap: If pests are present, spray your plant with insecticidal soap or wipe the leaves with a solution of water and mild dish soap.

6. Natural Aging

Sometimes, yellowing leaves are simply a part of the natural aging process. As Pothos grows, it occasionally sheds its older leaves to make way for new growth. If only a few leaves are turning yellow and the rest of the plant looks healthy, this is likely the case.

What to Do:

• Prune old leaves: Remove any yellowing or dying leaves to encourage healthy new growth.
• Continue regular care: Keep your plant well-watered and provide it with enough light and nutrients to support its growth.

Yellow leaves on your Pothos don’t have to be a cause for alarm. By diagnosing the issue—whether it’s overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, nutrient deficiency, pests, or simply natural aging—you can restore your plant’s health.