Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?
The four common causes β and how to tell which one you have.
Yellow pothos leaves almost always come down to watering: overwatering and root rot is the #1 cause, followed by underwatering, too much direct sun, or simple old age. The pattern tells you which: several soft, yellow leaves in wet soil means overwatering; crispy yellow edges in dry soil means the opposite. Snap a photo below for an instant diagnosis and the exact fix.
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The 4 causes, compared
| Cause | How to spot it | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatering / root rot | Several leaves yellow at once, soft mushy stems, soil stays wet | Let the top 2 in of soil dry out; cut back watering and check roots for rot |
| Underwatering | Yellowing with crispy brown edges, soil bone-dry and pulling from the pot | Water thoroughly until it drains, then keep to a regular schedule |
| Too much direct sun | Pale, bleached-yellow leaves on the side facing the window | Move to bright, indirect light away from harsh midday sun |
| Natural aging | A single oldest, lowest leaf yellows slowly while the rest thrive | Normal β snip it off at the base; no other action needed |
FAQ
- Should I cut off yellow pothos leaves?
- Yes β a yellow leaf won't turn green again, so trim it at the base to redirect energy to healthy growth. Fix the underlying cause first so more don't follow.
- Is my pothos overwatered or underwatered?
- Overwatered pothos yellows in clumps with soft stems and constantly wet soil; underwatered yellows with dry, crispy edges and bone-dry soil. Check the moisture 2 inches down before you water.
- Why is my pothos yellowing after repotting?
- A few yellow leaves after repotting is normal transplant shock. Keep it in bright indirect light, water lightly, and healthy new growth should return within a few weeks.
More houseplant guides
Pothos drooping leavesPothos brown spotsPothos root rot