Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves on your pothos are most often a sign of overwatering. Ensure you're letting the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings and that your pot has good drainage. Less commonly, it can be due to underwatering or a lack of nutrients if it hasn't been fertilized in a long time.

How do I make my pothos grow faster and fuller?

To encourage faster and fuller growth, provide bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Regular fertilization during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer also helps. Pruning the vines periodically can stimulate new growth and make the plant bushier.

Can I propagate pothos in water?

Yes, pothos are very easy to propagate in water. Take a cutting with at least one node (where a leaf meets the stem) and place it in a jar of water. Keep it in bright, indirect light, and change the water every few days. Roots should appear within a few weeks, and you can then plant it in soil.

What kind of pot is best for pothos?

Any pot that has drainage holes is suitable for pothos. Terracotta pots can help the soil dry out faster, which is beneficial if you tend to overwater. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture longer, so be sure to monitor soil moisture closely to avoid waterlogging.

Are pothos toxic to pets?

Yes, pothos plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, pain, and vomiting if ingested. It's best to place them out of reach of curious pets.

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How to care for Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Quick facts

Water roughly every 7 days
Light: Bright, indirect light
Good to know: In some tropical and subtropical regions, Epipremnum aureum can be invasive and is often found growing wild outside of cultivation.

Overview

The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular and forgiving houseplant known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with yellow or white. It's an excellent choice for beginners due to its resilience and adaptability to various indoor conditions. This plant can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb, adding a touch of lush greenery to any space.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Pothos prefers to dry out slightly between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and mushy stems. Underwatering will cause the leaves to droop and may result in crispy brown edges.

Light

Golden Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions, though its variegation may become less pronounced. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Place it near a window that receives ample diffused light, or in a spot that is moderately lit throughout the day.

Soil & potting

Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard houseplant blend amended with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil, which is detrimental to the plant's health.

Fertilizing

Feed your Golden Pothos with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down, as this can lead to nutrient buildup.

Seasonal care

During spring and summer, increase watering frequency slightly and fertilize regularly. In fall and winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing altogether, as the plant enters a period of slower growth. Maintain consistent temperatures and humidity where possible.

Common problems

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Brown, crispy leaf edges often point to underwatering or low humidity. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can occur; inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot from overwatering is a serious issue that requires repotting into fresh, dry soil and removing affected roots.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?: Yellow leaves on your pothos are most often a sign of overwatering. Ensure you're letting the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings and that your pot has good drainage. Less commonly, it can be due to underwatering or a lack of nutrients if it hasn't been fertilized in a long time.
How do I make my pothos grow faster and fuller?: To encourage faster and fuller growth, provide bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Regular fertilization during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer also helps. Pruning the vines periodically can stimulate new growth and make the plant bushier.
Can I propagate pothos in water?: Yes, pothos are very easy to propagate in water. Take a cutting with at least one node (where a leaf meets the stem) and place it in a jar of water. Keep it in bright, indirect light, and change the water every few days. Roots should appear within a few weeks, and you can then plant it in soil.
What kind of pot is best for pothos?: Any pot that has drainage holes is suitable for pothos. Terracotta pots can help the soil dry out faster, which is beneficial if you tend to overwater. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture longer, so be sure to monitor soil moisture closely to avoid waterlogging.
Are pothos toxic to pets?: Yes, pothos plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, pain, and vomiting if ingested. It's best to place them out of reach of curious pets.

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