How To Fix Pothos Root Rot

You can fix pothos root rot by acting quickly and following a few key steps.
 
Pothos root rot happens when the roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long.
 
If you’ve noticed yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a foul smell from the pot, you’re likely dealing with pothos root rot.
 
Fixing pothos root rot requires removing the damaged parts and giving your plant a fresh start.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to fix pothos root rot and keep your plant healthy.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Fix Pothos Root Rot: What You Need to Do

1. Remove the Plant and Inspect the Roots

The first step to fix pothos root rot is to take the plant out of its pot.
 
Gently remove all soil from the roots so you can see the damage clearly.
 
Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan.
 
Rotten roots will be brown, black, mushy, and may fall apart easily.
 
This inspection is critical to successfully fix pothos root rot.
 

2. Trim Away All Rotten Roots and Stems

Once you’ve identified the rotten parts, use clean, sharp scissors to cut them off.
 
When you fix pothos root rot, you must remove every mushy root to stop the rot from spreading.
 
Also trim any yellow or damaged leaves and stems.
 
Be thorough because leaving even a small rotten piece can cause the issue to return.
 
After trimming, rinse the remaining healthy roots with clean water.
 

3. Treat the Roots with a Fungicide or Hydrogen Peroxide

To fully fix pothos root rot, treat the roots with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution or a fungicide.
 
A mix of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to three parts water works well.
 
Soak the roots for about 15-20 minutes to kill any remaining rot-causing pathogens.
 
This step helps ensure you’ve eradicated the root rot completely.
 
Rinse the roots again with clean water after treatment.
 

4. Repot in Fresh, Well-Draining Soil

The final step to fix pothos root rot is to repot your plant in fresh, sterile potting mix.
 
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent future waterlogging.
 
Pothos root rot is often caused by poor drainage, so choose a soil that allows excess water to flow out.
 
A mix with perlite or orchid bark helps improve drainage.
 
Water lightly after repotting and then let the soil dry out between waterings.
 

Recognizing Pothos Root Rot Early

Catching pothos root rot early makes it much easier to fix.
 
The earlier you spot the signs, the better your chances of saving the plant.
 
Here are common indicators that you need to fix pothos root rot:
 

Yellowing Leaves

One of the first signs of pothos root rot is yellow leaves that start from the bottom.
 
If you notice leaves turning yellow and dropping, check the roots immediately.
 

Mushy Stems

When pothos root rot progresses, stems become soft and mushy near the soil line.
 
This indicates the rot has moved upward from the roots.
 

Foul Odor

A rotten smell coming from the pot is a sure sign of pothos root rot.
 
Healthy soil smells earthy, but rotting roots give off a sour, musty odor.
 

Wilting Despite Moist Soil

If your pothos looks wilted even when the soil is wet, root rot may be the cause.
 
Rotten roots can’t absorb water, so the plant shows signs of thirst.
 

Preventing Pothos Root Rot from Returning

Once you’ve learned how to fix pothos root rot, prevention is key.
 
Pothos root rot can come back if conditions don’t change.
 

Water Only When the Top Inch of Soil is Dry

Overwatering is the main cause of pothos root rot.
 
Stick your finger into the soil.
 
If it feels dry at about an inch deep, it’s time to water.
 

Use a Pot with Drainage Holes

A pot without drainage traps water and leads to pothos root rot.
 
Always choose a pot that has holes at the bottom.
 
Consider using a terracotta pot which helps wick away moisture.
 

Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Pothos need light to use up water in the soil.
 
In low light, the soil stays wet longer, increasing the risk of pothos root rot.
 
Place your plant in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
 

Repot Annually with Fresh Soil

Over time, soil can break down and hold too much moisture.
 
Repotting with fresh, well-draining soil every year helps prevent pothos root rot.
 

So, How to Fix Pothos Root Rot?

You can fix pothos root rot by acting quickly and following the steps we’ve covered.
 
Start by removing the plant, trimming rotten roots, treating the remaining roots, and repotting in fresh soil.
 
Early detection and proper care are essential to fix pothos root rot successfully.
 
With the right approach, your pothos can recover and thrive again.
 
We hope this guide on how to fix pothos root rot helps you save your plant.