How To Tell If Pothos Has Root Rot

You can tell if pothos has root rot by checking for a few key warning signs.
 
These signs usually show up in the leaves, stems, and roots of your plant.
 
Root rot is a common problem for pothos owners, especially when the plant sits in soggy soil too long.
 
Knowing how to tell if pothos has root rot early can save your plant from dying.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the exact symptoms and what to do when you spot them.
 
Let’s dive into the signs so you can act fast.
 

How to Tell If Pothos Has Root Rot: The Key Signs

If you’re wondering how to tell if pothos has root rot, start by looking at the leaves.
 

1. Yellowing Leaves That Won’t Perk Up

Yellow leaves are the most common clue that pothos has root rot.
 
When roots start to rot, they can’t deliver water and nutrients to the leaves.
 
So the leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp.
 
If you see yellowing on older leaves first, that’s a strong hint that pothos root rot is setting in.
 
Healthy pothos leaves stay green and firm even when they’re older.
 

2. Mushy, Dark Stems Near the Soil Line

Another way to tell if pothos has root rot is to feel the stems just above the soil.
 
Healthy stems are firm and green or slightly woody.
 
But with root rot in pothos, the stems turn mushy, brown, or black.
 
If you press gently and the stem collapses, that’s a clear sign of decay.
 
This mushiness often travels upward from the rotten roots.
 

3. A Foul, Musty Smell From the Pot

When pothos has root rot, the soil often smells terrible.
 
Healthy soil smells earthy and fresh.
 
Rotting roots produce a foul, sour odor because bacteria and fungi are breaking down the tissue.
 
If you bring the pot close to your nose and notice a bad smell, you’re likely dealing with root rot in pothos.
 

4. Black, Slimy Roots When You Unpot the Plant

The most definitive way to tell if pothos has root rot is to check the roots directly.
 
Carefully slide the plant out of its pot and examine the root ball.
 
Healthy pothos roots are white, cream, or light tan and feel firm.
 
But if pothos has root rot, the roots will be black, brown, or translucent and slimy to the touch.
 
They may also fall apart when you gently tug on them.
 
This visual check confirms that root rot is present.
 

Why Pothos Gets Root Rot and How to Spot It Early

Understanding why root rot happens makes it easier to tell if pothos has root rot before it’s too late.
 

1. Overwatering Is the Main Cause

The number one reason pothos root rot develops is overwatering.
 
Pothos likes its soil to dry out between waterings.
 
When you water too often, the roots sit in waterlogged soil and they can’t get oxygen.
 
Without oxygen, the roots start to suffocate and rot.
 
If you notice soil that stays wet for more than a week, you should suspect root rot in pothos.
 

2. Poor Drainage Traps Moisture

Even if you water the right amount, poor drainage can cause pothos root rot.
 
Soil that’s too heavy or a pot without drainage holes keeps excess water around the roots.
 
To tell if pothos has root rot from drainage issues, check if water pools on top of the soil after watering.
 
Also, clay pots and well‑draining potting mix help prevent this problem.
 

3. Low Light Slows Down Water Use

Pothos in low light uses less water than pothos in bright, indirect light.
 
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, the soil stays wet longer.
 
This creates a perfect environment for root rot in pothos.
 
You can help by moving your pothos to a brighter spot so it drinks up water faster.
 

What to Do When You Discover Pothos Has Root Rot

Once you know how to tell if pothos has root rot, you need to act quickly to save it.
 

1. Remove the Plant and Cut Away Rotten Roots

Take the pothos out of its pot and shake off the old soil.
 
Use clean, sharp scissors to trim away all black, mushy, or slimy roots.
 
Cut until you see healthy white or tan tissue.
 
Be thorough because any remaining rot can spread.
 

2. Wash the Remaining Healthy Roots

Rinse the surviving roots gently with room‑temperature water.
 
This removes bacteria and fungal spores that cause root rot.
 
Let the plant air dry for an hour before repotting.
 

3. Repot in Fresh, Well‑Draining Soil

Use a new pot with drainage holes and fill it with a light, airy potting mix.
 
A mix for aroids or a blend of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works great.
 
Water sparingly after repotting and only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
 

4. Provide Optimal Light and Water Going Forward

Place your pothos in bright, indirect light to encourage recovery.
 
Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent future pothos root rot.
 
Test the soil with your finger instead of following a fixed schedule.
 

So, How to Tell If Pothos Has Root Rot?

You can tell if pothos has root rot by checking the leaves, stems, roots, and soil odor.
 
Yellow leaves that stay limp, mushy stems, a foul smell from the pot, and black, slimy roots are all clear signs.
 
If you notice these symptoms, act quickly by trimming the rotted roots and repotting in fresh soil.
 
With early detection and proper care, your pothos can bounce back and thrive again.
 
Now that you know exactly how to tell if pothos has root rot, you can keep your plant healthy and happy for years to come.