Why Are My Pothos Leaves Turning Black

Pothos leaves turn black for several common reasons.

If you’re noticing your pothos leaves turning black, it’s usually a sign that something is off in their care routine.
 
Overwatering is often the first culprit that comes to mind when pothos leaves turn black and mushy.
 
But other issues like bacterial infections, cold damage, or even too much direct sun can also cause black pothos leaves.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the main reasons why your pothos leaves turning black and how to fix each one.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Are My Pothos Leaves Turning Black?

The most frequent cause of pothos leaves turning black is overwatering and the root rot that follows.
 
But bacterial leaf spot and fungal infections can also lead to black spots that spread quickly.
 
Here’s a closer look at each reason why your pothos leaves are turning black.
 

1. Overwatering and Root Rot

When you water your pothos too often, the soil stays soggy and oxygen can’t reach the roots.
 
Roots begin to rot and turn brown or black, which then shows up as black pothos leaves above the soil.
 
If your pothos leaves turning black feel soft, mushy, or droopy, overwatering is likely the issue.
 
Let the top two inches of soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent black leaves.
 

2. Bacterial Leaf Spot

Bacterial leaf spot creates irregular black or dark brown spots on pothos leaves.
 
These spots often have a yellow halo around them and can merge together as they grow.
 
Wet leaves, poor air circulation, and contaminated soil encourage bacteria to thrive.
 
If you see black pothos leaves with these characteristics, prune the affected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering.
 

3. Cold Damage or Drafts

Pothos are tropical plants that hate temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
 
Exposure to cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioners causes pothos leaves turning black, often along the edges first.
 
The tissue dies from chill injury and turns black or dark brown.
 
Keep your pothos away from drafty spots to stop black pothos leaves from forming.
 

Other Common Causes of Black Pothos Leaves

Besides the main culprits, a few other factors can trigger pothos leaves turning black.
 
Let’s look at these so you can rule them out.
 

1. Fertilizer Burn

Applying too much fertilizer or using a synthetic formula without proper dilution can burn the roots.
 
The result? Black crispy tips or entire black pothos leaves that look scorched.
 
If you recently fertilized and noticed black leaves, flush the soil with distilled water to remove excess salts.
 

2. Sunburn from Direct Light

Pothos prefer bright indirect light, but direct afternoon sun can scorch their leaves.
 
Sunburned pothos leaves turn black or brown in patches where the light hits hardest.
 
Move your plant a few feet away from a harsh window if you see pothos leaves turning black in a bleached pattern.
 

3. Pest Infestations

Thrips and spider mites suck sap from leaves, leaving behind silver streaks and black specks of excrement.
 
While the specks themselves aren’t turning the whole leaf black, heavy infestations weaken the plant and cause pothos leaves turning black from stress.
 
Check undersides of leaves for tiny bugs, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
 

How to Fix and Prevent Black Pothos Leaves

Once you’ve identified the cause, you can take action to save your plant and stop future black pothos leaves.
 
Follow these steps for a healthy, vibrant pothos.
 

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

Water only when the top two inches of soil are completely dry.
 
Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy roots.
 
If root rot has already started, repot your pothos into fresh dry soil and trim away any black mushy roots.
 
This alone can stop pothos leaves turning black from overwatering.
 

2. Prune Damaged Leaves

Black pothos leaves won’t turn green again, so cut them off at the base with clean scissors.
 
Removing them redirects the plant’s energy to healthy growth and prevents diseases from spreading.
 
Disinfect your pruning tool between cuts if you suspect a bacterial infection.
 

3. Improve Air Circulation and Humidity

Bacterial and fungal issues thrive in stagnant humid air.
 
Place a small fan nearby or space out your plants so air moves freely around the leaves.
 
If your home is very dry, use a humidifier or pebble tray, but keep leaves dry to avoid black spots.
 

4. Provide Proper Light

Move your pothos to a spot with bright indirect light, like an east-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing window.
 
Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides get even light, preventing stress that leads to pothos leaves turning black.
 

So, Why Are My Pothos Leaves Turning Black?

Pothos leaves turn black because of overwatering, root rot, bacterial leaf spot, cold drafts, fertilizer burn, or sunburn.
 
In most cases, adjusting your watering habits and checking the environment solves the problem.
 
Pop over to our other pothos care articles for more tips on keeping your plant lush and healthy.
 
Happy growing, plant parent.