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Pothos plants get yellow leaves for several common reasons that are usually easy to fix.
If you’ve been asking why does my pothos keep getting yellow leaves, you’re not alone and the answer often points to watering habits.
Overwatering is the most frequent cause of yellow leaves on pothos, but underwatering can do it too.
Other factors like poor light, nutrient issues, or even a pot that’s too small can trigger yellow leaves on your pothos.
In this post, we’ll break down each reason your pothos gets yellow leaves and show you exactly how to fix them.
Let’s figure out why your pothos has yellow leaves so you can get it back to lush green health.
Why Does My Pothos Keep Getting Yellow Leaves?
The most direct answer to why does my pothos keep getting yellow leaves is usually a watering problem.
Pothos plants are forgiving, but they react quickly when their roots aren’t happy.
When the roots sit in soggy soil, they suffocate and can’t deliver nutrients, which leads to yellow leaves on pothos.
Conversely, if the soil gets too dry for too long, the plant pulls energy from older leaves, causing them to yellow.
So the first thing to check when your pothos has yellow leaves is the moisture level of the soil.
Stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix to feel for dampness before you water again.
Overwatering Is the Top Reason Pothos Get Yellow Leaves
Overwatering is the number one culprit when pothos get yellow leaves.
Many plant parents love their pothos a little too much and water on a schedule instead of checking the soil first.
But pothos prefer to dry out between waterings, and constant moisture leads to root rot.
When roots rot, they can’t absorb oxygen or nutrients, and the leaves respond by turning yellow.
If your pothos has yellow leaves and the soil feels wet or smells musty, overwatering is almost certainly the issue.
Let the soil dry out completely before your next watering and make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Underwatering Can Also Cause Yellow Leaves on Pothos
On the flip side, underwatering is another reason why does my pothos keep getting yellow leaves.
When pothos don’t get enough water, they start to conserve energy by sacrificing their oldest leaves first.
Those older leaves turn yellow, then brown, and eventually drop off.
If your pothos has yellow leaves that feel dry and crispy at the edges, underwatering is the likely cause.
To fix it, give your pothos a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes, then resume a regular watering routine.
Your pothos will perk up quickly once it gets the hydration it needs.
Light Problems That Cause Yellow Leaves on Pothos
Light plays a huge role in whether pothos get yellow leaves or stay deep green.
Pothos are adaptable, but they have preferences when it comes to lighting conditions.
If your pothos has yellow leaves, check where it’s sitting in your home.
Too Much Direct Sunlight Burns the Leaves
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, but direct sun can scorch them.
When hit by harsh rays, the leaves develop yellow patches that eventually turn brown and crispy.
If your pothos gets yellow leaves with sunburn spots, move it a few feet away from the window or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
The yellowing from too much sun usually appears on the side of the plant facing the window.
Too Little Light Causes Leaves to Fade
In low light, pothos can survive, but they often produce smaller leaves and lose their variegation.
Poor light also leads to yellow leaves on pothos because the plant can’t photosynthesize enough to support all its foliage.
If your pothos has yellow leaves in a dark corner, move it to a brighter spot with indirect light.
Even a few hours of morning sun can make a big difference in preventing yellow leaves on pothos.
Other Common Reasons Pothos Get Yellow Leaves
Beyond watering and light, several other factors can explain why does my pothos keep getting yellow leaves.
Let’s look at nutrient deficiencies, pot size, and temperature stress.
Nutrient Deficiencies Lead to Yellow Leaves on Pothos
Pothos need regular feeding during the growing season to stay green and vibrant.
If you haven’t fertilized in months, your pothos may get yellow leaves due to a lack of nitrogen or other essential nutrients.
Yellow leaves on pothos from nutrient deficiency usually start on the older leaves and work their way up.
Feed your pothos with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks during spring and summer.
Don’t fertilize in winter when growth slows, because that can actually cause more yellow leaves.
A Pot That’s Too Small Can Restrict Growth
When a pothos becomes rootbound, its roots fill the pot and can’t absorb water or nutrients efficiently.
This stress often causes pothos to get yellow leaves as the plant struggles to support itself.
If you see roots poking out of the drainage holes or circling the soil surface, it’s time to repot.
Moving your pothos to a pot just one or two sizes larger with fresh soil can stop yellow leaves from forming.
Temperature Stress Triggers Yellow Leaves on Pothos
Pothos are tropical plants that prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your pothos has yellow leaves and it’s sitting near a drafty window, air conditioner, or heater, temperature stress is the cause.
Cold drafts are especially harsh and can make pothos get yellow leaves quickly.
Keep your pothos away from sudden temperature changes to prevent yellow leaves on pothos.
So, Why Does My Pothos Keep Getting Yellow Leaves?
Pothos get yellow leaves for several common reasons, but most are easy to identify and fix.
Overwatering is the most frequent cause, so always check the soil moisture before watering.
Underwatering, poor light, nutrient deficiencies, a cramped pot, and temperature stress can also cause yellow leaves on your pothos.
The key is to observe your plant and adjust one variable at a time until you see improvement.
Once you address the underlying issue, your pothos will stop getting yellow leaves and bounce back with healthy green growth.
Happy growing and enjoy your revived pothos.