Pothos leaves turning yellow is typically a sign of stress in the plant, most commonly caused by issues related to watering, light, temperature, or nutrients. The main reasons include:
- Overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot, making it hard for the plant to absorb nutrients, leading to yellow leaves and sometimes black stems or leaf tips.
- Underwatering: If the soil is too dry, leaves can yellow and wilt as the plant conserves water.
- Light issues: Pothos prefer bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause yellowing, while too much direct sunlight can burn and yellow the leaves.
- Temperature stress: Pothos like warm temperatures (70-90°F or 21-32°C). Colder temperatures can cause yellowing and leaf drop.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of nitrogen, magnesium, iron, or potassium can cause various patterns of yellowing in older or younger leaves.
- Natural aging: Older leaves naturally yellow and drop as part of the plant's growth cycle.
To fix yellow leaves on pothos:
- Adjust watering to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry between waterings.
- Provide bright, indirect light avoiding direct sun.
- Maintain stable, warm temperatures.
- Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced plant fertilizer.
- Remove yellow leaves to encourage new growth.
These guidelines will help determine and address the specific cause of yellowing leaves for a healthier pothos plant.