Troubleshooting
Pothos problems — and how to fix them
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellow lower leaves
Overwatering or pot-bound roots.
Full pothos yellow lower leaves diagnosis →Brown leaf tips
Low humidity or fluoride from tap water.
Full pothos brown leaf tips diagnosis →Slow or stalled growth
Too little light or seasonal dormancy.
Full pothos slow or stalled growth diagnosis →Variegation reverting to solid green
Low light — move closer to a window.
Long bare vines (legginess)
Pinch tips regularly to encourage branching.
Prevent pothos problems before they start
Most pothos issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pothos problems — FAQ
Why is my pothos yellow lower leaves?
Overwatering or pot-bound roots.
Why is my pothos brown leaf tips?
Low humidity or fluoride from tap water.
Why is my pothos slow or stalled growth?
Too little light or seasonal dormancy.
Why is my pothos variegation reverting to solid green?
Low light — move closer to a window.
Why is my pothos long bare vines (legginess)?
Pinch tips regularly to encourage branching.