If your pothos is dying, the most common culprit is overwatering. From my perspective as a plant, soggy roots suffocate me because they block oxygen absorption. When water sits in the pot for too long, my roots rot, turning brown and mushy. You might notice yellowing leaves or a foul smell from the soil. To fix this, let my soil dry out between waterings and ensure my pot has drainage holes. If root rot has set in, trim the damaged roots and repot me in fresh, well-draining soil.
On the flip side, if you neglect to water me, I’ll wilt and my leaves will turn crispy and brown. As a pothos, I prefer consistently moist (but not wet) soil. If the top inch of my soil feels dry, it’s time to water me. If you’re forgetful, consider setting a reminder or using a moisture meter to check my needs. Just don’t let me sit in bone-dry soil for too long—I can’t survive on neglect!
I thrive in bright, indirect light, but too much direct sunlight scorches my leaves, causing brown patches. Conversely, if I’m stuck in a dark corner, my growth slows, and my leaves lose their vibrant color. Move me to a spot where I can enjoy filtered sunlight, like near a north or east-facing window. If natural light is scarce, a grow light can help me stay healthy and green.
As a tropical plant, I dislike cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. If I’m near an air conditioner or a drafty window, my leaves may yellow or drop. Keep me in a warm spot (65–85°F) with moderate humidity. If the air is too dry, mist my leaves or place a humidifier nearby. Brown leaf tips are a cry for help—I need more moisture in the air!
Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects love to feast on my leaves, sucking out my sap and weakening me. If you see tiny webs, white fluff, or sticky residue, I’m under attack! Wipe my leaves with a damp cloth or treat me with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regular inspections help catch pests early before they do serious damage.
If my leaves are pale or stunted, I might be starving for nutrients. While I’m not a heavy feeder, occasional fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer) keeps me strong. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks. Too much fertilizer, however, can burn my roots—so moderation is key!
If I’ve outgrown my pot, my roots become cramped, circling the container and struggling to absorb water and nutrients. You’ll notice slowed growth or roots poking out of the drainage holes. Repot me into a container 1–2 inches larger, gently loosening my roots before placing me in fresh soil. This gives me room to stretch and thrive.
Tap water with high chlorine or fluoride can harm me, causing brown leaf tips. If possible, water me with filtered or distilled water, or let tap water sit overnight to evaporate chemicals. Similarly, avoid harsh chemical cleaners near me—I prefer a natural environment!
