Why your pothos leaves are turning yellow
Good news first — yellow leaves on a pothos are almost always fixable, and you caught it. The usual culprit is overwatering. Let's walk through what your plant's telling you and how to set it right.
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Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?
Most often it's overwatering. Plants yellow from the bottom up when they're stressed — usually water, light, or nutrients. Check the soil first: if it's soggy, you've been too generous with the watering can.
Pothos holds water in its stems, so it tolerates drying out far better than staying wet. If the soil's soggy, back off the water and let it dry.
Should I cut the yellow leaves off my pothos?
Yes — once a leaf is fully yellow it's not coming back, and it's draining energy your plant could spend on new growth. Snip it clean at the base with sharp scissors. A leaf that's only partly yellow can hang on a while longer while you fix the underlying issue.
How do I fix yellow leaves on my pothos?
Start with the soil. Let the top inch or two dry before watering again, and make sure your pot actually drains. Then check light — a pothos sitting too dark will slowly yellow. Fix one thing at a time so you know what worked.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow after repotting?
Repotting is a shock — some yellowing right after is the plant sulking while its roots settle. Keep it in good light, water lightly, and give it a couple weeks. If new growth is green, you're fine.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow and drooping?
That combo almost always means soggy roots. The yellow says stress, the droop says the roots can't take up water because they're drowning. Check the soil — if it's wet, let it dry out fast.
Not sure? Ask Thumbs about your Pothos leaves turning yellow →
Thumbs talks you through it, one question at a time. Free during early access.