Pothos Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes
Quick answer
Pothos is prone to 39 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Pothos problems
Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Pothos. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.
Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.
Common problems on Pothos
Likely cause: Jul 5, 2023 · If you have noticed ants on your pothos plant , don’t worry – there are several effective methods to eliminate them and keep your plant healthy. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to get rid of an
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Brown Tips
LowLikely cause: Dry air, fluoride in tap water, or inconsistent watering causes tip browning
Quick fix: Increase humidity, switch to filtered water, and water more consistently
Full fix guide →Bacterial Wilt
HighLikely cause: Jan 6, 2024 · Here are some common pothos diseases you may need to watch out for: Bacterial wilt disease is one of the most common diseases in pothos plants. The bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum causes the leaves to turn brown and wilt . Whe
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Cold Damage
MediumLikely cause: Dec 1, 2025 · Keep your Pothos healthy. Learn the critical cold thresholds, diagnose damage symptoms, and use proven steps for recovery and future protection.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Curling Leaves
MediumLikely cause: May 10, 2022 · See why your pothos leaves are curling and turning yellow or upwards, as well as how to fix curling leaves and whether pothos leaves uncurl.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Distorted Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Aug 7, 2025 · Understanding the causes of deformed leaves is the first step toward restoring your pothos to robust health and encouraging unblemished new growth. This article identifies common issues and provides actionable solutions to kee
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Caterpillars
MediumLikely cause: Jun 30, 2023 · However, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of caterpillars on your pothos plant and prevent further damage. In this article, we will explore these methods and provide you with step-by-step instruction
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Exposed Roots
MediumLikely cause: Epipremnum aureum is an evergreen vine growing to 20 m (66 ft) tall, with stems up to 4 cm (2 in) in diameter, climbing using aerial roots which adhere to surfaces.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Fungus Gnats
LowLikely cause: Aug 4, 2025 · Solve your Pothos gnat problem. Learn effective methods to identify, remove, and prevent these persistent houseplant pests for thriving plants.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Heat Stress
MediumLikely cause: Pothos ( Epipremnum aureum ) is a commonly used indoor ornamental foliage, particularly in the middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River in China. It typically grows in the tropical area, and it is yet unclear whether prolonged winter t
Quick fix: Follow extension or botanical guidance for Pothos heat stress; adjust care before applying broad treatments.
Full fix guide →Leggy Growth
LowLikely cause: Insufficient light causes long bare stems with widely spaced leaves
Quick fix: Move closer to a window; trim leggy vines to encourage branching
Full fix guide →Leaf Drop
MediumLikely cause: 01 Environmental change Most tropical plants drop leaves when they're moved to a new location, repotted, or exposed to a cold draft. It's a stress response, not death. Quick check Did you recently move the plant, repot it, or change its lig
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Mold on Soil
LowLikely cause: Effectively manage mold in pothos soil with these steps: Carefully remove visible mold , position your plant in a well-ventilated area, and adjust watering routines to let soil dry between waterings.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Mealybugs
MediumLikely cause: Nov 15, 2024 · This complete mealybugs on pothos guide covers several methods, from simple manual removal to more robust organic treatments. You can choose the one that best fits the severity of your infestation.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →No Flowers
LowLikely cause: Apr 10, 2026 · No. Penn State Extension notes that pothos “rarely flowers even in its native habitat, so no hybrids exist” - there is no commercial breeding program producing flowering pothos cultivars, because there are not enough flowers
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Leggy Seedlings
MediumLikely cause: Jul 4, 2022 · What is a Leggy Pothos? A leggy Pothos has long vines with a small number of leaves. Instead of making new leaves or roots, the plant puts most of its growth into making long stems. This process of extending the length is call
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Mosaic Virus
MediumLikely cause: Potyvirus infection in pothos (most commonly Dasheen Mosaic Virus , DMV) produces characteristic mosaic patterning with alternating light and dark green patches, leaf distortion, and stunted growth.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →No Drainage Hole
MediumLikely cause: Dec 27, 2025 · Let’s cut right to the chase: Yes, pothos absolutely need drainage to thrive long-term. While they can survive for a short while in less-than-ideal conditions (that’s their trademark toughness!), they cannot flourish without
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Plant Leaning
MediumLikely cause: Feb 11, 2026 · Discover how to grow thriving pothos plants with this beginner-friendly guide covering light, temperature, varieties, pots, soil, watering, and feeding.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Poor Drainage
MediumLikely cause: Dec 27, 2025 · Let’s cut right to the chase: Yes, pothos absolutely need drainage to thrive long-term. While they can survive for a short while in less-than-ideal conditions (that’s their trademark toughness!), they cannot flourish without
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Pot Too Small
MediumLikely cause: Jun 5, 2026 · Pothos prefer a slightly snug pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than their root ball. Getting the pothos pot size right matters more than most people realize. A pot that's too big holds excess moisture around the r
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Purple Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Is “ purple pothos ” real? Learn the truth about this common plant myth and find stunning purple - leaf alternatives for your collection.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Potassium Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Mar 26, 2025 · Potassium is essential for overall plant health and plays a role in water regulation, enzyme activation, and disease resistance. Signs of potassium deficiency in Pothos plants include:
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Poor Potting Setup
MediumLikely cause: Oct 13, 2025 · Learn when to repot pothos , what pot size and soil to use, and how to avoid shock, yellow leaves, and root rot after moving your plant.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Pot Too Large
MediumLikely cause: Jun 5, 2026 · Pothos prefer a slightly snug pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than their root ball. Getting the pothos pot size right matters more than most people realize. A pot that's too big holds excess moisture around the r
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Scale Insects
MediumLikely cause: Dec 26, 2025 · In this complete scales on pothos guide, we’ll dive deep into what these pests are, how to spot them early, and a proven battle plan to eliminate them using effective and eco-friendly methods.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Repotting Stress
MediumLikely cause: Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth. By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway. To replenish this plant's nutrients, re
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Root Rot
HighLikely cause: Chronically wet soil in poorly draining mix leads to rapid root rot
Quick fix: Remove from pot, trim all dark mushy roots, repot in fresh well-draining mix; do not water for one week
Full fix guide →Seedlings Falling Over
MediumLikely cause: Jul 17, 2023 · In conclusion, a pothos hanging plant falling over can be attributed to various factors such as lack of support, watering issues, inadequate light, nutrient deficiencies, overcrowded roots, or pests and diseases.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Likely cause: The flowers are produced in a spathe up to 23 cm (9 in) long. This plant produces trailing stems when it climbs up trees and these take root when they reach the ground and grow along with it.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Slow Growth
LowLikely cause: Feb 14, 2026 · Learn how to fix slow growth on pothos with simple adjustments to light, watering, fertilizing, and repotting to encourage faster, healthier vine development.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Slugs and Snails
MediumLikely cause: Jul 20, 2023 · The Jade Pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum , is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its low maintenance and air-purifying properties. However, like any other houseplant, it is susceptible to pests, includ
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Likely cause: The yellowing and burning of epipremnum aureum leaves are common problems in the maintenance process. Understanding their causes and solutions is crucial for planters.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Soil Too Acidic
MediumLikely cause: Jul 17, 2025 · Pothos plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.0 . This type of soil allows for healthy root growth and prevents waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and other problem
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Wilting
MediumLikely cause: Dec 29, 2025 · Golden Pothos ( Epipremnum aureum ) is a hardy and adaptable houseplant that thrives in a variety of conditions. However, even this resilient plant can show signs of stress, such as wilting , if its needs are not met.
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Weak Stems
MediumLikely cause: Mar 1, 2026 · Healthy Pothos vines should be firm and strong, supporting steady leaf growth. When stems become thin or weak, the plant often lacks light, nutrients, or stable care conditions . This guide explains why Pothos stems become wea
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Whiteflies
MediumLikely cause: May 1, 2021 · White Flies Whiteflies are winged, soft-bodied fly-like insects that don’t fly. Like mealybugs, aphids, and other bugs, they suck vital fluids out of your pothos. They’re small (around 1/12-inch long) and roughly triangular, o
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Wrong Soil Mix
MediumLikely cause: Oct 9, 2020 · Need guidance on Pothos soil mixes ? During my 12 years of gardening, I have found 9 soil recipes that work for my Pothos . Read on to discover ideal soil types, signs of wrong soil , and DIY or store-bought options for your P
Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Pothos, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.
Full fix guide →Yellow Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Overwatering is the most common cause; also occurs with low light over time
Quick fix: Allow soil to dry fully; move to a brighter spot; check roots are not sitting in water
Full fix guide →