Have you ever noticed white spots on your pothos plant and wondered what was causing them? If so, you’re not alone.
Many pothos plant owners have noticed white spots on their plants and are curious what the cause is.
In this article, you will learn about all of the possible causes of white spots on your pothos plant, from low humidity to sunburn to pests and diseases.
You will also learn about how to prevent future white spots from appearing on your pothos plant.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about white spots on pothos plants.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Pothos plants can develop white spots for a variety of reasons including pest infestations, bacterial infections, or damage from cold temperatures.
If the spots are accompanied by wilting leaves or sagging stems, the issue is likely caused by an infection or pest infestation.
In order to treat the issue, you can try pruning off the affected leaves, treating the plant with a pesticide, or repotting it in a new pot with fresh soil.
Causes of White Spots on Pothos Plants
White spots on pothos plants can have a variety of causes.
Low humidity levels can cause the leaves to become dehydrated, leading to white spots.
This can be caused by not providing enough water to the plant, or if the environment is too dry.
Sunburn can also cause white spots on pothos plants if they are exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can cause discoloration and white spots on the leaves.
Additionally, fungal and bacterial diseases can cause white spots on the leaves.
This can be caused by the presence of spores in the air, or by the plant coming in contact with another plant that is infected with a disease.
Lastly, pests such as mites, aphids, and scales can also cause white spots on pothos plants.
Low Humidity as a Cause of White Spots
Low humidity is one of the most common causes of white spots on a pothos plant.
When the leaves become dehydrated, the lack of moisture can cause them to turn white.
This is especially true for plants that are kept in dry, indoor environments.
To avoid this problem, it is important to keep the plant in an area with higher humidity, such as a bathroom or near a humidifier.
Additionally, misting the leaves of the plant with water can also help to increase the humidity levels.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of dehydration can help to prevent the issue from developing further.
If the leaves are wilting, curling, or turning yellow, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough moisture.
To prevent white spots, it is recommended to increase the humidity levels or water the plant more often.
Sunburn as a Cause of White Spots
When it comes to white spots on pothos plants, one of the most common causes is sunburn.
Sunburn occurs when a plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, and this can lead to discoloration and white spots.
In particular, plants with variegated foliage can be especially prone to sunburn, as the light-colored sections of the leaves are more susceptible to the heat of the sun.
To prevent sunburn, it is important to make sure that your pothos is exposed to indirect sunlight, such as through a window or by placing it in a spot that receives diffused sunlight.
If your plant is placed in a spot that receives too much direct sunlight, its best to move it to a spot that receives less sunlight.
Additionally, you can also use a spray bottle filled with water to mist the leaves and help keep them cool.
Its also important to inspect your pothos regularly for signs of sunburn.
If you notice any discoloration or white spots, you should move the plant to a spot that receives less sunlight.
Additionally, you may also want to prune off any leaves that have been severely damaged by the sun, as they wont recover and can potentially spread the damage to other parts of the plant.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pothos plant stays healthy and free from white spots due to sunburn.
Pests as a Cause of White Spots
Pests such as mites, aphids, and scales can also cause white spots to appear on a pothos plant.
Mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that feed on the plant’s sap and can cause the leaves to become discolored and develop white spots.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants and can cause discoloration and white spots.
Scales are flat, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and feed on its sap, causing the plant to become discolored and develop white spots.
To prevent these types of pests from attacking your pothos plant, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation and treat any that are found with an appropriate insecticide.
Additionally, keeping the pothos away from other plants that may be harboring pests is also recommended.
Diseases as a Cause of White Spots
When it comes to why your pothos has white spots, diseases could be the cause.
Fungal and bacterial diseases can both cause the discoloration and white spots to appear.
Fungal diseases are usually caused by an overabundance of moisture, while bacterial diseases are often caused by poor air circulation and stagnant water.
In the case of a fungal infection, white spots will usually appear on the leaves first as a yellow discoloration.
Over time, the yellow spots will turn white, and the leaves may start to curl up or take on a burnt appearance.
To prevent a fungal infection, make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet, and provide good air circulation to the plant.
Bacterial diseases can also cause white spots on pothos plants.
These spots will usually appear as white, round spots on the leaves, and may be accompanied by a foul odor.
To prevent bacterial diseases, keep the soil moist but not wet and make sure to provide good air circulation to the plant.
Additionally, it is important to keep the plant away from other plants that may have bacterial infections.
In either case, it is important to inspect your pothos plant regularly for signs of disease.
If you notice any discoloration or white spots, take immediate action to prevent the spread of the disease.
Prune away any affected leaves and dispose of them in a sealed container, and make sure to sterilize any tools you use.
Additionally, it is important to provide the plant with the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to help it fight off any diseases that may arise.
Preventing White Spots on Pothos Plants
White spots on a pothos plant can be a troubling sight, but they can be prevented with a few simple steps.
First, make sure the plant is getting the right amount of water.
Pothos plants prefer moist soil and will not do well in completely dry conditions, so make sure the soil isnt staying too dry for too long.
Additionally, overwatering can also cause white spots, so make sure to check the soil to make sure it isnt soggy.
Next, do not expose the plant to too much direct sunlight.
Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light, so if you are seeing white spots, it could be a sign that the plant is getting too much sun.
Move the plant to a spot with more indirect light, or provide some shade for it if it is getting too much direct sunlight.
Finally, inspect your plant regularly for pests or diseases.
Pests such as mites, aphids, and scales can cause white spots, as can fungal and bacterial diseases.
If you find any pests or signs of disease, treat the plant immediately and isolate it from other plants if necessary.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your pothos plant healthy and free from white spots.
With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your pothos looking its best and enjoy its beautiful foliage for many years to come.
Inspecting for Pests
When it comes to diagnosing why your pothos has white spots, one of the first things you should check for is pests.
A variety of pests can cause white spots on your plant, including mites, aphids, and scales.
Mites look like tiny yellow or white dots on the leaves, and they can cause leaves to become discolored and develop white spots.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause a variety of problems, including discoloration and white spots on the leaves.
Scales are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can also cause white spots on the leaves.
To inspect your pothos for pests, you should take a close look at the leaves and stems.
If you notice any of the aforementioned pests, you should treat your plant with an appropriate pesticide to get rid of them.
Additionally, it is important to keep your plant away from other plants that may have pests or diseases, as this can spread to your pothos.
Final Thoughts
White spots on a pothos plant can be caused by a variety of things, including low humidity, sunburn, pests, or diseases.
To prevent white spots, it is important to make sure the plant has enough water and is not exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Additionally, regularly inspecting the plant for pests and keeping it away from other plants that may have diseases is also recommended.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pothos is healthy and free of white spots.