Are you wondering why your pothos plant is wilting and losing its vibrant green leaves? It can be heartbreaking to watch your beloved houseplant decline, but with the right care and knowledge, you can help it stay healthy and thriving.
In this article, well cover what a pothos plant is, the common causes of pothos dying, and the solutions to revive your plant.
Well discuss the basics of watering, sunlight, nutrients, pest infestations, and diseases, so you can be sure to give your pothos the best care it needs.
Read on to make sure your pothos is getting the answers it needs to stay alive and healthy.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
It is difficult to say why your pothos is dying without knowing more about its environment and care.
In general, pothos plants need bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and regular watering.
Make sure it is not receiving direct sun, and that it is in a pot with good drainage.
If it has been in the same soil for a while, consider repotting it in fresh soil.
It is also possible that it is being over- or under-watered, or that it has a pest infestation.
What is a Pothos Plant?
Pothos, also known as Devils Ivy, is an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant thats popular among plant lovers of all levels of experience.
Its one of the most popular houseplants around, and for good reason: its incredibly easy to care for.
Its also incredibly resilient, making it a great choice for those who are just getting into houseplants.
Pothos plants have attractive, heart-shaped leaves in a variety of colorsfrom bright green to yellow, white, and even variegated.
The vines of the plant can reach up to 10 feet in length, but can be easily pruned to keep it under control.
The plant can be trained to grow up a trellis or hung in a basket, making it a great addition to any home.
Pothos are also air purifying plants, making them a great addition to any home.
Theyre able to absorb airborne toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, making them a great choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home.
Pothos plants are also incredibly easy to care for, requiring little more than occasional watering and light pruning.
As long as theyre given the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, theyll stay healthy and thrive in any home.
Common Causes of Pothos Dying
It is important to be aware of the common causes of pothos dying in order to provide the best care for your plant.
Too much or too little water, too much or too little sunlight, a lack of nutrients, pest infestations, and disease can all lead to a dying pothos.
Too much water can cause root rot, a condition which causes the roots of the plant to become waterlogged, suffocating the plant and causing it to die.
To avoid root rot, it is important to water your pothos only when the soil is dry.
If the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, then it is time to water.
Too little water can also be damaging to your pothos, as it can cause the leaves to become dry and brittle.
To avoid this, water your pothos consistently and make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy.
In addition to water, it is important to provide your pothos with the appropriate amount of sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to become dry and brittle, while too little sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and leggy.
To ensure your pothos gets enough sunlight, place it near a window that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day.
A lack of nutrients can also cause your pothos to become weak and die.
To ensure your pothos is getting the appropriate nutrients, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Pest infestations can also cause your pothos to die.
Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
To avoid pests, it is important to inspect your plant regularly for signs of infestation and take immediate action if necessary.
Finally, disease can also cause your pothos to die.
Common diseases include leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew.
To avoid disease, it is important to keep the leaves dry and free of debris, as wet leaves can create an environment conducive to disease.
By providing the appropriate amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients, and monitoring for signs of pests and disease, you can ensure your pothos stays healthy and alive.
However, if your pothos is already dying, it may be too late to save it.
With proper care and monitoring, however, you can prevent future issues and keep your pothos alive.
Too Much or Too Little Water
When it comes to keeping your pothos healthy, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of water you provide.
Too much or too little water can both be detrimental to the health of your plant.
Too much water can cause root rot, which is a type of fungal disease that can lead to plant death.
On the other hand, too little water can cause the leaves to become dry and brittle, and can eventually lead to the pothos demise.
To avoid these issues, its important to understand how much water your pothos needs.
The amount of water needed depends on the size and type of pothos and the environment its in.
Generally, pothos require more water in hotter and dryer climates, and less in cooler and wetter climates.
You should also make sure that the soil is well-draining so that the water can be absorbed properly and doesnt pool around the roots.
To determine if your pothos needs to be watered, stick your finger into the soil.
If its dry, then its time to water your plant.
When you do water your pothos, water it thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist.
You should also make sure to empty any water that collects in the drip tray or saucer that may be underneath the pot.
By understanding the amount of water your pothos needs and monitoring its soil moisture, you can ensure that it receives the proper amount of water to stay healthy and prevent it from dying due to too much or too little water.
Too Much or Too Little Sunlight
Pothos plants are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of light levels, but too much or too little sunlight can both cause them to die.
When it comes to sunlight, the key is to find a balancetoo much sun can burn the leaves and cause them to turn yellow, while too little can cause the leaves to become pale or yellow.
To make sure your pothos is getting the right amount of light, place it in a location where it will get indirect sunlight for several hours each day.
If you notice your pothos is getting too much sun, you can move it to a spot with less light or add a sheer curtain to filter the light.
If your pothos is getting too little sun, you can move it to a spot with more light or add additional artificial light.
In both cases, monitor the plant closely and adjust the light levels as needed.
Lack of Nutrients
For a healthy pothos, it’s important to provide the right nutrients.
Without proper nourishment, a pothos can start to die.
This can be due to either a lack of fertilizer, or the wrong kind of fertilizer.
When it comes to feeding your pothos, it’s important to use a balanced fertilizer that contains both macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for healthy growth, while micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc are necessary for ensuring the proper uptake of these macronutrients.
If you’re unsure of what type of fertilizer to use, talk to a local gardening center or a knowledgeable friend who is familiar with houseplants.
They should be able to provide you with advice on the right type of fertilizer for your pothos.
Additionally, you should always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and apply it according to the recommended frequency.
Generally, it’s best to fertilize your pothos every two weeks during the growing season.
If your pothos is already suffering from a lack of nutrients, you may need to repot it in fresh soil with a balanced fertilizer.
Additionally, you should make sure that the soil is well-aerated and that your pothos is getting adequate drainage.
If you find that your pothos is still not getting the nutrients it needs, you may need to consider supplementing its diet with additional fertilizer.
Pest Infestation
Pest infestations are one of the most common causes of pothos dying.
These infestations can be caused by a variety of pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
These pests feed off of the sap of the pothos and can cause wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to inspect the pothos leaves and stems for signs of pests.
If you do find pests, you can use a pesticide specifically formulated for houseplants to get rid of them.
Additionally, you can use traps and barriers to keep pests away from your pothos.
If the infestation is severe, it may be too late to save the pothos, but with quick and thorough intervention, you can prevent further damage and keep your pothos alive.
Disease
Disease is another common reason why a pothos may be dying.
While some diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, others are caused by parasites or environmental conditions.
Common diseases that can affect pothos include root rot, root knot nematodes, crown rot, and leaf spot.
To prevent disease in your pothos, make sure to regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease, such as wilting, discolored leaves, or unusual spots on the leaves.
If you notice any of these signs, its important to take action right away to prevent the disease from spreading and causing further damage to your pothos.
If you cant identify the cause, its a good idea to contact a professional for help.
They can diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Final Thoughts
With the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, pothos can make for a beautiful and easy to care for houseplant.
However, it’s important to be aware of the common causes of pothos dying in order to prevent them from occurring.
Monitor your pothos for signs of pests or disease, and if you suspect your pothos is already dying, take immediate action to try and save it.
With careful attention and the right preventative measures, you can keep your pothos alive and thriving for years to come.