Is your pothos plant struggling to survive? Are its leaves turning yellow and droopy? If so, you’re not alone. Pothos plants are popular for their ease of care but still require proper attention to thrive.
In this article, we’ll explore why these plants struggle and how to save a pothos plant. From watering techniques to lighting requirements, we’ll cover all the important factors that can make or break your pothos plant.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge you need to keep your pothos plant healthy and vibrant.

How to save a pothos plant? (A Step-by-Step Guide)
If you have a struggling pothos plant, taking action is crucial to saving it. Neglecting a plant not doing well can lead to irreversible damage or even death. Pothos plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
By learning how to save a pothos plant, you are preserving a beautiful and valuable addition to your home and contributing to a healthier environment. Plus, successfully nursing a plant back to health can be a rewarding experience.
Don’t wait any longer; take action now to save your struggling pothos plant.
Identifying the Problem
A struggling pothos plant can display a range of signs that indicate it needs attention. The most common sign is yellow or brown leaves caused by overwatering, underwatering, or poor lighting. If the leaves are wilting or drooping, it may be a sign of underwatering or root rot.
Another sign to look for is stunted growth or a lack of new growth, which nutrient deficiencies or pests can cause. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to save your pothos plant before it’s too late.
By identifying the problem early, you can address it and help your plant thrive again.

The common causes of pothos plant problems include overwatering, underwatering, pests, and diseases. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause yellowing leaves, wilting, and drooping. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to brown, crispy leaves and cause the plant to wilt and droop.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can also cause damage to the plant, which can include yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Diseases such as fungal infections can also cause yellowing leaves and wilting.
It’s important to identify the cause of the problem to properly address it and prevent further damage to your pothos plant.
Adjust Watering
Adjusting the watering schedule for a pothos plant is crucial to its health. The watering frequency depends on various factors, such as pot size, drainage, and the environment.
Generally, it’s best to allow the topsoil to dry before watering again. This can range between 7 to 10 days, depending on the humidity, temperature, and light conditions.

When watering, ensure that the water reaches the roots and avoid watering the leaves, as it can lead to fungal infections. It’s better to water deeply but less frequently than shallow watering.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil has adequate drainage. Adjusting the watering schedule based on the plant’s needs can help your pothos plant thrive.
Testing soil moisture levels is essential to maintaining a healthy pothos plant. One way to test the soil moisture is by using a moisture meter. This tool measures the moisture content and helps determine if it’s time to water the plant.
Alternatively, you can use the finger test to stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.
If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. To prevent overwatering, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and avoid watering the leaves. To prevent underwatering, water your pothos plant deeply but less frequently.
Also, consider environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and light conditions when adjusting your watering schedule.
Check for Pests
Checking for pests is an essential part of pothos plant maintenance. These plants are susceptible to common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. To check for spider mites, look for specks or webbing on the leaves.
You can gently shake the plant over a white piece of paper to spot the tiny moving pests. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony spots on the leaves, stems, or roots.
You can also spot them by looking for a sticky substance on the plant. Use a magnifying glass or a smartphone camera to closely examine the pests. If you spot any pests, isolate the plant immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs or spider mites. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to eliminate the pests. Regularly checking your pothos plant for pests can help keep them healthy and thriving.
When it comes to treating pests on your pothos plant, natural and chemical solutions are available. Natural remedies include neem oil, insecticidal soap, and rubbing alcohol. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be mixed with water and sprayed on the plant to kill pests.

Insecticidal soap is a mixture of soap and water that suffocates pests, making it an effective natural solution. Rubbing alcohol is also an excellent natural remedy, killing mealybugs and spider mites on contact. Simply dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the affected areas.
Chemical solutions such as pyrethrin or imidacloprid can be used if natural remedies fail. These are strong pesticides that should be used only as a last resort.
Follow the instructions carefully, and wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask when applying the chemicals. Remember to isolate the plant from other plants to prevent the spread of the infestation.
Regularly checking your pothos plant for pests can help prevent infestations and maintain a healthy plant.
Prune the Plant
Pruning your pothos plant is essential to its maintenance, as it helps remove dead or damaged leaves and encourages new growth. You will need a clean pair of garden shears or scissors to prune a pothos plant.
First, locate the leaves that are dead, yellowed, or damaged. Cut these leaves at the base of the stem and remove them from the plant. This will encourage new growth and allow the plant to put more energy into healthier leaves.
Next, look for stems that are leggy or overcrowded. These can be trimmed to promote new growth and give the plant a fuller appearance. Cut the stems just above a leaf node, where a new stem can grow.
Finally, consider trimming the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth. Cut the tips just above a leaf node, where new stems will grow.

It’s important to remember not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can shock the plant and inhibit growth. Regular pruning will keep your pothos plant healthy and looking its best.
Using clean, sharp tools is crucial when pruning your pothos plant, as it will prevent the spread of disease and ensure a clean cut that promotes healthy growth. Here are some tips for using clean, sharp tools and avoiding over-pruning:
- Clean your tools before and after each use with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to disinfect them.
- Keep your tools sharp to make clean cuts that will heal quickly. Use a sharpening stone or a file to sharpen your pruning shears or scissors.
- Avoid over-pruning your pothos plant, which can cause stress and inhibit growth. Stick to removing dead or damaged leaves and only trim leggy or overcrowded stems.
- Do not prune during the winter months when the plant is dormant, as this can cause damage to the plant.
- Always cut just above a leaf node or stem junction when pruning to promote new growth.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pothos plant stays healthy and vibrant and continues to thrive for many years.
Repot the Plant
Repotting your pothos plant is essential for its health and growth. Here’s when and how to repot your pothos plant:
- When to Repot: Pothos plants must be repotted every 1-2 years or when the roots start to outgrow the container.
- How to Repot: Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has good drainage holes. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil, leaving enough space at the top for the root ball. Gently remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill the sides with the potting soil. Water the plant thoroughly.
- Choosing Potting Mix: Pothos plants prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for pothos plants contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
- Choosing Container Size: When choosing a new pot, make sure it is one size larger than the current pot. If the pot is too large, the plant may become waterlogged and develop root rot.
Avoiding root damage and promoting healthy growth is essential for the overall health of your pothos plant. Here are some tips to help you avoid root damage and promote healthy growth:
- Water your pothos plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the roots.
- Provide your pothos plant with adequate drainage using a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix.
- Avoid placing your pothos plant in direct sunlight, which can cause root damage and stress the plant.
- Fertilize your pothos plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Repot your pothos plant every 1-2 years to prevent overcrowding of the roots and promote healthy growth.
- Monitor your pothos plant for signs of stress or disease, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, and take action promptly to prevent further damage.
Preventing Future Problems
Preventing future problems with your pothos plant is crucial for its long-term health and vitality. Here are some tips on how to prevent future problems:
- Proper Watering: Water your pothos plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause stress and stunted growth.
- Pest Prevention: Watch for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation and treat immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Regular Pruning: Prune your pothos plant regularly to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. Remove dead or damaged leaves, and trim back overgrown stems to promote bushier growth.
- Provide Adequate Light: Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Ensure your plant is placed in a location with adequate light to prevent leggy growth.
- Maintain Proper Humidity: Pothos plants prefer moderate to high humidity levels. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near your plant to help maintain proper humidity levels.
Ongoing care is essential to keep your pothos plant healthy and thriving. Here are some tips for ongoing care:
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your pothos plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, as over-fertilizing can cause damage to the roots.
- Cleaning the Leaves: Dust and debris can accumulate on the leaves of your pothos plant, which can interfere with photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves down regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy.
- Repotting: Repot your pothos plant every 1-2 years to prevent overcrowding of the roots and promote healthy growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current pot and use a well-draining potting mix.
- Pruning: Regularly pruning your pothos plant can help promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. Remove dead or damaged leaves, and trim back overgrown stems to promote bushier growth.
- Monitor for Signs of Stress: Watch for signs of stress or disease, such as yellowing leaves or wilting. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
By following these tips for ongoing care, you can keep your pothos plant healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
Why is my pothos droopy and yellow?
If your pothos plant is droopy and yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering your pothos plant can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop.
Underwatering can also cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop, as the plant is not receiving enough water to stay healthy.
To remedy this issue, it is important to first determine if your plant is overwatered or underwatered. Check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the soil feels wet, your plant may be overwatered. If the soil feels dry, your plant may be underwatered.

If your plant is overwatered, stop watering it immediately and let the soil dry out completely. To prevent further root rot, consider repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. If your plant is underwatered, water it thoroughly and ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
In addition to proper watering, it is important to ensure your pothos plant receives adequate light and is not exposed to cold drafts. Monitor the plant for signs of improvement and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to ensure your plant remains healthy and vibrant.
Why are my pothos wilting and drooping?
If your pothos plant is wilting and drooping, it may be a sign of underwatering or exposure to extreme temperatures. Pothos plants require consistent moisture to thrive, and if the soil is too dry, the plant may wilt and droop. Additionally, exposure to temperatures outside the plant’s preferred range can cause stress and wilting.
To remedy this issue, it is important to first determine if your plant is underwatered. Check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, your plant may be underwatered.
If this is the case, water your plant thoroughly and ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

If your plant is not underwatered, consider the temperature and lighting conditions in the area where the plant is located. Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light and a consistent temperature range of 65-85°F. Exposure to cold drafts or extreme temperatures outside this range can cause stress and wilting. Move the plant to a more suitable location and monitor it for signs of improvement.
In addition to proper watering and placement, it is important to ensure your pothos plant is not suffering from pests or disease. Monitor the plant for signs of infestation or illness and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
How do I know if my pothos has root rot?
Root rot is a common issue that can affect pothos plants. It occurs when the plant’s roots are constantly exposed to excessive moisture, which can cause them to rot and become mushy. If left untreated, root rot can lead to the death of the plant. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your pothos has root rot:

- Yellowing leaves: If the leaves of your pothos are turning yellow, it may be a sign of root rot. This is because the roots cannot absorb the necessary nutrients to keep the leaves healthy.
- Soft or mushy roots: If you suspect your pothos has rot, gently remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white, while roots that are affected by rot will be soft and mushy.
- Foul odor: If your pothos has root rot, you may notice a foul odor from the soil or roots. This is a result of the decaying roots.
If you suspect your pothos has root rot, it is important to immediately prevent further damage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove the plant from the soil and gently rinse the roots in water to remove any remaining soil.
- Trim away any soft or mushy roots using a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.
- Allow the roots to dry for a few hours before repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering and ensure the soil has proper drainage.
- Monitor the plant for signs of improvement and adjust care as needed to promote healthy growth.
Why is my pothos dying after repotting?
If you have recently repotted your pothos plant and it is now dying, it may be a sign of transplant shock. Transplant shock is a common issue that can occur when a plant is moved to a new pot or location, and it can cause significant stress to the plant. Here are some reasons why your pothos may be dying after repotting:
- Overwatering: Overwatering is a common mistake when repotting, and it can cause the roots to become waterlogged and suffocate. Ensure that your new pot has proper drainage and you are not watering too frequently.
- Underwatering: On the other hand, underwatering can also cause stress to the plant and lead to death. Ensure you check the soil moisture regularly and water when necessary.
- Root damage: During the repotting process, it is possible to damage the plant’s roots. This can cause stress and lead to death if the plant cannot properly absorb nutrients and water.
To remedy this issue, it is important to first identify the cause of the problem. If you suspect the issue is related to watering, adjust your watering schedule and ensure the soil has proper drainage. If you suspect root damage, gently remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots for any signs of damage. Trim away any damaged roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
In addition, make sure that your pothos is placed in a suitable location with proper lighting and temperature conditions. Monitor the plant closely and adjust care as needed to promote healthy growth. With proper care and attention, your pothos should recover from transplant shock and thrive in its new home.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, pothos plants are relatively easy to care for but can still face issues such as root rot and transplant shock. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify and address these issues to save your pothos plant.
Remember to check the soil moisture, provide proper drainage, and adjust your watering schedule. If you suspect root damage, gently remove the plant from the pot and trim any damaged roots before repotting it in fresh soil.
Your pothos plant should recover and continue to thrive with proper care and attention.