4 Reasons Why Your Pothos Leaves Are Turning Yellow

Pothos are forgiving houseplants that aren't finicky about water or sunlight, making them a great option for beginning gardeners. But low maintenance doesn't mean invincible! Pothos can get stressed when their growing conditions aren't quite right, and they usually express their frustration via yellow leaves.

When pothos plants aren't getting enough light, some of their green leaves will start to turn yellow. There won't be much rhyme or reason to which leaves change color; foliage on the top and bottom of the plant might take on the new shade.

If your pothos isn't getting enough light, chances are it's getting too much water. When a plant doesn't take in enough energy from the sun, it has trouble absorbing the water we give it. And once excess water begins to pool at the bottom of a plant's pot, its roots are in danger of drowning—which will show in its leaves.

First things first: Make sure your pothos's pot has a drainage hole. This will give the water a place to escape so it's not constantly drowning your plant's roots and soil. "A plant in a pot without drainage is much more susceptible to root rot and damage or death from overwatering," explains Mast.

If it's already in the proper pot but still shows signs of overwatering, scale back your watering routine. Only water your pothos when the top few inches of its soil feel completely dry to the touch. Moving your plant closer to a window can also help with this problem. (Remember: More sunlight means more energy for processing water.)

The pattern of your plant's yellowing can hint at the type of mineral deficiency it has. For example, leaves that are yellowing at the edges but green in the middle could be low in magnesium. If a leaf's veins and stems still look green but the rest of it has turned yellow, it could signal iron, zinc, or manganese deficiencies. If the leaves at the bottom of your plant are turning yellow, it points to a nitrogen deficiency, but if its top leaves are turning yellow, too little sulfur may be to blame.

If your plant is scorched, Mast recommends adding an extra step to your watering routine: "Fill a pitcher or jug with water to sit uncovered overnight allowing the minerals to evaporate." Another option is to use distilled water to water your plants, or collect rainwater for your indoor greenery.

If a nutrient deficiency is to blame, it's time to give your pothos some fertilizer. (Use this plant food guide to find the right one for your plant pal.) "Most plants will benefit from fertilizing a couple of times a year in the spring and summer months," Mast says. For pothos, she likes to use fertilizers that contain iron and supplement with Epsom salts to add a hint of magnesium to the mix.

"Some yellowing leaves are inevitable," explains Coffey. "When one leaf yellows, it can leave the opportunity for new growth somewhere else." So if one of your plant's older leaves (located on the bottom of its canopy) yellow and fall off every once in a while, it's no big deal and is simply a sign of aging. That being said, yellow leaves won't miraculously become green again, so you're better off pruning them when you see them.

Though pothos plants tend to be relatively low maintenance, they still have water, sun, and nutrient needs. Yellow leaves can be a sign that your pothos is stressed and it's time to adjust your care routine slightly. Most often, you'll need to place it closer to a window, adjust your watering schedule, add some nutrients to its soil, or filter the water you're giving it.