Alright, let’s talk about them pothos problems, the things that make your pretty green plant look like it’s been through a wringer.
Them Yellow Leaves

You know, when them leaves start turning yellow, it ain’t a good sign. It’s like when your eggs ain’t fresh no more, just ain’t right. Lots of things can cause yellowing, like too much water, not enough water, too much sun, not enough sun, you name it. It’s a whole headache, I tell ya.
- Too much water, the roots gonna rot, just like a potato left in the rain.
- Too little water, the leaves gonna dry up like a prune.
- Too much sun, the leaves gonna get scorched, like when you leave your biscuits in the oven too long.
- Not enough sun, the leaves gonna be pale and weak, like a baby chick that ain’t got enough feed.
Leaf Spots: The Ugly Marks
Now, these leaf spots, they’re another pain in the neck. You see them brown or black spots, it means something’s gone wrong. It’s a fungus, like them mushrooms that grow in the damp woods.
Sometimes it’s ’cause you water too much, the leaves stay wet, and the fungus starts growing. Or maybe the air ain’t moving enough, it gets all stuffy, and the fungus just loves that. What you gotta do is pick off them spotted leaves, you know, get rid of the bad ones. And try to get some air moving around the plant, open a window or somethin’. Don’t let it sit there all damp and closed up.
The Dreaded Root Rot
Root rot, that’s the worst of ’em all. It’s like a sickness in the heart of the plant. You can’t see it at first, but then the leaves start droopin’, turnin’ yellow, and fallin’ off. And by the time you notice, it might be too late.
It happens when the roots stay wet for too long. Them roots, they need air, just like we do. If they’re always soakin’ in water, they can’t breathe, and they start to rot. It’s like when you leave your laundry in the washer too long, it gets all smelly and mildewy. That’s what happens to the roots.

If you think your pothos has root rot, you gotta act fast. Take it out of the pot, shake off all the old dirt, and look at the roots. If they’re brown and mushy, that’s bad news. You gotta cut off all the rotten parts, and even then, it might not make it. And for goodness sake, don’t overwater it no more! Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Other Problems and Fixes
Sometimes them leaves turn brown or black on the edges, or they get them little brown tips. That could be from too much sun, too much fertilizer, or not enough water. It’s all a balancing act, I tell ya. You gotta find what your plant likes and stick to it.
And don’t go pourin’ fertilizer on it all the time, thinkin’ you’re doin’ it a favor. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, just like too much salt in your soup. Use it sparingly, and only when the plant’s growin’.
Getting Your Pothos Back on Track
So, if your pothos gets sick, don’t give up on it. First, you gotta figure out what’s wrong, whether it’s the water, the sun, the air, or somethin’ else. Then you gotta take action, whether it’s cuttin’ off bad leaves, repotting, or just adjustin’ the waterin’.
After you treat the problem, you gotta help the plant get strong again. Give it a little bit of fertilizer, not too much, and make sure it gets the right amount of light and water. And be patient, it might take a while for it to recover.

Keeping Your Pothos Healthy
The best thing to do is to prevent problems in the first place. Don’t overwater it, don’t let it sit in direct sun all day, and make sure the air can move around it. And check on it regular, see if the leaves look healthy and the soil ain’t too wet or too dry. It’s like takin’ care of a child, you gotta pay attention and give it what it needs.
A Little Table of Troubles
Now, if you’re like me, you like things simple and clear. So here’s a little table to help you remember what to look for and what to do.
Problem | What it looks like | What causes it | What to do |
---|---|---|---|
Yellow leaves | Leaves turning yellow | Too much or too little water, too much or too little sun | Adjust watering and light, check for root rot |
Leaf spots | Brown or black spots on leaves | Fungus, overwatering, poor air circulation | Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation |
Root rot | Drooping, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Overwatering | Remove rotten roots, repot, adjust watering |
Brown tips or edges | Brown tips or edges on leaves | Too much sun, too much fertilizer, not enough water | Adjust light, water, and fertilizer |
And there you have it, a few words about them pothos diseases. It ain’t rocket science, just good old common sense. Keep an eye on your plants, treat ’em right, and they’ll bring you joy for years to come. But if they don’t, well, sometimes that’s just the way it is.