Is your pothos showing brown spots? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Your plant might be sending you signals that something’s not quite right in their environment.
Let’s take a look at why those lovely green leaves are turning brown and get your plant back to its trailing glory.
Your pothos naturally wants to thrive in conditions similar to its Southeast Asian homeland – warm, moderately humid spaces with filtered light. When these needs aren’t met, brown leaves often appear as a cry for help.
The most common reason for brown leaves starts with watering habits. Touch your pothos soil – does it feel soggy? That’s a red flag for overwatering which can lead to root rot and those dreaded yellow-to-brown leaves. Conversely if the soil feels bone dry and your plant’s leaves are crispy at the edges you might be dealing with thirst and underwatering.
Getting the water balance right isn’t complicated – stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. Only water when it feels dry at that depth. Your pothos will tell you when it’s thirsty by slightly drooping its leaves.
Finding the sweet spot for your pothos isn’t just about water – light plays a crucial role too. While these plants earn their “easy-care” reputation, they’re still sensitive to harsh direct sun. Notice brown patches appearing on leaves, especially those closest to windows? That’s your plant’s version of a sunburn.
The perfect spot for your pothos offers bright, indirect light. Think about areas where sunlight bounces off walls or filters through sheer curtains. If you’re seeing brown spots try moving your plant a few feet back from the window or adding a light curtain to diffuse harsh rays. Remember that morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun – an east-facing window often works beautifully.
Your pothos might be getting homesick for its tropical roots if leaf edges are turning crispy brown while the center stays green. Most homes, especially in winter, run much drier than your plant would prefer. But don’t worry, you don’t need to turn your house into a rainforest.
That steady blast of dry air can quickly leave your pothos feeling parched. Moving it away from vents and heaters can make a world of difference.
For an extra humidity boost try grouping plants together to create their own little moisture bubble, or set up a small pebble tray with water beneath the pot.
If you’ve noticed brown spots appearing on the leaves of your pothos plant, you’re probably wondering what’s causing the problem. As an avid pothos grower myself, I’ve dealt with those pesky brown spots a time or two!
In this article, we’ll cover the most common reasons for brown spots on pothos leaves and what you can do to fix them. With just a few simple adjustments to your care routine, you can get your pothos back to its vibrant, healthy self.
What Causes Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves?
There are several possible culprits for those brown spots
Underwatering
Pothos don’t need frequent watering, but allowing the soil to completely dry out can lead to brown spots on the leaves. The lower, older leaves tend to show signs of underwater stress first.
Overwatering
On the other hand, soil that’s too wet can cause root rot. This fungal infection damages the roots so they can’t properly absorb moisture and nutrients. As root rot spreads, the leaves develop brown spots. Again, the lower leaves generally show symptoms first.
Bacterial Leaf Spot
This infection shows up as brown or black spots, sometimes with yellowing. It’s often caused by overly damp soil. Removing affected leaves, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and increasing airflow around your pothos can help clear it up.
Too Much Sun
Direct sunlight can scorch pothos leaves. If your plant sits in a sunny window, the leaves may brown or crisp up from sunburn. Filter the light or move it to a shadier spot.
Low Humidity
Pothos prefer at least 50% humidity. In dry indoor air, the leaf edges and tips often turn brown. Grouping plants, using a humidifier, and occasional misting can increase moisture in the air.
Over-fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can burn pothos leaves, causing brown spots or streaks. It’s best to fertilize these plants lightly once or twice a year. Flush the soil to remove excess salts.
Pests
Insects like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs feed on pothos leaves and sap. This can cause brown, damaged spots on the foliage. Treating infestations quickly is key before they get out of hand.
Cold Temperatures
If your pothos sits near a drafty window or AC vent, the cold air can shock it, resulting in brown spots. Keep it in temperatures between 65-85°F and away from cold air sources.
What to Do About Brown Spots on Your Pothos
Now that you know what causes those pesky brown spots, here are some tips to get your pothos healthy again:
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Adjust your watering schedule. Pothos want their soil to dry out between waterings. Check for moisture before watering again.
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If overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Repot in fresh soil if root rot is present.
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Increase humidity around your plant with misting, a humidifier, or grouping plants together.
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Move pothos away from bright light sources if brown spots are caused by too much sun.
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Check for pests like spider mites. Remove them with gentle hosing, neem oil, or alcohol/soap applications.
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Apply an Epsom salt spray monthly to provide magnesium and boost leaf health.
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Flush soil to remove excess fertilizer salts. Resume fertilizing lightly once every 2-3 months.
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Trim off badly affected leaves, but don’t remove more than 1/3 of foliage at once.
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Ensure pothos is kept above 65°F. Move it away from cold windows, vents, or doors.
With a little detective work and some adjustments to care, those brown spots on your pothos will disappear in no time! Just be patient and consistent with remedies. Your plant will bounce back thanks to the excellent care you’re giving it.
Pest Problems and Disease
Sometimes brown spots on your pothos have tiny culprits. Take a close look at those discolored areas – do you see any webbing, sticky residue or little dots that move? Spider mites and mealybugs love pothos plants and can cause brown spots as they feed on leaves.
Don’t panic if you find unwanted guests – your plant can definitely bounce back. Start by isolating the affected plant (these pests love to travel), then gently wipe down leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves too as that’s where pests often hide out.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Diseases like root rot, leaf spot and bacterial wilt can cause brown spots on pothos leaves. These issues often arise from overwatering, high humidity or poor air circulation.
Solution
- Prune Affected Areas: Remove diseased leaves and stems using sterilized scissors.
- Improve Air Circulation: Ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated area to reduce humidity around the foliage.
- Use Fungicides: Apply appropriate fungicides if the problem persists.
Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals that may cause browning on the leaf edges of sensitive plants like pothos.
Solution • Use Filtered or Distilled Water: Avoid using tap water if possible, or let it sit out overnight to allow chemicals to dissipate. • Check for Hard Water Buildup: Look for white residue on the soil surface or pot edges, which indicates mineral deposits. If present, flush the soil with fresh water.
Pothos plants grow quickly and their roots can become crowded in the pot. When this happens they may struggle to absorb water and nutrients, leading to browning leaves.
- Repot as Needed: Check if roots are circling the inside of the pot or emerging from the drainage holes. If so, it’s time to repot.
- Choose a Slightly Larger Pot: When repotting, use a container 1-2 inches larger in diameter to give the roots room to grow without risking overwatering.
What Does It Mean When the Golden Pothos Plant Has Brown Spots on the Leaves?
FAQ
How to fix brown spots on pothos?
To get rid of brown spots on your golden pothos, it’s vital to keep the plant in indirect, filtered sunlight.Mar 22, 2024
Do brown spots on leaves mean overwatering?
Browning leaves are typically caused by under watering, sunburn, or overwatering. If the leaf tips are turning brown and crunchy, the soil likely became too dry for too long in between waterings.
How do you treat leaf spot disease on pothos?
Removing the whole infected leaf is necessary. Then the remainder of the plant can be treated to prevent further damage, using a copper fungicide. Alleviate poor air circulation and crowded conditions as dry air will help prevent further spread.
Should I cut off brown leaves on pothos?
It won’t hurt it to leave it on or cut it off. Try to cut it off more towards the bottom of the stem or you could wait until it turns completely brown and then gently pluck it off. Sometimes leaves die and it’s a normal thing to see, I would only get worried if it continues to happen more regularly.