Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow?

Pothos leaves most often turn yellow from overwatering. Pothos are very drought tolerant, so constantly wet soil suffocates the roots and they rot, showing up as soft, yellowing lower leaves. Too little light, natural aging, underwatering, and depleted soil can also cause it. Check the soil moisture first, then let it dry out more between waterings and make sure the pot drains.

Most likely cause

Overwatering is the top cause of yellow Pothos leaves. Pothos evolved to handle dry spells and have roots that need air, so they are far more sensitive to soggy soil than to drought. Kept constantly wet, the roots cannot breathe, they begin to rot, and they stop feeding the foliage.

You can confirm it by the pattern. Overwatering yellows the lower, older leaves first, the leaves feel soft and limp rather than crispy, and the soil stays wet for days. A pot with no drainage hole, or watering on a fixed schedule regardless of dryness, makes it almost certain. Let the soil dry to the top 1 to 2 inches before watering and the yellowing should stop spreading.

Other causes

These rank below overwatering but are common with Pothos.

Too little light. In dim corners the plant cannot feed itself and drops older leaves; variegated types also fade, losing their cream or gold and reverting to plain green.
Natural aging. A single oldest leaf at the base of a vine yellowing slowly is normal, while the rest of the vine and new growth look healthy.
Underwatering. Long droughts make the plant shed leaves; the soil is bone dry and yellowing may come with crispy edges and limp, thin vines.
Nutrient deficiency. Long-unfed or root-bound plants in old soil pale to an even yellow across many leaves, with smaller new growth.

How to fix it

Check the soil. Feel the top 1 to 2 inches. If it is still wet, wait until it dries before watering again.
Confirm drainage. Use a pot with a drainage hole and empty any saucer so the roots never sit in standing water.
Water only when dry. Let the top 1 to 2 inches dry out, then soak until water runs from the bottom. Pothos prefer this drench-and-dry rhythm.
Improve the light. Move it to medium to bright indirect light to keep variegation strong and growth steady.
Pinch off yellow leaves. Remove fully yellow leaves at the node with clean shears to redirect energy and encourage branching.
Feed in the growing season. Through spring and summer feed a balanced fertilizer at half strength every few weeks if the soil is old.
Check the roots if it spreads. If many leaves yellow and the soil smells sour, unpot, trim any mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining mix.

Cause	Tell-tale sign	Fix
Overwatering	Soft lower leaves, wet soil	Let top 1 to 2 inches dry, ensure drainage
Too little light	Faded variegation, leggy vines	Move to medium-bright indirect light
Natural aging	Single oldest leaf on a vine	Pinch it off, no action needed
Underwatering	Bone-dry soil, limp crispy leaves	Water thoroughly, water more regularly
Nutrient deficiency	Even pale yellowing, small new growth	Feed at half strength, repot if root-bound

Frequently asked questions

Will yellow Pothos leaves turn green again?

No. A yellow Pothos leaf has lost its chlorophyll and will not turn green again. Correct the cause, usually overwatering or low light, then pinch the yellow leaf off at the node so the vine puts its energy into healthy new growth.

Is it normal for Pothos to have a few yellow leaves?

Yes. The occasional oldest leaf at the base of a vine yellowing and dropping is normal aging. It becomes a problem when several leaves yellow at once, new leaves yellow, or the yellowing spreads quickly, which usually signals overwatering or poor light.

Can overwatering cause yellow Pothos leaves?

Yes, and it is the most common cause. Pothos are very drought tolerant and rot easily in constantly wet soil; suffocated roots cannot feed the plant, so lower leaves yellow and soften. Let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry completely before watering again.

Why is my Pothos turning yellow in low light?

In dim spots a Pothos cannot make enough energy, so it sheds older leaves and they yellow, while variegated types fade and revert to plain green. Pothos tolerate low light but grow and stay healthiest in medium to bright indirect light, so move it closer to a window.

Why are my Pothos leaves yellow with the soil dry?

Dry soil with yellowing means the plant has gone too long without water and is dropping leaves to cope, or the roots have dried out and cannot take up moisture. Water thoroughly until it drains, then keep a more regular schedule. Pothos forgive thirst better than sogginess.

How do I stop my Pothos from turning yellow?

Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, use a pot with drainage, and give it medium to bright indirect light. Pothos are easy once you stop overwatering; consistent moisture and decent light prevent nearly all yellowing.