ARE your pothos leaves turning brown? Are the lush leaves of your beloved pothos plant taking on hues of brown or black or developing dry, brittle edges or spots that concern you? It is important to mention that brown spots on pothos leaves is not a new thing for those who grow pothos.
Why Do I See Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves?
Pothos leaves turn brown because of overwatering, underwatering, low humidity, leaf spot, root rot, invasion of scale insects; excessive fertilizer buildup, exposure to direct sunlight, and environmental stressors.
These and other issues can cause the pothos leaves to lose their vibrancy and develop brown spots, edges, or overall discoloration.
Proper care and attention to watering practices, humidity levels, pest control, and environmental conditions can help prevent and address brown leaves in pothos plants.
Regular monitoring and prompt action are key to maintaining the health and appearance of pothos foliage.
Compare: Brown Tips on Indoor Plants Leaves
11 Causes of Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves
Unlike yellowing leaves, which can be a natural sign of aging, brown spots on pothos leaves often indicate underlying issues that demand attention.
Let’s delve into the eleven causes of brown spots on pothos leaves and the sudden discoloration, beginning with the primary culprit.
1. Watering Issues
Inconsistent watering practices can stress and weaken your pothos plant, especially when combined with poorly draining soil. While overwatering or underwatering typically leads to yellowing leaves initially, prolonged neglect can result in brown spots on pothos plant.
How to Address It: Ensure your pothos is potted in a well-draining soil mix, with approximately one-third comprising materials like perlite or pumice. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Start by testing the top inches of the soil with your fingers before giving it a thorough soak.
2. Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot, caused by a soil-borne fungal organism, poses a common threat to pothos plants. Pothos in consistently damp and warm environments are the most affected.
Symptoms include yellowing leaves progressing to brown or black, starting from the leaf base outward.
How to Address It: If yellowing occurs, inspect the roots for soft, darkened sections, and promptly repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Avoid reusing contaminated containers or water to prevent spreading the disease.
3. Rhizoctonia Root Rot
Similar to Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia root rot is a fungal disease that swiftly infects young pothos plants. It presents symptoms like dark spots on leaves and mushy, blackened roots.
How to Address It: Employ the same treatment strategy as for Phytophthora root rot and refrain from reusing soil from infected plants.
4. Bacterial Wilt
Bacterial wilt, caused by various bacterial species, thrives in moist, humid conditions and spreads easily through contaminated tools or environments. Symptoms include blackened stems and discolored patches on leaves.
How to Address It: Unfortunately, there’s no cure for bacterial wilt. Dispose of infected plants and equipment properly to prevent further spread.
5. Bacterial Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another bacterial infection, that manifests as brown or black spots with yellow halos on pothos leaves. Preventative measures are crucial since there aren’t known effective treatments.
How to Address It: Maintain good air circulation, avoid leaf wetness, and ensure proper spacing between plants to minimize bacterial spread.
6. Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot, which gains favor because of humid and poorly ventilated conditions, results in rusty-brown or black spots on leaves and distorted foliage.
How to Address It: Trim infected leaves, enhance airflow, and treat with an organic copper fungicide (pictured above ⬆).
I have created a separate article on why and how to use Bonide Captain Jack Copper Fungicide.
7. Scale Infestation
Scale insects, identified by small brown spots on stems and leaf undersides, weaken pothos plants by draining sap and encouraging mold growth.
How to Address It: Regularly inspect plants, manually remove scale, and apply alcohol-water solutions to affected areas.
8. Sunburn
Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause sunburn in pothos plants, leading to pale or browned leaves.
How to Address It: Relocate plants to indirect light sources and shield them from harsh midday sun.
9. Low Humidity
Dry air, common in heated indoor environments, can cause leaf edges to crisp and brown.
How to Address It: Increase humidity levels with water trays or room humidifiers and protect plants from drafts.
10. Fertilizer Salt Buildup
Excessive synthetic fertilizer use can lead to salt accumulation, resulting in leaf discoloration and stunted growth.
How to Address It: Follow fertilizer instructions carefully, dilute solutions properly, and periodically flush soil to remove excess salts.
11. Fungicide or Pesticide Damage
Misapplication of chemical treatments can cause leaf burns and discoloration, mimicking other stressors.
How to Address It: Adhere strictly to product guidelines, test new treatments cautiously, and rinse affected plants promptly.
Why Are My Pothos Leaves Turning Brown FAQs
Q: Why are my pothos leaves turning brown?
A: Tips of pothos leaves turning brown can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, low humidity, fungal infections, pests, and exposure to direct sunlight.
Q: Is brown leaf discoloration a sign of old age in pothos plants?
A: Unlike yellowing leaves, which can be a natural part of aging, pothos leaves turning brown often indicates stress or underlying issues that need attention.
Q: How can I determine if my pothos plant is being overwatered or underwatered?
A: Overwatering and underwatering can both lead to brown leaves in pothos plants. Signs of overwatering include soggy soil and yellowing leaves, while signs of underwatering include dry soil and wilting leaves.
Q: Can brown leaves on my pothos plant be salvaged?
A: In some cases, you may be able to salvage pothos plant brown spots on leaves by addressing the underlying issue causing the browning, such as adjusting watering practices or providing better environmental conditions.
Q: What role does humidity play in causing brown leaves on pothos plants?
A: Low humidity levels can contribute to brown leaf edges and tips on pothos plants, especially in dry indoor environments. Increasing humidity levels around the plant can help prevent this issue.
Q: Are there specific diseases or pests that cause pothos leaves to turn brown?
A: Yes, fungal infections such as leaf spot and root rot, as well as pests like scale insects, can cause brown discoloration on pothos leaves.
Q: How can I prevent my pothos leaves from turning brown?
A: To prevent brown leaves on pothos plants, maintain proper watering practices, provide adequate humidity, ensure good air circulation, inspect for pests regularly, and avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight.
Q: Should I prune brown leaves off my pothos plant?
A: Yes, pruning brown leaves off your pothos plant can help improve its appearance and overall health. Be sure to use clean, sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading disease.
Q: Can fertilization practices impact leaf browning in pothos plants?
A: Yes, excessive fertilization or buildup of fertilizer salts in the soil can lead to brown leaf tips and edges in pothos plants. Proper fertilization and occasional soil flushing can help prevent this issue.
Q: When should I seek professional help for brown leaves on my pothos plant?
A: If you’ve tried addressing common causes of brown leaves on your pothos plant without success, or if the issue seems to be worsening despite your efforts, consulting with a plant care expert or horticulturist may be advisable. They can provide personalized advice and solutions for your specific situation.
Final Thoughts on Causes of Brown Spots on Pothos Leaves
Brown leaves on a pothos plant can be disheartening. They serve as indicators of the plant’s overall health and well-being.
Understand the various factors that contribute to leaf browning. Implement proactive care measures, such as proper watering, adequate humidity levels, pest management, and environmental adjustments. With those few interventions, you can maintain lush and vibrant foliage.
Regular observation and timely intervention are crucial in addressing issues promptly and fostering thriving pothos specimens.
With diligence and attention to detail, brown leaves need not be a cause for alarm but rather an opportunity for nurturing and cultivating a flourishing indoor garden.
