Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning yellow and eventually dropping off, sometimes spreading upward. Yellowing may be uniform or start from the edges. Common Causes:

• Overwatering - most common cause, roots sitting in waterlogged soil
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if only bottom leaves)
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture before watering - should be dry 1-2 inches down
• Ensure proper drainage with holes in pot and well-draining soil
• Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season

Prevention: Water only when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Use a moisture meter if unsure. Ensure pots have drainage holes.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf tips and edges turning brown and crispy, eventually spreading inward. Leaves may feel papery and dry. Common Causes:

• Low humidity (especially in winter with heating)
• Fluoride/chlorine in tap water
• Too much direct sunlight causing leaf burn

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray
• Use filtered or rainwater if possible, or let tap water sit overnight
• Move plant away from direct sunlight to bright indirect light

Prevention: Maintain 40-60% humidity. Position away from heating vents and direct sun. Use filtered water when possible.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves hanging down limply, stems may also droop. Plant looks generally deflated despite adequate light. Common Causes:

• Underwatering - soil is bone dry
• Overwatering leading to root rot
• Temperature stress or cold drafts

Solutions:

• If soil is dry, water thoroughly until water drains from bottom
• If soil is soggy, check roots for rot and repot in fresh, dry soil
• Move away from cold windows, AC vents, or heat sources

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule. Keep plant in stable temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C).

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Multiple leaves falling off simultaneously, not just old bottom leaves. May affect healthy-looking foliage. Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes or cold shock
• Severe underwatering or drought stress
• Recent repotting or environmental change

Solutions:

• Stabilize temperature and avoid moving plant frequently
• Resume proper watering if drought-stressed
• Give plant time to adjust after repotting (2-3 weeks)

Prevention: Avoid placing near doors, windows, or vents. Acclimate gradually when moving to new locations.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth during spring/summer growing season. Existing leaves may be smaller than normal. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light - needs bright indirect light
• Root bound - roots circling pot with no room to grow
• Nutrient depletion in old soil

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with filtered sunlight
• Repot into container 1-2 inches larger if root bound
• Refresh soil annually and fertilize during growing season

Prevention: Provide bright indirect light. Repot every 1-2 years. Feed monthly spring through summer.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems between leaves, sparse foliage, plant reaching toward light source. Loss of compact, bushy appearance. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing phototropism
• Natural vining habit without support
• Lack of pruning to encourage bushiness

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location or add grow lights
• Provide moss pole or trellis for climbing support
• Prune long stems to encourage branching

Prevention: Rotate plant weekly for even growth. Prune regularly to maintain shape. Provide adequate bright indirect light.

Pest Problems

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red/brown specks on undersides of leaves. Fine webbing between leaves and stems. Damage Signs: Stippled, yellowing leaves with tiny holes. Leaves may look dusty or faded. Treatment:

• Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mites and webs
• Isolate infected plant to prevent spread Prevention: Increase humidity. Regularly clean leaves. Inspect new plants before bringing home.

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and stem crevices. Slow-moving oval insects. Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, yellowing, stunted growth. May attract ants. Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
• Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
• For severe infestations, consider systemic insecticide Prevention: Quarantine new plants. Regular inspection of leaf joints. Maintain good air circulation.

Scale Insects

Identification: Brown, oval bumps stuck to stems and leaves. Hard or soft-bodied varieties. Damage Signs: Yellow spots on leaves, sticky honeydew, overall decline in plant health. Treatment:

• Scrape off scales with fingernail or soft brush
• Apply rubbing alcohol to individual scales
• Follow up with neem oil treatment weekly Prevention: Inspect plants regularly, especially stems. Avoid over-fertilizing which attracts scales.

Disease Issues

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, foul smell from soil. Black, mushy roots when inspected. Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, contaminated soil, lack of oxygen to roots. Treatment:

• Remove from pot and trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and clean pot
• Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage Prevention: Use well-draining potting mix. Never let plant sit in standing water. Water only when needed.

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Symptoms: Dark, water-soaked spots with yellow halos on leaves. Spots may merge and cause leaf drop. Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation, contaminated tools or water splashing on leaves. Treatment:

• Remove all affected leaves immediately
• Improve air circulation around plant
• Apply copper-based fungicide if severe Prevention: Water at soil level, not on leaves. Sterilize pruning tools. Ensure good air flow.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Wilting despite wet soil, yellowing leaves progressing upward, soft stem base. Foul, musty odor from soil. Identification: Remove plant from pot - healthy roots are white/cream, rotted roots are brown/black and mushy. Treatment:

• Cut away all rotted roots with sterile scissors
• Treat remaining roots with hydrogen peroxide solution
• Repot in fresh, sterile, well-draining soil Prevention: Allow soil to dry between waterings. Use pots with drainage holes. Don't water on schedule - check soil first.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, growing through drainage holes. Water runs straight through pot. Stunted growth. Identification: Lift plant from pot - root ball holds shape of pot with dense, circling roots. Treatment:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger in diameter
• Gently tease apart circling roots before repotting
• Trim excessively long roots if necessary Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years. Check drainage holes regularly for emerging roots.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, blackened leaves, wilting. May occur after exposure to cold drafts or heat. Causes: Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C). Sudden temperature changes. Treatment: Move to stable temperature location. Remove damaged leaves. Reduce watering until recovery. Prevention: Keep away from doors, windows, AC vents. Maintain 65-85°F (18-29°C) range.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, edges curling inward, increased pest susceptibility. High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft spots on leaves, poor growth (rare for Pothos). Solutions: Use humidifier for low humidity. Increase air circulation for high humidity. Group plants together. Prevention: Maintain 40-60% humidity. Use humidity meter to monitor levels.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached, pale leaves. Brown scorch marks. Leaves curling away from light. Too Little Light: Loss of variegation in Shangri La cultivar. Leggy growth. Small leaves. Solutions: Adjust position gradually. Use sheer curtains to filter harsh light. Add grow lights if needed. Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light. East or north-facing windows ideal. Avoid direct sun.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining after 2 weeks of corrective care
• Entire plant is affected by disease or pests
• Unsure about root rot severity or treatment

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before each watering
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light
• [ ] Maintain 40-60% humidity levels
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly during watering
• [ ] Clean leaves monthly to prevent pest buildup
• [ ] Fertilize monthly during growing season

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove affected parts, adjust care conditions. Plant may look worse before improving. Week 2-3: New growth should begin if conditions corrected. Existing damage won't heal but spread should stop. Month 1+: Healthy new leaves indicate recovery. Continue proper care to prevent recurrence.

Remember: Most Pothos Shangri La problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.