Pothos are famously tough, but even these resilient plants can send clear signals when they’re unhappy. The most common trouble comes from watering, and telling the difference between a pothos overwatered vs underwatered is the key to saving it. Getting this right means you can quickly fix the problem and get your plant back to its lush, trailing glory.
Let’s look at the signs so you can become a plant detective.
Pothos Overwatered vs Underwatered
The main difference lies in how the plant uses—or fails to use—the water you give it. An underwatered pothos is simply thirsty; it’s using up its reserves. An overwatered pothos is suffocating; its roots are drowning and can’t function. Here’s a quick comparison to help you spot the difference immediately.
Quick-Reference Chart: Overwatered vs. Underwatered Pothos
* Leaf Texture & Feel:
Overwatered: Soft, mushy, limp.
Underwatered: Crispy, dry, papery.
* Leaf Color & Pattern:
Overwatered: Yellowing leaves, often widespread.
Underwatered: Brown, crispy edges or entirely brown leaves.
* Soil Condition:
Overwatered: Wet, soggy, smells musty.
Underwatered: Bone-dry, pulling away from pot edges.
* Root Health:
Overwatered: Brown/black, mushy, rotten-smelling.
Underwatered: Gray, brittle, dry.
* Plant Overall Demeanor:
Overwatered: Wilting with wet soil (a major clue!).
Underwatered: Wilting with dry soil, drooping.
The Clear Signs of an Overwatered Pothos
Overwatering is often more dangerous because it leads to root rot, a fast-moving condition. Here’s what to look for.
* Yellowing Leaves: This is the classic sign. Leaves turn yellow, often starting with the older ones near the soil. The yellowing is usually uniform across the leaf.
* Soft, Mushy Leaves and Stems: The leaves feel soft and limp, like wet paper. The stems near the base may also feel mushy and weak.
* Wilting Despite Wet Soil: This is a critical red flag. The plant looks droopy and sad, but the soil is still damp. It’s wilting because the rotten roots can’t take up water.
* Brown, Water-Soaked Spots: You might see dark brown, almost black, soft spots on the leaves, especially on the newer growth.
* A Musty or Rotten Smell: This odor comes from the soil and indicates decaying roots. Healthy soil should smell earthy, not foul.
* Presence of Fungus Gnats: These tiny flying insects thrive in constantly moist soil. An infestation is a good indicator your soil is staying too wet for too long.
The Clear Signs of an Underwatered Pothos
Underwatering is usually easier to fix. The plant is simply in need of a good drink and will often bounce back quickly.
* Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: The tips and edges of leaves turn brown and feel dry and crispy to the touch. This can spread inward.
* Dry, Papery Leaves: Leaves lose their flexibility and become dry, thin, and may curl inward at the edges. They might crumble if touched.
* Severe Drooping and Wilting: The entire plant looks limp and lifeless. Stems hang down, and leaves look sad.
* Soil Pulling Away: The potting mix completely dries out and shrinks, pulling away from the inside edges of the pot.
* Slow or Stunted Growth: While pothos aren’t the fastest growers, a complete halt in growth combined with dry soil often points to chronic underwatering.
* Leaf Loss: The plant may start shedding its oldest leaves in an effort to conserve moisture for new growth.
Step-by-Step Rescue Guide: Overwatered Pothos
If you’ve diagnosed overwatering, act fast. Here’s what to do.
1. Stop Watering Immediately. Do not add more water. This is the first and most important step.
2. Check the Drainage. Ensure the pot’s drainage holes are not blocked. If they are, clear them or consider repotting.
3. Assess the Damage. Gently remove the plant from its pot. Brush away the wet soil to inspect the roots.
4. Trim Rotten Roots. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut away any roots that are brown, black, mushy, or smell bad. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan.
5. Repot in Fresh Soil. Choose a pot with excellent drainage, ideally only slightly larger than the remaining root ball. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix (a standard mix with added perlite is great).
6. Prune Damaged Foliage. Remove the severely yellowed or mushy leaves. This helps the plant focus energy on recovery.
7. Adjust Your Care. Place the plant in bright, indirect light and do not water it right away. Let it settle and the soil dry out significantly before its next, careful watering.
Step-by-Step Rescue Guide: Underwatered Pothos
Reviving a thirsty pothos is generally more straightforward.
1. Give it a Thorough Soak. Take the plant to the sink. Water it slowly and deeply until water flows freely out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moistened.
2. Consider the Bottom-Watering Method. For extremely dry soil that repels water, place the pot in a tray of water for 30-45 minutes. Let it soak up moisture from the bottom, then drain completely.
3. Mist the Leaves. A light misting can provide some immediate humidity relief for the crispy leaves, but focus hydration on the roots.
4. Prune Dead Growth. Snip off the completely brown, crispy leaves. They won’t recover and removing them improves appearance.
5. Find a Better Spot. If the plant was in a very hot, dry, or sunny location, consider moving it to a slightly less harsh environment while it recovers.
6. Establish a Routine. Going forward, check the soil regularly. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
How to Perfect Your Watering Routine
The best cure is prevention. Here’s how to water your pothos correctly everytime.
The Golden Rule: Check, Don’t Guess
Forget the calendar. Your pothos’s water needs change with the seasons, light, and temperature.
* The Finger Test: Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels damp, wait.
* The Lift Test: Get a feel for the weight of the pot right after watering. When it feels noticeably lighter, the soil has dried out.
Best Practices for Healthy Watering
* Use Well-Draining Soil and Pots: Always use a pot with a drainage hole. A chunky, airy potting mix prevents waterlogging.
* Water Deeply and Completely: When you water, do so thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. This encourages strong root growth.
* Empty the Saucer: Never let your plant sit in a saucer of standing water. This is a common cause of accidental overwatering.
* Seasonal Adjustments: Water less frequently in fall and winter when growth slows. You’ll likely water more in the brighter, warmer spring and summer months.
FAQ: Your Pothos Watering Questions Answered
How often should I water my pothos?
There’s no set schedule. It depends on your home’s conditions. Always use the finger test to check soil moisture first.
Can a yellow leaf turn green again?
No, once a leaf turns yellow, it will not regain its green color. It’s best to prune it off so the plant can focus energy on new, healthy growth.
Should I mist my pothos?
Misting doesn’t significantly increase humidity and can promote leaf fungus if overdone. It’s better to use a pebble tray or humidifier for humidity, and focus watering at the soil.
What’s the best way to fix root rot?
You must remove the plant from its pot, cut away all the soft, rotten roots with sterile tools, and repot it in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Act quickly for the best chance of success.
Why is my pothos wilting?
Wilting can mean both over and under watering. Always feel the soil! Wet soil + wilting = overwatering. Dry soil + wilting = underwatering.
Is it better to underwater or overwater pothos?
Pothos are more tolerant of occasional underwatering than chronic overwatering. When in doubt, it’s safer to err on the side of being a little too dry rather than too wet. They are quite resilient and will often perk up quickly after a good drink.