Yellowing in older lower leaves while new growth is normal usually means the plant has exhausted soil nitrogen. Resume regular fertilizer at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season. Look for balanced N-P-K like 9-3-6.

Troubleshooting · Pothos

Why Is My Pothos Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves on a houseplant are 9-times-out-of-10 a watering problem — usually too much, not too little.

Quick answer

Check soil moisture before adding water. Wet = overwatering, the most common cause. Dry = nutrient deficiency or natural lower-leaf shedding.

What\u2019s normal for Pothos

Light: Bright indirect
Water: Dry between waterings

Pulled from the full Pothos care guide — every spec cited from primary horticultural sources.

Three things to check, in order

Cause 1

Overwatering

Per Iowa State Extension, overwatering is the #1 cause of yellow leaves indoors. Roots in saturated soil can’t absorb nutrients, leaves yellow uniformly, often starting from the bottom.

Fix: Stop watering. Confirm with finger test — 2 inches into the soil should be DRY before next watering. Check drainage holes are clear.

Source: Iowa State Extension

Cause 2

Nitrogen deficiency

Yellowing in older lower leaves while new growth is normal usually means the plant has exhausted soil nitrogen.

Fix: Resume regular fertilizer at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season. Look for balanced N-P-K like 9-3-6.

Source: NC State Extension

Cause 3

Natural leaf shedding

Plants shed older lower leaves as they redirect resources to new growth. One yellow leaf per month on a healthy plant is normal.

Fix: If only the oldest 1–2 leaves are yellowing and new growth looks vigorous, nothing to fix. Clip the yellow leaf, move on.