Pothos plants are known for being tough, but even the toughest plants will their limits. And when their leaves turn black it’s a sign they’ve reached that limit and are struggling.
But in order to fix and save your pothos you need to know what’s causing it’s leaves to turn black.
So I’ll take you through the causes and solutions that not only address the problem but also means it won’t happen again in the future.
Overwatering
The most common reason for black leaves or spots on your pothos leaves are too much water. Pothos plants prefer the soil to dry out between each watering.
So the first thing you should check is how moist the soil is. Put your finger about an inch into the soil. If it’s still wet even a few days after you’ve watered your plant then you know that’s the issue.
The soil should feel like a sponge that has been wrung out. Not overly soggy and wet.
If the soil is waterlogged then take the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. If they’re healthy they will feel firm and look white.
If you find any soft, dark roots that smell bad then trim them away. Afterwards just repot your pothos in fresh soil in a pot that has drainage holes. To make sure it doesn’t happen again only water when the top inch of soil feels dry when you touch it.
Underwatering
Underwatering can also cause the leaves to turn black. If you don’t water your pothos the soil can dry out completely.
When the plant’s roots can’t get moisture from the soil its leaves become black and crispy, particularly the tips of them.
Telltale Signs
- Dry soil that pulls away from the edges of the pot
- Brittle or curled leaves
- Slow growth or no new growth
Quick Fix
- Give it lots of water. Submerging the whole pot in water for 15 to 20 minutes will work.
- Get in to the habit of watering on a regular schedule, keeping the soil slightly moist (but not soggy).
- Don’t let your pothos sit in water for long periods of time after soaking.
Poor Drainage
Even if you’re not overdoing the watering you can still run into problems if your pothos doesn’t have good drainage. The water pooling at the bottom of the pot is a recipe for problems. It can suffocate roots and cause the same symptoms as overwatering.
The Solution
- Pot with Holes: Make sure your pot has drainage holes. If it doesn’t move your plant in to a pot that doesn’t immediately.
- The Right Mix: Use a mix that drains well. Something like a combination of regular potting soil with some added perlite and orchid bark.
- Avoid Saucers of Doom: Quickly empty any standing water in the suave after you’ve watered.
Light
Black leaves aren’t always an issue with water. Sometimes it’s the environment your plant is in.
A sunny windowsill might seem like the perfect spot but direct sunlight can actually burn your pothos leaves. This will give them crispy and dark patches.
Pothos plants like bright, indirect light. In it’s natural habitat in the rainforest it would get dappled sunshine, and that’s the sort of light you want to give it in your home.
Moving your plant a few feet back from the window is usually enough to fix the problem. If you’re in a room that’s particularly bright then a sheer curtain get diffuse the sun while still giving your pothos enough light to do well.
Temperature Shock
Temperature changes can sneak up on your pothos too. They’re not too fussy when it comes to warmth or cold but if they’re exposed to extremes they’ll get unhappy (and develop black spots).
Keep them away from windows with drafts in the winter and air conditioning vents in summer. If you’ve put your pothos near a heating vent then you might have seen the edges of its leaves turn black. That’s a clear sign the air is too dry.
Too Much Fertilizer
Pothos don’t need a lot of fertilizer. And if you give them too much it can cause issues.
If you notice black edges on otherwise healthy leaves, especially after fertilizing, there’s a good chance your plant has nutrient burn.
Salts can build up from too much fertilizer and this will damage the roots. Thankfully fixing this is very easy – just give it lots of water.
Put it under a tap and let the water run through the soil for several minutes to flush out any excess salts.
If you’re going to use fertilizer in the future then always dilute it to half strength before using and only apply it during the growing season.
And if you also see crusty white stuff on the surface of the soil that’s also a sign you’ve used too much fertiliser. Just cut back on how much you’re using and maybe change the soil if it doesn’t go away.
Pests
Sometimes the black leaves are due to pests. Spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects can all cause damage to your plant’s leaves.
Take a close look – if you spot anything that looks like moving dots, webbing or areas of cotton then you’ve got pests.
The good news is pothos can bounce back quickly from pest problems.
The first thing to do is get your pothos plant away from any other plants you have. You don’t want it spreading the pests to healthy plants.
Then get a damp cloth and gently wipe both sides of each leaf. This simple step often solves minor infestations.
For more stubborn cases then insecticidal soap works well – just be sure to test it on a single leaf first to make sure your plant isn’t sensitive to it.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial and fungal infections can also cause black spots on the leaves, especially if your plant stays wet for too long.
The best way to keep fungus and bacteria from growing is to improve the air flow around your pothos. So give it lots of space from other plants.
Don’t let water sit on the leaves either. Be careful when watering that it goes on the soil only.
If you spot infected leaves then remove them quickly so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
Low Humidity
Low humidity will cause black to leaves too. It’s especially tricky to deal with in the winter when we turn the heating on in our homes.
Pothos generally adapt well to most homes and they’ll tell you when the air gets too dry by the leaves turning crispy and black.
You can make your home more home and suitable for pothos plants without turning it in to a rainforest. Something as simple as grouping all your plants together will increase the humidity amongst them.
Or use a simple pebble tray. Just fill it with water and put it under the pot of your plant (keeping the bottom raised above the water). Using a humidifier helps as well, especially in the winter when our indoor heating really lowers the moisture in the air.
Remember though – while pothos love humidity they don’t want wet leaves. Any water that site on the leaves can also cause black spots, especially if your plant doesn’t get enough air flow to dry them off.
Recovery and Prevention
Thankfully pothos plants recover well from black leaves.
To do so you’ll have to identify which leaves are too far gone. If a leaf is completely black or mostly damaged it’s probably best to remove it so your pothos can use that energy to grow new leaves.
Stopping it from happening in the first place will come down to finding the right routine for your plant.
There are things you can do to help. For example try picking up your pot regularly and you’ll start to recognize when it needs water just by how heavy it feels. This is a better way to water than by having a very strict schedule.
Keep in mind seasonal changes too. Your pothos might need less water and fertilizer in the winter months when its growth naturally slows down. As the days get longer in the spring watch out for new growth. That will be your sign to gradually increase the water and nutrients you’re giving it.
Final Thoughts
When you first see black leaves or spots it can be worrying. But they’re really just your plant’s way of asking for adjustments to its care.
What will help the most is learning to read these signals early and responding with gentle changes rather than making huge alterations that go too far.
And be aware of the fact that every growing space is different. What works in your friend’s sunny apartment won’t necessarily work for your conditions or location.
Instead take some time to watch how your pothos responds to different places in your home. Once you find the right place where the light, humidity and watering all work out, you’ll see your pothos looking happy and healthy.
And if you do spot any black leaves? Now you know it’s not the end of the world and something it will recover from with a little extra care.