Why Are There Black Spots on My Golden Pothos Leaves?

Epipremnum aureum

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 15, 20243 min read

Banish black spots on your Golden Pothos 🌿 and restore its healthy sheen with these essential care tips!

Golden pothos
  1. Overwatering causes black spots; let soil dry between waterings.
  2. Fungal infections need treatment with baking soda, soap, or fungicides.
  3. Prevent spots with care: Proper watering, humidity, and gentle handling.

Causes of Black Spots on Golden Pothos Leaves

🌊 Overwatering

Overzealous watering turns your Pothos's home into a swampy nightmare, inviting root rot. Yellowing leaves or a pot that feels heavier than a bag of bricks are telltale signs of overindulgence in H2O.

πŸ„ Fungal Infections

Fungal foes like Cercospora and Anthracnose throw a black spot party on your Pothos leaves. If you spot lesions that look like they belong in a horror film, it's time to play plant doctor.

βš”οΈ Physical Damage

Sometimes, black spots are just battle scars from life's knocks. A leaf that's been through the wringer might sport black spots as a sign of trauma. Unlike the other causes, these spots don't spread; they're like tattoos commemorating past tumbles.

Hanging basket with a healthy Golden Pothos plant in front of a window with blinds.

Treating Black Spots on Golden Pothos

πŸ’§ Addressing Overwatering

Adjust your watering habitsβ€”it's time to let the soil dry out between waterings. Overzealous hydration is a no-go. If the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge, you've gone too far. Improve drainage by mixing in some perlite or sand; think of it as giving your Pothos a better pair of rain boots.

πŸ„ Combating Fungal Infections

Fungal foes require a strategic battle plan. Start with the gentle stuff: a baking soda and liquid soap concoction can be your first line of defenseβ€”spray it like you mean it, every couple of weeks. If the fungus laughs in the face of your homemade brew, escalate to a copper-based fungicide. Follow the label like it's the law. Still no joy? Bring out the big guns with an all-purpose fungicide, but remember, it's not a perfumeβ€”apply it carefully.

🩹 Healing Physical Damage

If your Pothos looks like it's been in a cat fight, it's time for some TLC. Trim away the drama with sterilized scissorsβ€”think of it as giving your plant a haircut to leave behind the bad memories. Then, protect it like it's in witness protection; no more rough handling or risky locations. Keep it in a safe spot where it can recover in peace, and watch for new growth as a sign of healing.

Golden Pothos plant growing vertically indoors next to a chair, supported by a stake.

Preventing Future Black Spots

πŸ’§ Watering and Soil Management

Proper watering is crucial. Overdoing it is like sending an open invitation to fungal infections. Water early in the day so leaves can dry out, and make sure the soil feels like a wrung-out spongeβ€”moist but not waterlogged.

Soil aeration can be a game-changer. If your soil is denser than a philosophy textbook, it's time to mix in some perlite or coarse sand. This helps prevent the dreaded root rot by improving drainage.

🌑️ Environmental Control

Humidity needs a Goldilocks approachβ€”just right. Too much, and you're hosting a fungal fiesta; too little, and your Pothos might start to sulk. Keep air moving with a fan or by cracking a window.

Sunlight is your ally, but like a good friend, it can overstay its welcome. Aim for bright, indirect light to keep your Pothos basking without burning.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safe Handling and Placement

Be gentle with your Pothos. Physical damage can open the door to black spots. Place your plant where it won't get bumped or bruised by passersby.

Rotate your plant regularly. This isn't just to give it a well-rounded tan; it helps prevent the buildup of moisture on one side, which can lead to fungal issues.

Remember, prevention is about being proactive. Keep an eye on your plant like it's the last piece of chocolate cake at a birthday partyβ€”coveted and carefully guarded.

Golden Pothos plant in a pot on a kitchen counter with vibrant green leaves.

Keep your Golden Pothos spot-free 🌿 with Greg's custom watering reminders, helping you prevent overwatering and fungal woes before they start!