No idea what’s going on with her, any advice?
10ft to light, direct
12” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 month ago
19
@jordynlex it’s 12” ! And maybe but I’ve tried letting it dry out more vs watering more the last couple months but it only seems to be getting worse :,( I last watered it a couple days ago.
Ok good! Yeah it’ll probably look pretty sad and some or many leaves may die, but at the same time it should also start growing newer bigger leaves closer to the dirt. A few of my plants are going through this right now it’s soooo hard to be patient I get it!! It takes some trial and error to figure out what a plant really likes. Pothos are usually very forgiving and they’re also pretty easy to propagate too
I'm pretty sure the reason it is not improving even though you are making changes in her watering schedule is that she has begun with root rot unfortunately.
You will need to take her out and check the roots. While she is out move her to a pot that is only 1-2 inches bigger than her root ball. Then allow her to dry all the way through before watering every time. That way you can avoid root rot in the future.
1. Remove from your pot, to check the roots. If there is anything brown black or mushy you have rot and will need to cut it all off. Keep only the healthy roots they will be whitish in color
Now root rot comes from a bacteria that forms in your soil and then attacks your plant. So treatment is absolutely necessary.
2. Cut off all affected roots soak what is left in:
1 part peroxide + 3 parts water and leave in the peroxide mix to soak for 5 minutes this will kill off the remaining bacteria. It will bubble pot and fizz this is good it’s killing the bacteria.
3. Next is soil the best choice is to throw it away. It’s safest. Or bake it for 1 hour in a 200
Degree oven, not the greatest because it REALLY stinks. But it’s effective. Or the most risky way is to thoroughly flush your soil out with your peroxide mix twice! You need to be very careful and do it thoroughly because if even a teeny bit of bacteria is left your rot will come back.
4. Now the pot, it also has that pesky bacteria you must scrub it out with soapy water very well and then also scrub it down with the peroxide mix.
Now you can plant her again. Be sure to add some perlite to your soil for aeration. This will help oxygen reach those roots and avoid bacteria growth in the future.
You will need to take her out and check the roots. While she is out move her to a pot that is only 1-2 inches bigger than her root ball. Then allow her to dry all the way through before watering every time. That way you can avoid root rot in the future.
1. Remove from your pot, to check the roots. If there is anything brown black or mushy you have rot and will need to cut it all off. Keep only the healthy roots they will be whitish in color
Now root rot comes from a bacteria that forms in your soil and then attacks your plant. So treatment is absolutely necessary.
2. Cut off all affected roots soak what is left in:
1 part peroxide + 3 parts water and leave in the peroxide mix to soak for 5 minutes this will kill off the remaining bacteria. It will bubble pot and fizz this is good it’s killing the bacteria.
3. Next is soil the best choice is to throw it away. It’s safest. Or bake it for 1 hour in a 200
Degree oven, not the greatest because it REALLY stinks. But it’s effective. Or the most risky way is to thoroughly flush your soil out with your peroxide mix twice! You need to be very careful and do it thoroughly because if even a teeny bit of bacteria is left your rot will come back.
4. Now the pot, it also has that pesky bacteria you must scrub it out with soapy water very well and then also scrub it down with the peroxide mix.
Now you can plant her again. Be sure to add some perlite to your soil for aeration. This will help oxygen reach those roots and avoid bacteria growth in the future.
That is crazy because yours is one I was certain had it. What is she planted in?
If it's a very heavy soil it could also be that. By heavy soil I mean made with 'dirt' such as miracle grow. They contain dirt which is essentially silt and clay, both of which compact and hold a TON of moisture. Which in the plant world is bad because then oxygen can't get to the roots of your plant (also causing bacteria eventually to take hold).
But let's just focus on what no oxygen does to the plant. With low oxygen it loses the ability to absorb water and nutrients. Which will give the plant an unwell look. With the combo of no oxygen and never drying out in the middle (miracle grow is notorious for this) the plant gets unhappy. Pothos are happiest when their soil goes completely dry between waterings. Causing the root rot look even though her roots are still healthy, which is good. I would add some aeration my Pothos all have around 60% aeration in the form of perlite and bark. But you need to add something to create airflow.
If it's a very heavy soil it could also be that. By heavy soil I mean made with 'dirt' such as miracle grow. They contain dirt which is essentially silt and clay, both of which compact and hold a TON of moisture. Which in the plant world is bad because then oxygen can't get to the roots of your plant (also causing bacteria eventually to take hold).
But let's just focus on what no oxygen does to the plant. With low oxygen it loses the ability to absorb water and nutrients. Which will give the plant an unwell look. With the combo of no oxygen and never drying out in the middle (miracle grow is notorious for this) the plant gets unhappy. Pothos are happiest when their soil goes completely dry between waterings. Causing the root rot look even though her roots are still healthy, which is good. I would add some aeration my Pothos all have around 60% aeration in the form of perlite and bark. But you need to add something to create airflow.
A few of mine. They can also get quite droopy if left dry for too long. I feel like I need to mention that because you know how often you water and can better determine which it is.
The leaves will feel thinner and more papery if that is the cause. I honestly don't think it's that though because after you water them they perk back up within 24 hours and feel normal again. 😢
The leaves will feel thinner and more papery if that is the cause. I honestly don't think it's that though because after you water them they perk back up within 24 hours and feel normal again. 😢
@SuperbRaspfern thank you so much, it’s been awhile but I think it’s a mix of miracle gro with the good substrate from the plant store I bought it at so I bet that’s the issue. It’s also in a plastic pot so was planning to get a clay one to see if that helps. Crazy because she was doing great until this past month with this same set up so I thought you were right about the root rot :/
Make sure for good drainage, The soil is moist but not soggy, they’re good with low light but thrive in medium light and they like being moderately dry before being watered again. However, if you let it stay dry for too long she will wilt her leaves and stems. Also, I have mine hanging in front of my window and gets a good amount of light for a few hours a day before the sun changes position. Hope for the best results!