Moderate, steady watering is one of the most essential parts of caring for Pothos. However, it’s surprisingly easy to oversaturate the soil, which ultimately causes your pothos to suffer.
To help prevent this, it’s worth getting familiar with the most common warning signs of overwatering.
Contents
- 1- Drooping, Discolored Leaves That Signal Too Much Water
- 2- Moldy Pothos Revealing Excessive Soil Moisture Issues
- 3- Falling Leaves Hinting at Overwatering Stress
- 4- Soggy, Weak Roots Indicating Insufficient Oxygen Intake
- 5- White Crust on Soil Suggesting Mineral Salt Buildup
- 6- Foul Odors Pointing to Root Rot and Waterlogged Soil
- 7- Frequent Gnats Signaling Damp, Stagnant Conditions Underfoot
- How to Restore an Overwatered Pothos’s Health
- Remember These Simple Steps to Prevent Overwatering
1- Drooping, Discolored Leaves That Signal Too Much Water
When there’s too much moisture, pothos leaves may turn yellow or even black, resembling a rotting process. You’ll notice the leaf tissues feel soft to the touch.
Keep in mind that leaves may also droop or fall due to uncomfortable watering temperatures or insufficient light. In these cases, there won’t be any signs of rot. To confirm overwatering, check the potting mix—if it’s very wet and not absorbing water well, that’s a clear indicator.
Some plants may lose leaves that appear darker than usual. If only a small number of leaves are affected, gently loosen the soil and hold off on watering until you see improvement.
If the pothos is severely damaged, carefully remove it from the pot and inspect the root system. If you find a few rotten roots, repotting will be necessary.
2- Moldy Pothos Revealing Excessive Soil Moisture Issues
If you spot mold on your pothos leaves or soil, the first step is to remove it. Take the pot outside, but keep it away from trees or garden crops.
Next, moisten a paper towel and gently wipe the affected leaves. If mold remains, it’s actively growing, and the damaged parts should be carefully trimmed away.
Apply a fungicide to the plant and bring it back indoors. Afterward, water only as the soil dries out.
Mold can appear due to a lack of warmth, light, or air circulation, so it’s important to ensure a comfortable environment.
3- Falling Leaves Hinting at Overwatering Stress
Many factors cause leaves to drop: nutrient deficiencies, dry air, dust buildup, uncomfortable temperatures, and especially excess moisture.
If you’ve overwatered, leaves may first curl or yellow before dropping off. Meanwhile, air spaces in the soil become limited, and ammonia can accumulate in the plant’s tissues. Branches dry out, and eventually, die off.
Addressing this issue is straightforward—adjust your watering frequency, and the problem should resolve. To figure out when and how much to water each plant, read up on each variety’s preferences and create a simple chart.
If you can’t invest time in researching, at least check the soil’s moisture level each time before watering.
4- Soggy, Weak Roots Indicating Insufficient Oxygen Intake
To confirm your plant’s struggle with excess water, remove it from the pot and inspect the roots. When overwatered, the plant experiences oxygen deprivation, preventing roots from working at full capacity.
If the roots look healthy and retain their natural color, simply allow the soil to dry out. If they’ve turned brown and appear rotten, repotting is urgently needed.
Be aware that the root system can also suffer from fungal diseases. In that case, the soil might feel relatively dry, yet the roots will be blackened and easily fall off.
5- White Crust on Soil Suggesting Mineral Salt Buildup
If a white residue appears on the soil surface, it’s likely crystallized soluble salts. These can form if water stays on top of the soil too long or if moisture lingers deep inside without proper drainage. Remove this residue, loosen the soil, and completely rethink your watering schedule.
Also, check whether the drainage holes are clogged—this can lead to water buildup.
The appearance of these salt crystals can also mean the plant’s pot is too large.
The roots may not reach the moisture settling deep in the soil, causing the mix to stagnate.
Make sure you’re not overfeeding the plant with fertilizers, as the excess salts will be pushed to the surface.
6- Foul Odors Pointing to Root Rot and Waterlogged Soil
When moisture lingers too long, the plant may give off a foul, musty smell. This usually means it’s time to check the root system, as the odor often comes directly from the roots themselves.
To dry out the soil, cover it with a layer of sand—it will quickly soak up the extra water. A simpler alternative is to lay ordinary paper towels on top of the soil to absorb moisture.
7- Frequent Gnats Signaling Damp, Stagnant Conditions Underfoot
Before examining your plants, ensure your window is protected by a mosquito screen and that the potting mix is properly disinfected, as these factors also contribute to insect problems.
To eliminate gnats, first dry out the soil, then water it with a mild solution of potassium permanganate (available online or at garden centers). Just be careful not to make it too strong, or you risk damaging the roots.
Another option is to insert orange peel pieces into the soil in several spots. Their aroma will deter gnats, helping you restore a healthier environment for your plants.
How to Restore an Overwatered Pothos’s Health
Mild Cases: Pause Watering and Observe Very Closely
In mild situations, stop watering for a few days and, during its dormant season (often winter in the U.S.), even for a few weeks, until your plant recovers. Do not water, even if the topsoil seems dry. Wait until the soil is completely dry at the root level, meaning at the bottom of the pot.
Serious Cases: Remove Rot, Repot, and Reduce Stress
If you realize your plant is “drowning”—in other words, you’ve noticed several of the signs mentioned above—it’s time to revive it.
Carefully remove your “patient” from the pot, cut away any blackened or soft roots if present, then rinse them in a lightly pink potassium permanganate solution or a similar fungicidal solution, treat the roots with charcoal, and let them dry. Trim all damaged leaves and branches.
If only a few healthy roots remain, choose a smaller pot. If you’re using the same container, thoroughly wash it with disinfecting soap. Don’t forget about proper drainage holes and material.
Treat the entire plant with a fungicide, using a reduced dose since its immunity is weak—too strong a concentration can harm it further. Plant your struggling pothos into fresh soil and lightly mist the top layer of soil with water.
Water the plant after about 4–5 days. Do not fertilize for a couple of months! You can mist with anti-stress solutions such as SuperThrive. Give it time to recover.
Remember These Simple Steps to Prevent Overwatering
It’s better to underwater than to face another rescue mission. The soil will tell you when it needs moisture. Always insert your finger about 1 inch [2–3 cm] below the soil surface before watering. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days and check again.
If the soil is dry, water until it freely drains from the pot’s bottom, then remove any excess water from the tray.
If you can’t maintain a consistent watering schedule, consider using a self-watering system. This setup frees you from constant monitoring, helping you avoid overwatering mishaps.
