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What’s wrong with my Pothos?
Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are generally hardy and resistant to many issues, but they can still be affected by a few diseases and pests. Here are some common problems and their symptoms:
Root Rot:
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, and a mushy stem near the base. Stems have a mushy black rot.
Causes: Overwatering and poor drainage.
Treatment: Remove affected parts, improve drainage, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Apply a fungicide to protect plants.
Rhizoctonia Root Rot and Aerial Blight:
Symptoms: Rhizoctonia causes irregular, dark, necrotic spots on pothos leaves, matting them together with visible fungal strands. Infected cuttings wilt, turn dark brown, and die.
Control and Treatment: Use disease-free cuttings and sterilized soil mixes. Keep plants on raised benches off the soil surface. Identify, bag, and discard infected plants. If sanitation fails, apply triflumizole (Terragard®) or thiophanate-methyl (Clearys 3336™, OHP 6672™).
Fungal Leaf Spot:
Symptoms: Brown or black spots on the leaves, often with a yellow halo.
Causes: High humidity and poor air circulation.
Treatment: Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid getting water on the leaves. If the problem persists, fungicides can be used.
Fungicide or Chemical Application Damage:
Pothos foliage is sensitive to certain chemical sprays.
Symptoms
White bleaching and tip burn on pothos leaves are caused by fungicides containing mefenoxam.
Causal Agent
Fungicides with mefenoxam can cause leaf burn and bleaching. Applying these during the hottest parts of the day may worsen symptoms.
Control and Treatment
- Test new chemicals on a small sample before applying them to the entire crop.
- Apply sprays during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.
- Avoid using chemicals known to cause damage.
Bacterial Leaf Spot:
Symptoms: Water-soaked spots that turn brown and may have a yellow halo.
Causes: Bacterial infection, often spread by splashing water.
Treatment: Remove affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation. Copper-based bactericides can help control the spread.
Bacterial Wilt Disease:
Symptoms
This disease causes pothos leaves to wilt and the veins in leaves and stems to turn black. Infected stems placed in water release millions of bacteria, and bacterial ooze can be observed on recently cut stems.
Control and Treatment
- Symptoms are severe during warm periods.
- In case of an outbreak, bag and remove infected plants, soil, and pots from the nursery.
- Disinfect benches and tools before replanting.
