Underwatering
Dry soil and yellow lower leaves usually mean it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Pothos is forgiving of dryness, but if the soil dries out completely the plant can't keep its oldest leaves hydrated. Those leaves yellow and go limp, often with crispy edges, while the soil shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. If the water runs straight through bone-dry soil without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain fully. Going forward, check the soil weekly and water once the top inch or two is dry — pothos will tell you with limp vines when it's thirsty.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly down at the soil.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Golden Pothos care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this