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Golden Pothos · Epipremnum aureum

How do I fix root rot on my Golden Pothos?

Root rot happens when your Pothos sits in water for too long, causing the roots to suffocate and decay. You need to inspect the roots immediately if the plant looks wilted despite having damp soil.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a foul or musty odor.
  2. Gently pull the plant from the pot to inspect the root color.
  3. Check if the soil is compacted or waterlogged.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than two weeks and the plant has a faint, swampy smell.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots before replanting.

  2. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves are drooping and yellowing, and the soil surface is constantly wet.

    What to do: Reduce your watering frequency to every 7 to 10 days. Always check that the top few centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your golden pothos

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the roots are black, mushy, and falling apart, the situation is serious. If the roots are still firm and white or tan, the plant can usually be saved.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a saucer full of standing water.

Golden Pothos: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your golden pothos and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, wash the remaining healthy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How do I know if my roots are healthy?
Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. If they are dark, slimy, or break easily when touched, they are likely rotting.

More problems with Golden Pothos

Back to the Golden Pothos guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.