Pothos that turns yellow in winter, remedies and causes: why the leaves change color in the cold months and what is the very easy trick that can really make the difference even in a dimly lit apartment.
It happens more and more often: a distracted glance is enough, perhaps while dusting the bookcase, to realize that the pothos it is starting to lose its bright green. A slightly paler leaf, then a second that turns yellow at the edges, and that’s it: the plant seems dull, as if it had suddenly changed season.
Anyone who has a few pots at home knows that during the winter the battle between light, heating and air currents can play tricks on even the most robust plants. Yet, there is a simple yet effective, often overlooked trick that can stop the problem right away.
Why pothos turns yellow precisely in winter
Usually, the pothos it is considered almost indestructible: it does not fear periods of drought, it grows even with little light and even resists those who occasionally forget to water it. Yet, in the cold months something changes. The first clue? Those leaves that turn from green to yellow, sometimes with a more evident patch towards the center or along the edge.
The main reason is almost always linked to the amount of natural light. In winter the days are short and the sun, when it is present, almost never reaches the leaves directly. Even the position of the plant, perhaps too close to a cold window or on a distant shelf, can make the situation worse. The other enemy, which often goes unnoticed, is water: with less light, the plant absorbs more slowly and the risk of stagnation increases.
A curious detail: sometimes the pothos yellows only on one side. It happens if the light source is lateral or if one part always remains in shadow. Better to change position, perhaps rotating the vase every week. A tiny gesture, but one that can make a difference.
The very simple trick that solves the problem immediately
There is a remedy that seems trivial, yet many ignore it: check the soil with your fingers before each watering. No fixed rules or calendars: just stick your index finger in the vase to feel if the earth is still moist under the surface. In winter, most houseplants (and pothos is no exception) need much less water than in summer. Watering once every two weeks is often enough, but only if the soil is dry.
Another little trick concerns the location. If possible, moving the pothos near a bright window (but avoiding glass that is too cold) can help a lot. Alternatively, you can focus on a low-consumption growth lamp: there are now economical and discreet models, also suitable for those who live in homes with little exposure. Non-trivial detail: cleaning the leaves also counts. A soft, slightly damp cloth, passed every now and then, allows the plant to “breathe” better and take advantage of all the light possible.
Other common mistakes to avoid (and some signs not to underestimate)
It is often thought that simply moving the plant or adding fertilizer is enough to see immediate results. In reality, in the cold months pothos grows very slowly, it almost “stops” waiting for spring. So no rush and above all no excess fertilizer: better to suspend until March, to avoid further stressing the roots.
Also be careful of cold air currents, which can ruin the youngest leaves. Another widespread mistake concerns pruning: in winter it is better to limit yourself to eliminating only dry or damaged leaves, without drastic cuts. A curious detail, which many overlook: sometimes the yellow on the leaves is a sign of natural “old age”. If it appears only on the lowest and oldest leaves, the plant is probably just renewing its foliage.
In short, between foggy windows and turned on radiators, one more or one less gesture is enough to change the fate of a plant. Sometimes you just need to bring a chair closer, sit next to the pothos and notice how a new green leaf slowly begins to make space again.
You might also be interested in:
Follow Castelli News on
