What To Do When Your Devil’s Ivy Leaves Turn Brown

Devil’s ivy, also known as pothos or golden pothos, is a popular houseplant known for its easy care and leafy trailing vines But even this hardy plant can develop issues like brown leaves. If the leaves on your devil’s ivy are turning brown, don’t despair! With a few troubleshooting tips, you can get your plant back to good health.

Common Causes of Brown Leaves on Devil’s Ivy

If your devil’s ivy leaves are turning brown, start by examining the plant closely. Check where the browning is occurring and look for any other symptoms. This can help narrow down the potential causes. Here are some of the most common reasons devil’s ivy leaves turn brown

• Underwatering – Leaves turn uniform light brown and brittle when the plant needs more frequent watering Lower leaves are affected first.

• Overwatering – Too much moisture causes lower leaves to yellow before eventual browning. Roots may be dark and mushy.

• Dry air – Brown leaf tips and margins point to low humidity. This happens more in winter when air is drier.

• Sunburn – Direct sunlight scorches leaves to a crispy brown. Only expose pothos to bright, indirect light.

• Temperature stress – Exposure to cold drafts or overheated rooms can turn leaves brown. Ideal temps are 60-85°F.

• Pests – Spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats can all feed on and damage leaves. Check for insects on the undersides of leaves.

• Diseases – Bacterial and fungal diseases like root rot may spreading up from the roots, causing leaf spotting and decay.

• Transplant stress – After repotting, older leaves can yellow and brown until the plant adjusts to its new container. Remove them.

• Normal leaf aging – Lower leaves naturally yellow and drop off as the plant matures. As long as newer growth looks healthy, this is normal.

The most common causes of browning pothos leaves are improper watering, low humidity, too much sun, or pests/diseases.Diagnosing the specific problem is key so you can take the appropriate action to restore your plant to health.

How to Fix Brown Leaves on Devil’s Ivy

Once you determine what is causing the browning leaves on your pothos, treat the underlying problem. Here are some remedies to try based on the cause:

• Underwatering – Give the plant a thorough soak and increase watering frequency. Leaves may still drop but new growth will return.

• Overwatering – Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Trim away rotten roots and repot in fresh potting mix if needed.

• Dry air – Mist leaves, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier to boost humidity around the plant to 40-60%.

• Sunburn – Move the plant to a shadier spot and prune away badly damaged leaves. New growth will emerge.

• Temperature issues – Move pothos away from drafty areas and maintain indoor temps between 60-85°F.

• Pests – Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat applications may be needed to kill all life stages.

• Diseases – Remove and discard infected parts immediately. Use fungicides to prevent spread. Improve airflow and water only at the base.

• Transplant stress – Leave new repottings alone while they adjust. Remove yellow leaves so the plant can focus energy elsewhere.

While you troubleshoot and treat browning leaves, don’t neglect basic pothos care. Ensure it gets bright, indirect light, humid conditions, and well-draining soil. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. With time and TLC, your devil’s ivy should perk back up and regrow new foliage. Be patient, as it takes time to recover from leaf damage.

How to Prevent Brown Leaves on Your Pothos

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding brown leaves. Here are some tips to keep your devil’s ivy happy and healthy:

• Allow soil to partially dry between waterings and water thoroughly. Feel soil to gauge moisture needs.

• Keep humidity around 40-60% year-round. Mist leaves or use a humidifier if your home’s air is very dry.

• Place pothos in bright, indirect light. A north or east window is often ideal. Rotate occasionally for even exposure.

• Keep temperatures between 60-85°F and avoid cold/hot air drafts.

• Inspect frequently for pests like spider mites. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.

• Avoid overcrowding leaves to encourage good airflow and lower disease risk.

• Let soil partially dry before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Flush soil monthly to prevent salt buildup.

• Repot when roots fill container using indoor potting mix, not outdoor soil.

• Prune back aggressively when needed for a tidy appearance. The plant will bounce back.

Following these pothos care tips will help prevent many issues that can cause leaves to brown. Pay close attention to moisture needs, humidity, light exposure, and pest prevention. At the first sign of leaf damage, take prompt action to get your plant back on track. With proper care, your devil’s ivy should cascade beautifully for years to come!