8 Reasons Your Pothos Plant Has Brown Spots (& The Best Ways To Fix Them)

Few houseplants are as beloved as the pothos. Known for its cascading vines, glossy leaves, and forgiving nature, pothos is often the first pick for new plant parents. But even the hardiest greenery isn't immune to problems. One of the most common issues that causes alarm is browning leaves. You might notice crispy leaves, browning, or scattered dark patches that stand out against otherwise vibrant foliage. While it can be discouraging to see, browning leaves are your plant's way of communicating that something isn't quite right. The encouraging news is that most causes are easy to remedy once you know why the leaves are browning in the first place.

From watering mistakes to environmental stressors, there are several potential culprits behind those brown patches. Learning how to read your plant's symptoms is one of the best ways to successfully care for your pothos plant. It will allow you to quickly restore your plant back to health and prevent future issues. While there are a number of reasons why your pothos leaves may be browning, eight stand out as some of the most common problems that homeowners may face, each with a unique solution. Whether your plant is hanging in a bright window, trailing across a shelf, or brightening up a relatively shady corner, understanding these common issues will help keep your pothos lush, healthy, and thriving in just the right conditions.

If your pothos leaves are browning at the tips or edges and feel dry or crispy, underwatering is the likely culprit. Pothos might be drought-tolerant, but prolonged dry soil will stress the plant and cause it to sacrifice leaf tissue. Check the soil by sticking your finger about an inch deep — if it feels bone dry, your plant is thirsty and will need watering. Water thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom, then let the soil partially dry before watering again. Establishing a consistent watering routine will help prevent crispy leaves and keep your pothos thriving with full, healthy foliage.

Overwatering your plant is another common watering mistake to avoid with pothos plants, but in this case, the leaves may look mushy. They typically yellow first before turning brown. Pothos like evenly moist soil, not soggy conditions. Constantly wet roots can lead to root rot, which can prevent the plant from absorbing nutrients and water efficiently. Check if the soil feels soggy or if there's a musty smell coming from the pot. Always use a well-draining soil mixture and ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes on the bottom. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering again. 

Pothos are native to tropical regions, so they naturally thrive in humid conditions. In dry indoor environments, especially during winter with heaters running, leaf edges may dry out and turn brown. If you notice crispy tips despite proper watering, low humidity could be a problem. You can raise humidity by grouping plants together, placing a humidity tray with pebbles and water under the pot, or using a humidifier. Regular misting helps temporarily but isn't as effective as consistent humidity. Keeping your pothos in a bathroom or a kitchen can also provide a naturally more humid environment for lush growth.

Too much sunlight can scorch pothos leaves, leaving brown, bleached patches on the surface. Although pothos can tolerate various light conditions, they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. If your plant sits on a sunny windowsill, harsh afternoon rays may be burning the leaves. Relocate it a few feet away from the window or use sheer curtains to filter light. Remember that variegated pothos need brighter light than all-green varieties, but none should be exposed to prolonged, harsh sunlight for extended periods. Balance is crucial for healthy foliage.

You may not be aware but over-fertilizing your pothos plants can cause brown leaves due to an imbalance of nutrients present in the soil. This fertilizer burn damages roots, preventing them from absorbing water properly. If you feed your pothos too often or with extremely strong fertilizer, you may notice browning soon after. To fix it, flush the soil by watering it thoroughly several times, allowing excess fertilizer salts to drain out. Moving forward, feed your plant only once every four to six weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Less is more when it comes to pothos — they don't need heavy feeding to thrive indoors.

Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can damage pothos leaves, leaving behind brown patches or spots. These insects suck sap from the plant, weakening it and causing discolored or drying foliage. Look closely under leaves and along stems for tiny bugs, webbing, or sticky residue. If pests are present, isolate your pothos, and treat it with insecticide soap, neem oil, or a diluted rubbing alcohol spray. Wipe leaves gently to remove visible bugs. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your pothos leaves helps prevent infestations and ensures your plant remains vibrant and pest-free.

Fungal diseases can be a sneaky reason why your pothos might have browning leaves, often appearing as irregular spots with yellow halos or dark, mushy patches. Overly damp soil, poor air circulation, and consistently wet leaves create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. If you suspect a fungal issue, trim away any affected leaves and dispose of them — don't compost as the spores may spread. Improve airflow around your plant by giving it space and avoid letting moisture sit on the leaves. In severe cases, a fungicide may be necessary to deal with the issue.

Sometimes browning leaves are just part of the natural lifecycle of a pothos plant. Older leaves — typically at the base of the plant — eventually yellow and brown as energy shifts towards newer growth. If only a few leaves look affected, while the rest of the plant remains healthy, there's no need to worry. You can gently prune off old leaves to maintain the appearance of your plant. As long as the browning is localized to older leaves and not rapidly spreading across the plant, this is not a sign of poor care and doesn't require immediate attention.