What Root Rot Looks Like in Pothos

See what pothos looks like with root rot. Here is an example of a pothos that began showing root rot soon after it was bought.

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Video Transcript

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Today, I’m going to quickly show you what root rot looks like in a pothos plant. Here’s a pothos that, just about a month ago, was looking pretty good—very similar to this healthy pothos I’ve had for a long time. As I’ve mentioned in another video (linked below), it’s common for plants to appear healthy when you purchase them, but they may already be sick due to conditions at the grower’s facility.

Let me show you a photo of this plant when it was first bought. It looked vibrant and lush. However, within about 7 to 10 days of arriving in its new home, the plant began to deteriorate—not due to overwatering, but because watering activated fungal pathogens that were already present in the soil. These pathogens triggered root rot, which often happens despite best efforts from the plant owner.

Growers often use temporary treatments to suppress these pathogens, but these treatments wear off. Once the plant is in your care and you water it like normal, the rot can quickly take hold.

Here’s how root rot shows up:

Droopy leaves, even after watering
Yellowing leaves that eventually brown and fall off
A generally ratty, unhealthy appearance

I’ll attempt to save this plant using the method I share in my Root Rot Playlist, which involves:

Repotting
Removing dead or diseased foliage
Treating with hydrogen peroxide

Pothos are resilient, and with the right care, there’s a good chance this plant can bounce back and look as healthy as the one I showed earlier.

If this situation sounds familiar, don’t blame yourself. Root rot is often already present when the plant arrives. If you can return it, great. If not, follow the recovery steps. And above all, know it’s not your fault.

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FAQ’s – What Root Rot Looks Like in Pothos 101

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of root rot in pothos?

Common signs include droopy leaves despite recent watering, yellowing leaves that turn brown and fall off, and a generally unhealthy appearance.

Can root rot be present when you buy a plant?

Yes. Root rot is often already present when the plant is purchased. It may appear healthy initially, but symptoms can develop within days.

What causes root rot in pothos?

Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens in the soil that become active when the plant is watered. It is not always due to overwatering.

Can I save a pothos with root rot?

Yes. You can try saving it by repotting the plant, removing damaged foliage, and treating the roots with hydrogen peroxide as shown in the video.

Is it my fault if my new pothos gets root rot?

No. If you are caring for the plant correctly and it still gets sick, the issue likely originated at the grower before you brought it home.

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