What Causes Black Spots on a Golden Pothos?

Soil Conditions

• Golden pothos prefer soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. If the soil is too acidic, the leaves will develop spots. Because incorrect soil pH keeps the plant from being able to take up nutrients, the pothos will also show signs of nutritional stress such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves and overall lack of vigor. Treat the problem by transplanting your golden pothos into fresh soil. When you fertilize, use a product intended for general plant feeding, not a product for acid-loving plants.

Temperature Change

• Golden pothos prefer a warm, humid environment. Although they will tolerate the dry conditions in homes and offices, these plants don't fare well out of those room-temperature zones. Keep your golden pothos in a spot where temperatures don't change much, such as main living areas. Avoid placing your pothos near a window, heating vent or in a basement where temperatures vary. Leaf spot from temperature fluctuation appears as dark spots in the center of the leaf.

Bacterial Leaf Spot

• Bacterial leaf spot in golden pothos appears as tiny black dots scattered across the leaf. The spots often have a yellow ring around them. The bacteria thrive when the plant is kept too moist or doesn't have good air flow. Prune away the affected leaves being careful not to touch any healthy leaves or stems. Control the problem by watering your plant only when the soil feels dry, re-potting the plant in fresh soil once a year and trimming away dense growth to improve air flow around the leaves.

Fungal Problems

• Southern blight is a fungal disease that affects the golden pothos. When the soil remains overly wet, the disease starts in the stem and moves up through the plant. The first sign of this disease is a fine mesh of white webbing, but eventually, dark scab-like spots appear on the leaves. The plant will look wilted and unhealthy. Because southern blight can spread to other plants and is difficult to control once it takes hold, it is best to destroy the affected plant. Avoid the problem by not overwatering, and using only fresh potting soil to transplant your golden pothos.