Why Your Money Plant Is Dying (And How to Revive It)

Money plant, or pothos, is forgiving but not indestructible. When several leaves turn yellow, the most common starting suspicion is overwatering or poor drainage—especially if the mix is wet, the pot feels heavy or stems are soft.

Read the symptom with the soil

A single old leaf yellowing can be normal. Many yellow leaves in wet soil suggest root stress. Crispy edges in very dry mix point in the opposite direction. Pale, stretched growth often needs brighter light, while bleached patches may follow sudden harsh sun.

Give bright, indirect light

Money plant tolerates lower light but grows better near a bright window without intense afternoon scorch. Move it gradually. A dark corner may keep it alive for a while, but it will not produce the same dense growth.

The revival sequence

1. Stop watering and empty the saucer.
2. Confirm the pot has an open drainage hole.
3. Inspect roots if the mix smells sour or stems are collapsing; trim only soft, brown rot.
4. Repot into an airy mix only when the current root zone is failing.
5. Wait for fresh growth before feeding.

Propagate a healthy backup in water

Cut a healthy vine just below a node, keeping one or two nodes and at least one leaf. Place the bare node in clean water while keeping leaves above it. Change cloudy water and move the cutting to bright indirect light. Once roots branch and strengthen, either keep it in water with appropriate long-term nutrition or transfer gently to a moist, airy potting mix.