Pothos (Epipremnum) Mealybugs and Fungus Gnats: Overwatering Root Cause

Two Pests, One Cause

• Mealybugs: White powder (cottony wax). May have come with plant.
• Fungus gnats: Tiny flies from constantly wet soil (overwatering).

Fix Both

1. Repot in fresh, well-draining mix (add perlite). Pot MUST have drainage.
2. Water only when dry + pot feels light (every 10–14 days).
3. Bright light (more sun = more variegation, healthier).
4. Never leave saucer full.
5. Treat mealybugs: alcohol-soap spray twice weekly × 4 weeks.

Prevention

• Inspect before buying.
• Quarantine 2 weeks.
• Water on schedule, not calendar.
• Open blinds daily.

Your watering habit (weekly) was the problem. Fix that, and pests vanish.