Question
Hi Darlene,
I have this potho tht was little when I got it in July 2005 now here it is Dec 2005 and my plant is big and beautiful, but there are a couple of concerns tht I have w/it?.
1. Why are my leaves turning brown on the tips
2.I have new leaves growing but they are dying as well as turning yellow. Why is tht?
3.Do I need to repot again and when I do am I supposed to seperate the roots if they are so cluttered together?
4. Can my plant breath if the roots are so in a mess?
5.Do I have to have the stems going upward in some kind of way or can they just hang and still grow fine?
6.Wht is Pruning?
7. My plant has about 6 stems hanging all w/leaves on them but I'm wondering w/all the stems is tht whts killing it or some of the leaves?
8.Do you know of a web site tht can give me more information on Pothos and growing them?
Please help this is like my 1st plant and it's my baby  I need help
                            Thanks
                            HELP!  

Answer
Lethel,

1. The brown tips are occuring because you are overwatering this plant. It needs to be very dry and light weight before you water it again. The roots need a dry breathing period between moist periods after watering so it needs to be fairly dry for a few days.

2. From the overwatering.

3. No! Do not repot again. Every time you do you damage the roots and set the plant back. Roots grow in a tangled mess, that is their nature.

4. Yes, they breath even thogh they are tangled.

5.No the stems are fine hanging down. These plants make wonderful hanging basket plants for that reason.

6. Pruning is cutting the plant back to improve the shape and make the plant bushier and/or to use the cuttings to start new plants. When pruning always cut right above where a leaf joins the stem.

7. No, it is the overwatering. Pothos can go for 2 weeks without being watered. If it starts to wilt just give it some water and it will perk right up. You will soon get the hang of watering it just before it is at the wilting stage.

8.http://www.aboutflowers.com/gandb/pothos.html
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/houseplant_care.html

If you have more questions feel free to ask.

Darlene