bacterial infection on Pothos
Quick answer
If your Pothos has bacterial infection, the most likely cause is: Bacterial leaf spot on pothos caused by Xanthomonas campestris or Pseudomonas species introduced through contaminated water, infected propagation material, or contact with infected plants. Bacteria enter through stomata or wounds and multiply in intercellular spaces, producing water-soaked lesions that may ooze bacterial exudate under humid conditions.
Start here:
- 1. Sterilize pruners with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each cut to prevent spreading bacteria between plants
- 2. Remove all affected leaves at the base by cutting the petiole close to the stem; dispose of infected tissue in sealed bag away from plants
Why Pothos gets bacterial infection
Epipremnum aureum
Bacterial leaf spot on pothos caused by Xanthomonas campestris or Pseudomonas species introduced through contaminated water, infected propagation material, or contact with infected plants. Bacteria enter through stomata or wounds and multiply in intercellular spaces, producing water-soaked lesions that may ooze bacterial exudate under humid conditions.
How to reverse bacterial infection on Pothos
- 1
Sterilize pruners with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each cut to prevent spreading bacteria between plants
- 2
Remove all affected leaves at the base by cutting the petiole close to the stem; dispose of infected tissue in sealed bag away from plants
- 3
Apply copper-based bactericide (copper sulfate or copper hydroxide) following label directions for houseplants; repeat every 7-10 days
- 4
Isolate infected plants immediately and maintain strict quarantine until 3 weeks after symptoms disappear
- 5
Avoid misting or overhead watering; switch to bottom-watering to keep foliage dry and prevent bacterial spread
Keep bacterial infection off this Pothos
Quarantine all new plants for 2-4 weeks with daily visual inspection before introducing to collection. Use filtered or distilled water to minimize bacterial introduction. Avoid overhead watering or misting that wets foliage; bottom-water instead. Sterilize propagation tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each cut.
Other Pothos problems
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