Stem Rot on pothos
What's Happening
Stem rot occurs when bacterial or fungal pathogens enter through wounds or leaf axils where moisture accumulates, then spread downward into vascular tissue. Unlike root rot which starts below soil and moves upward, stem rot begins at the soil line or above and progresses both up and down. In philodendrons and pothos, this appears as dark, sunken lesions at nodes with yellowing leaves on affected stems while adjacent stems remain healthy.
How to Fix It
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1. Early detection: Inspect stem bases monthly for dark discoloration, softening, or sunken lesions at soil line
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2. Tactile confirmation: Gently squeeze stem tissue - healthy stems are firm, rot yields to gentle pressure
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3. Surgical intervention: Make clean cut 1-2 inches above visible rot using sterile blade angled away from plant center
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4. Wound sealing: Immediately seal fresh cut with candle wax, super glue, or thick cinnamon powder to prevent reinfection
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5. Isolation: Remove affected stem entirely if rot has progressed below soil line or into multiple nodes
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6. Propagation rescue: Root healthy upper stem sections in water with weekly changes and 60-70% humidity
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7. Environmental correction: Improve airflow, reduce humidity slightly, and bottom-water to keep stems dry during recovery
How to Prevent It
Avoid overhead watering that wets stems; maintain good air circulation around plant base with small fan; ensure leaves don't rest on wet soil surface; treat any stem wounds immediately with cinnamon or fungicide; quarantine new plants to prevent introducing stem rot pathogens.
Related Problems
Same Problem on Other Plants
Go Deeper
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