Golden Pothos with Anthracnose? Rare but Treatable
Epipremnum aureum
Anthracnose on Golden Pothos: What to Know?
Anthracnose on Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a fungal condition with high severity. Golden Pothos has low susceptibility to this disease. Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark...
Golden Pothos is a easy-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment. As an indoor plant, ensure good ventilation to aid recovery.
Unlike most plants, Golden Pothos has natural resistance to Anthracnose. Best treated with preventive measures rather than reactive treatment. Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on Golden Pothos can be managed with organic fungicides. Without precautions, chemical treatments for Anthracnose can be harmful to pets. Use organic methods for Golden Pothos in pet-friendly homes.
ð What Does Anthracnose Look Like on Golden Pothos?
- âĒ Small irregular yellow or brown spots on leaves
- âĒ Dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits
- âĒ Water-soaked lesions that darken as they age
- âĒ Pink gelatinous masses of spores in lesion centers during warm, moist weather
- âĒ Spots that expand and may cover entire leaves
- âĒ Defoliation in advanced stages
â What Causes Anthracnose on Golden Pothos?
- â Caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum
- â Cool wet weather promotes development
- â Optimum temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- â Foliage wet for extended periods of time
- â Fungi overwinter in seeds, soil and garden debris
- â Spores spread through water droplets
ð How to Treat Anthracnose on Golden Pothos?
TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on Golden Pothos with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). Golden Pothos has low susceptibility to this disease.
Quick Fixes
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Second application of systemic fungicide
Second application of systemic fungicide
Assess treatment effectiveness
Assess treatment effectiveness
Organic Treatment
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
ðĄïļ How to Prevent Anthracnose on Golden Pothos?
TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on Golden Pothos with 8 essential preventive care practices.
- â Implement drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
- â Give plants enough room to breathe and reduce humidity
- â Remove infected plant material after harvest
- â Practice crop rotation between hosts and non-hosts
- â Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
- â Use western grown seeds not exposed to the disease
- â Avoid wetting foliage during watering
- â Ensure good air circulation around plants
ðą How to Care for Golden Pothos to Prevent Anthracnose?
ð§ How to Water
Water when the top inch of soil is dry, approximately every 8-9 days. The plant will droop slightly when thirsty, giving you a visual cue. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
âïļ Lighting
Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light conditions well. Avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their patterns. Works well under fluorescent lighting.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining potting soil with a pH of 6.1-6.8. Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage. A mix of regular potting soil with perlite works well.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anthracnose kill my Golden Pothos?
How long does Golden Pothos take to recover from Anthracnose?
Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near Golden Pothos?
Sources & References
- Anthracnose: Identification, Prevention & Treatment | Gardening Know How
- Anthracnose: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent Anthracnose | The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Anthracnose Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Control | Planet Natural
- Anthracnose: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Methods
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Anthracnose
- How to Care for Epipremnum (Pothos) - Leafy Life
- The Complete Epipremnum Aureum Plant Care Guide - Greg App
- Epipremnum Aureum: Indoor Grow and Care Guide - Houseplant Central