--- title: "This golden pothos (affectionately named “Goldie”) was doing…" description: "This golden pothos (affectionately named “Goldie”) was doing beautifully until recently. I propagated part of her and that part is STILL doing beautifully. I…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/r0jIFNY10O9Nav2a5aheOE" community: "Pests, diseases and problems" author: "WhyPlantsWhy" published: "2025-09-21T18:17:16.879183Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x4WElge7WEpSljYzGUC8nzcT3tzM91HLARvrzIfgLnA/lry_rxswSn6tItEyuwlPnA.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md) # This golden pothos (affectionately named “Goldie”) was doing… _Posted by WhyPlantsWhy on 2025-09-21_ This golden pothos (affectionately named “Goldie”) was doing beautifully until recently. I propagated part of her and that part is STILL doing beautifully. I was liking her over this morning- trying to figure out what the actual eff is going on- and found this. It looks like something happened in the middle of the stem and it’s perhaps ‘pinched’ off the rest of the stem. She’s dropped her leaves (which turned yellow) and didn’t positively respond to anything I’ve tried so far- which are the following: 1\. At the apps diagnostic recommendations- watered again 2\. Tried putting in a spot that gets more sun 3\. Haven’t repotted but the nursery container it’s in does have adequate drainage 4\. Haven’t fertilized 5\. No visible pests I’d also like to highlight that, while I’m doing the best that I can, I don’t really know what I’m doing- so, be gentle, please. Any advice for poor Goldie is welcome! ![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x4WElge7WEpSljYzGUC8nzcT3tzM91HLARvrzIfgLnA/lry_rxswSn6tItEyuwlPnA.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x4WElge7WEpSljYzGUC8nzcT3tzM91HLARvrzIfgLnA/J680BQmaSv2Be1bwbm7LCQ.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x4WElge7WEpSljYzGUC8nzcT3tzM91HLARvrzIfgLnA/EmhybpX2QlqlKItje6S8Tg.webp?size=large) ## 6 comments ### happysoxdonkey commented on 2025-09-21 I wonder if it has root rot? ### Plants 🪴 ♥️ commented on 2025-09-21 I agree with Happy, above. Looks like it could be root rot based on the decay going up the stem from the soil. ### Phil commented on 2025-09-21 To get a better idea of what’s going on, take it out of the pot and look at the roots. Stinky, squishy, is root rot. ### Alex Bailey commented on 2025-09-21 My guess was root rot as well, from the look of the brown part of the stem and the dead leaves. Like suggested, take it out of the pot and look at the roots, if they’re brown, squishy and fall apart easily those roots are dead, usually stinky too. You’ll have to remove off all the dead roots with clean shears, and remove the soil off as well since root rot infects everything inside the pot. Try and salvage the green part of the stem, cut the brown part off since that’s dead. You can replant the stem where there’s a node and stick it in a clean pot with fresh soil. Give it some time, you may not see a new leaf until new roots have grown. ### chya worms commented on 2025-09-22 so, like everyone else is saying, yes take a peek at the roots but know you won’t be keeping them. you’re looking to see whether or not you have root rot. unfortunately the bottom of that stem is already gone so it kind of doesn’t matter what the roots look like- but it will at least let you know if you’ve overwatered. i’d cut the stem right below the first node, strip the leaves off the first two or three nodes (i know, it’s hard) and plant that sucker in a new pot of dirt. for reference if you don’t know yet, nodes are like the little bumps or ridges where leaves grow. stripping these of leaves and planting them in the soil will sprout roots from them and if well taken care of, this little fella will come to be a healthy plant again. don’t stress too much, my first pothos had the same issues and i waited ages for it to grow back in its full glory, but i’m glad i gave it another chance. next time, make sure to watch for yellowing leaves and don’t water until the soil is dry (this is in the case of this plant having root rot \[probably more true than not\]). the first picture is of my first golden pothos right after i had propagated that awkward cutting, the second is about a year and a half later. there’s hope! ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/i0kHIdSnQtNJOhnq_n52S2I3bpEqWK6n5h7PV1CCGyY/0vNtcCs8TZSVZwmiw_Mflw.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/i0kHIdSnQtNJOhnq_n52S2I3bpEqWK6n5h7PV1CCGyY/uR36zg6CQw6BvJapewR83A.webp?size=large) ### Nunyabzwx commented on 2025-09-22 At least you have some of her propagating. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). 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