Pothos repotting

Question

I was given a pothos about 6 years ago. It was growing really well up until a few months ago. The two vines are now about 3 feet long and some of the leaves have been turning a pale yellow and falling off. The vines are also very leggy and bare towards the top of the plant. I’ve just moved (although it started yellowing even before I moved) so I’ve been experimenting with its placement and trying to figure out the type of light it prefers. Right now I have it near a bright window but not in direct light.

But I’ve also been wondering if it needs to be repotted or at least given some fresh soil. I don’t see any roots growing out at the bottom (although the saucer of the pot is attached so I can’t see the drainage hole). But the soil looks old (it’s still the original soil that it came with) and crusted.

My questions are:
1)Should I repot the plant? Could the old soil be contributing to the leaves falling off?
2) Can I repot it now in Nov or should I wait until late winter or spring?
3) Since it is lacking vigor, should I trim back the vines before I repot it?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is a difficult subject. These plants prefer to be left alone for the most part. This sounds like two separate issues. These like very bright, but indirect light. The “legginess” can be attributed to this. It rarely needs repotting, so my best guess would be over watering. It is best to have a pot where you can get rid of extra moisture. You will not want this to sit in water ever. Alternatively, if you start a cutting in pure water, they can remain there. Moving them from soil to water is not advised, though.

This article will help give more information to the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pothos/pothos-plant-care.htm