Too much sun or a feeding gap

Yellowing concentrated on the newest leaves usually means harsh sun or a feeding shortfall.

Diagnosis

Too much sun or a feeding gap

What's happening

The creamy-white sections of a Marble Queen leaf have no chlorophyll to protect them, so heavily variegated new growth scorches and bleaches to pale yellow in direct sun far more easily than a plain green pothos would. Pale, weak new leaves with no recent feeding instead point to a nutrient shortfall, since young growth shows hunger first.

How to fix it

Move the plant out of any direct sun into the bright, indirect light this variety prefers. If feeding is overdue, start a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength through the growing season. New leaves that emerge after the change should come in firm and healthy with crisp marbling.

What fixes it

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.

Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this