The money plant, scientifically known as Pothos or Epipremnum aureum, is a highly favored houseplant celebrated for its straightforward care and attractive trailing foliage. Despite its reputation for resilience, one common concern that often arises for plant owners is the curling of its leaves. This symptom can be a source of worry, indicating that something in the plant’s environment or routine may need attention. This article aims to clarify the various reasons behind money plant leaf curling and provide actionable solutions to restore your plant’s health.
Understanding Why Money Plant Leaves Curl
Leaf curling in a money plant indicates stress, signaling that its environment or care needs attention. This curling is a protective mechanism or a symptom of an underlying issue, such as conserving moisture or cellular imbalance. Recognizing curling as a stress response is crucial for diagnosing and addressing the problem.
Common Causes and Solutions for Curling Leaves
Watering Issues
Improper watering, both underwatering and overwatering, frequently causes leaf curling.
Underwatering causes leaves to become crispy, dry, and curl inward to conserve moisture. The plant may droop, and the soil will feel bone dry. To resolve this, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot.
Overwatering also causes curling, with leaves turning yellow or brown, becoming soft and limp, and the soil remaining soggy. This can lead to root rot, hindering water and nutrient uptake. If suspected, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. For severe root rot, unpot the plant, remove rotted portions, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Light Stress
Money plants need bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, causing inward curling, faded color, and crispy brown edges as the plant protects itself. Move the plant to a location with filtered light, like near a window with a sheer curtain.
Insufficient light also causes curling, often with leggy, stretched growth as the plant seeks more light. Leaves might curve downward to maximize absorption. Relocate the plant to a brighter spot, avoiding direct, harsh sunlight.
Temperature Extremes
Money plants prefer stable indoor temperatures (65-85°F / 18-29°C). Sudden temperature drops, like cold drafts, can cause leaves to curl and droop. Excessive heat from vents or direct sun also leads to curling as the plant conserves moisture.
To prevent temperature-induced curling, position your plant away from drafts and heat sources, maintaining consistent room temperature. Bring plants inside if outdoor temperatures are too cold.
Low Humidity
As tropical plants, money plants prefer moderate to high humidity. Dry air causes leaves to curl inward to reduce water loss, often with brown leaf tips or edges. This is common in heated indoor environments during colder months.
To increase humidity, mist leaves regularly (though temporary). More effective methods include:
Placing the pot on a pebble tray (ensuring it doesn’t sit in water)
Grouping plants to create a humid microclimate
Using a room humidifier
Pest Infestations
Sap-sucking pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can cause leaves to curl and distort by feeding on vital fluids. These pests lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and general plant decline.
Regularly inspect your plant, especially leaf undersides and stems, for tiny insects, sticky residue (honeydew), or fine webbing. If detected, isolate the plant to prevent spread. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following instructions. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth also helps remove pests.
Nutrient Deficiencies
While less common as a sole cause, nutrient deficiencies can contribute to plant stress and curling leaves. For instance, insufficient nitrogen can cause leaves to curl upwards, while potassium and magnesium deficiencies might cause curling with yellowing or browning leaf margins.
Provide a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season to address imbalances. However, over-fertilization can cause salt buildup, leading to curling and yellowing. If suspected, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts. Repotting in fresh soil can also reset nutrient levels.
Root-Related Problems
A money plant’s root system health directly impacts its foliage; problems below the soil can cause curling leaves. A common issue is being pot-bound, where roots outgrow the container, forming a dense mass. This hinders water and nutrient absorption, leading to plant stress, stunted growth, and curling or drooping leaves. Roots might emerge from drainage holes or circle the soil surface.
Transplant shock, occurring after repotting, is another root-related problem. This temporary stress can cause leaves to curl as the plant adjusts. For a pot-bound plant, repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil. When repotting, gently loosen circling roots and ensure proper drainage.
Essential Care Tips to Prevent Curling
Preventing leaf curling involves consistent care. Regularly check soil moisture, watering only when the top inch or two feels dry, avoiding both dryness and waterlogging. Provide bright, indirect light, adjusting placement to avoid harsh direct sun or dim areas. Maintain stable room temperatures (60-85°F / 15-29°C) to prevent stress. Ensure adequate humidity, especially in dry environments, using pebble trays or humidifiers. Periodically inspect leaves for pests, addressing issues promptly. Consistent observation allows for early detection and timely intervention, keeping your money plant healthy.