Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant known for its resilient nature and cascading vines. While generally low-maintenance, drooping leaves are a common sign of distress. Understanding the underlying reasons for this drooping is the first step toward restoring your plant’s vigor.
Watering Issues Causing Drooping
Drooping leaves often indicate improper watering, whether too much or too little.
Underwatering
When underwatered, pothos leaves may appear limp and develop crispy edges. This happens because the plant lacks sufficient water to maintain cell rigidity. To remedy this, thoroughly water the plant until water drains from the pot’s bottom, saturating the entire root ball. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about 1-2 inches deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Overwatering
Overwatering can also lead to drooping, often with yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or dark spots. This can cause root rot, where roots decay from lack of oxygen, hindering water and nutrient absorption. If suspected, carefully remove the plant to inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white; rotting roots are soft, brown, black, and may have a foul odor. Trim affected roots with sterilized shears, dispose of old soil, clean the pot, and repot in fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Environmental Factors Affecting Pothos Leaves
Beyond watering, the surrounding environment influences a pothos’s health and can cause drooping leaves.
Light Problems
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, though they tolerate lower conditions. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to turn pale or yellow. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, smaller leaves, and a general weakening, making the plant prone to drooping. Position your pothos a few feet from a bright window or use a sheer curtain for ideal filtered light.
Temperature Stress
Extreme temperatures, whether too cold or too hot, can shock a pothos and cause drooping. Pothos prefer a consistent temperature range, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 30°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause cold damage, while excessive heat also stresses the plant. Keep your plant away from drafts, open windows in winter, or direct heat sources like radiators and air conditioning vents to maintain a stable environment.
Other Reasons for Drooping Pothos
Other factors can also cause pothos leaves to droop.
Pest Problems
Pests can weaken a pothos, leading to plant stress and drooping. Common culprits include spider mites, which create fine webbing and cause pale spots, and mealybugs, appearing as tiny white, cottony masses. These pests feed on plant sap, depleting resources. Regular inspection of leaves, especially the undersides, helps identify infestations early. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth or treatment with insecticidal soap can manage many common houseplant pests.
Transplant Shock
Repotting can temporarily stress a pothos, causing its leaves to droop as it adjusts to a new environment. This temporary drooping, known as transplant shock, resolves within a few days to a week. To minimize this, handle roots gently during repotting and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage. Consistent care, including appropriate watering and light, helps the plant recover quickly.
Preventing Future Drooping
Proactive care is the most effective way to prevent future drooping. Establish a consistent watering routine based on soil dryness, watering when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light and maintain stable room temperatures, avoiding sudden fluctuations. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Regularly inspect your pothos for early signs of pests or disease, addressing issues promptly to keep your plant healthy and vibrant.