Wrinkled or shriveled leaves on your Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) signal a disruption in the plant’s internal moisture balance. This common issue is usually reversible with prompt corrective action. Wrinkling occurs when the turgor pressure within the plant’s cells drops, causing the normally plump leaves to collapse and lose their smooth structure. Understanding the cause of this cellular dehydration is the first step toward restoring the plant’s healthy foliage.
Wrinkled Leaves Due to Underwatering
The most frequent cause of wrinkled Pothos leaves is simple dehydration from being without water for too long. The leaves often feel thin, limp, and sometimes crisp at the edges. The soil will be completely dry, frequently pulling away from the sides of the pot. This is a survival mechanism where the plant sacrifices moisture in its leaves to conserve water for permanent structures like stems and roots.
To remedy dehydration, the plant requires a complete soaking to rehydrate the entire root ball. Water the potted Pothos deeply from the top until water flows freely out of the drainage holes. If the soil is severely compacted, allow the plant to sit in three to four inches of water for up to an hour, enabling the dry soil to wick up moisture from the bottom. Ensure all excess water drains away before returning the plant to its location; the leaves should begin to plump back up within a few hours to a couple of days.
Wrinkled Leaves Due to Overwatering and Root Issues
Paradoxically, consistently wrinkled or wilted leaves can also signal overwatering, which leads to root rot. When the soil remains saturated, roots are deprived of oxygen and begin to die, often becoming mushy, dark brown, or black. Although water is abundant, the rotted roots cannot absorb and transport it to the foliage. This causes the leaves to wrinkle and wilt as if the plant were dry. Root rot is often accompanied by a persistently wet soil surface, a foul odor, and general yellowing of the leaves.
Saving a Pothos from root rot requires immediate intervention. Carefully slide the plant out of its pot and gently rinse the roots under lukewarm water to remove the old soil and inspect the root system. Using clean, sterilized scissors, trim away all damaged root tissue, leaving only firm, healthy, white, or pale tan roots. The Pothos should then be repotted into a clean container with fresh, fast-draining potting medium to ensure better aeration and prevent fungal pathogens.
Environmental Stressors: Temperature and Light
Beyond watering mistakes, external environmental factors like temperature extremes and improper light exposure can cause leaves to wrinkle and collapse. Pothos plants are tropical and thrive best within a stable temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to cold drafts or sustained temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause cellular damage, resulting in yellowing and a limp appearance of the foliage. Relocating the plant away from vents or drafty doorways prevents this stress.
Excessive heat or intense, direct sunlight can trigger leaf wrinkling as the plant attempts to minimize water loss through transpiration. In high-heat conditions, the plant loses water quickly, and the leaves may develop bleached, scorched patches or dry, crispy edges. Moving the plant slightly further away from a bright window or providing dappled shade reduces the intensity of light and heat exposure. Low ambient humidity, especially near heating vents, also contributes to the shriveled look as moisture evaporates too quickly.
Restoring Pothos Health and Long-Term Care
Preventative maintenance is the most effective approach to ensuring your Pothos retains smooth foliage and avoids future moisture stress. Start with the correct substrate, using a well-draining soil mix amended with materials like perlite or orchid bark to promote aeration and prevent compaction. The container must have adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing the anaerobic conditions that foster root rot.
A consistent watering routine based on soil moisture, rather than a fixed schedule, is necessary for long-term health. Before watering, insert your finger about two inches into the soil to confirm it is dry at that depth. This simple test ensures the roots have access to both water and the oxygen they require. Be mindful of seasonal changes, as the plant requires less frequent watering during the cooler winter months when its growth rate slows.