Pothos, a popular and adaptable houseplant, is cherished for its cascading vines and heart-shaped foliage. Though generally low-maintenance, pothos owners often encounter curling leaves, a sign of stress. Understanding the reasons for this behavior is the first step toward restoring your plant’s vigor and health.
Common Reasons Pothos Leaves Curl
Underwatering
When a pothos plant does not receive enough water, its leaves often curl inwards and downwards. This conserves moisture by minimizing water loss through reduced leaf surface area. Soil feels dry and crumbly.
Overwatering
Paradoxically, overwatering also causes pothos leaves to curl, often yellowing. Waterlogged soil deprives roots of oxygen, leading to rot. Damaged roots cannot absorb water and nutrients effectively, mimicking underwatering symptoms.
Low Humidity
Pothos are tropical plants, preferring high humidity. In drier indoor conditions, especially during winter with active heating, the air lacks sufficient moisture. To counteract moisture loss, pothos curl their leaves inwards, creating a humid microclimate.
Excessive Light Exposure
Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight is detrimental to protect against intense light and heat. Higher leaf temperatures and increased water loss result, minimizing light absorption and stress.
Pest Infestations
Common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs cause pothos leaves to curl. These insects feed by sucking sap from the foliage, stressing it. Other signs: sticky residue (honeydew) or fine webbing.
Temperature Extremes
Pothos plants prefer stable temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18-29°C). Both excessively hot and cold conditions induce leaf curling. Cold drafts or extreme heat from vents/direct sun cause rapid moisture loss and leaf curling.
Diagnosing the Cause of Curling Leaves
Diagnosing curling leaves requires observation. Begin by checking the soil moisture level. Insert your finger about two inches deep into the soil; if it feels completely dry, underwatering is a strong possibility. Conversely, if the soil is soggy and the pot feels heavy, overwatering might be the issue.
Examine the leaves for clues. Look for tiny insects, sticky residue, or webbing on undersides and stems. Assess its location relative to light. If in direct sunlight for several hours, especially during brightest parts of the day, excessive light could be the culprit.
Consider the ambient temperature and humidity. If air feels dry, especially with heating or AC, low humidity might stress your plant. Check for proximity to drafty windows, doors, or heat vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations cause curling. These observations help narrow the cause.
Steps to Revive Pothos with Curling Leaves
Once the cause of curling leaves is identified, prompt action revives your pothos. If underwatering is the problem, thoroughly water the plant using the soak-and-drain method until water flows from the drainage holes. The leaves should begin to uncurl within a few hours.
For overwatering, remove the plant, inspect roots, trimming soft, brown, or mushy sections. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil with drainage holes, allowing soil to dry significantly before next watering.
To address low humidity, increase moisture by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or a room humidifier.
If excessive light causes curling, move your pothos to bright, indirect light, away from harsh direct sun. Sheer curtains diffuse intense sunlight.
For pest infestations, isolate the plant immediately. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests, then treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil.
If temperature extremes are the issue, relocate the plant to a stable spot, avoiding direct drafts or heat sources.
Preventative Care for Healthy Pothos
Consistent care prevents future leaf curling and ensures a thriving plant. Establish a regular watering schedule, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly.
Provide consistent bright, indirect light for healthy growth and to prevent light stress. Consider home humidity, especially during dry seasons, and use pebble trays or humidifiers to maintain moderate humidity.
Regularly inspect your pothos for early signs of pests or diseases, especially on leaf undersides, to catch issues early. Keep your plant away from sudden temperature fluctuations (cold drafts, hot vents) for well-being.
Fertilize your pothos sparingly during its growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, as over-fertilization causes stress. These routines help maintain lush, uncurled leaves.