Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Pothos plants, with their cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, are beloved for their resilience and adaptability. However, even these easy-going houseplants can send distress signals, with leaf curling being one of the most common concerns. When those normally flat, vibrant leaves begin to curl, your plant is communicating that something in its environment needs attention. Fortunately, most pothos problems can be quickly resolved once you identify the underlying cause.

Quick Facts Table

Feature	Details
Plant Type	Evergreen vine/houseplant
Plant Family	Araceae
Genus	Epipremnum
Common Names	Devil's ivy, Money plant, Golden pothos
Exposure	Bright indirect light to partial shade
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Medium (allow to dry between waterings)
Soil Type	Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH	6.1-6.5 (slightly acidic)
Characteristics	Air-purifying, trailing/climbing habit
Garden Uses	Hanging baskets, tabletops, shelves, wall training

Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling?

Leaf curling in pothos plants is rarely random and almost always indicates an environmental issue that needs addressing. Understanding the specific type of curling can help diagnose the problem more accurately. Let's explore the most common causes and their solutions:

1. Underwatering (Upward Curling)

Signs:

Leaves curl upward and inward
Dry, crispy leaf edges
Soil completely dry to touch
Slower growth

Solution:
✅ Water thoroughly until water flows from drainage holes
✅ Create a consistent watering schedule (typically every 7-10 days)
✅ Check soil moisture with your finger before watering

Prevention Tip: Place your pothos on a pebble tray with water to increase humidity without overwatering.

2. Overwatering (Downward Curling)

Signs:

Leaves curl downward
Yellowing leaves, especially older ones
Soggy soil that doesn't dry out
Possible root rot (musty smell)

Solution:
✅ Allow soil to dry out completely before watering again
✅ Check drainage holes aren't blocked
✅ Consider repotting if soil remains waterlogged

Emergency Action: If root rot is suspected, gently remove the plant from its pot, trim away any black/mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

3. Temperature Stress (Various Curling Patterns)

Signs:

Leaves curl in various directions
Brown spots or edges
Location near drafts, heaters, or AC vents

Solution:
✅ Move plant away from temperature extremes
✅ Maintain temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
✅ Shield from cold drafts and hot air sources

Pro Tip: Pothos prefer consistency—sudden temperature changes can shock the plant even if the temperature itself isn't extreme.

4. Light Issues (Inward Curling)

Signs:

Leaves curl inward toward the center
Pale or bleached appearance (too much light)
Leggy growth with small leaves (too little light)

Solution:
✅ For too much light: Move to a location with bright, indirect light
✅ For too little light: Relocate to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunbeams

Light Test: If you can read a book comfortably in the light without turning on a lamp, it's likely good for your pothos.

5. Pest Infestation (Irregular Curling)

Signs:

Irregular curling patterns
Sticky residue on leaves
Visible pests (spider mites, mealybugs, scale)
Discolored spots or stippling

Solution:
✅ Isolate the affected plant immediately
✅ Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap solution
✅ For severe infestations, treat with neem oil
✅ Repeat treatments weekly until pests are gone

Prevention: Regularly inspect new plants before bringing them home, and periodically check existing plants for early signs of pests.

6. Fertilizer Issues (Curling with Discoloration)

Signs:

Curling accompanied by brown leaf tips
Stunted growth
White crust on soil surface

Solution:
✅ For overfertilization: Flush soil thoroughly with water
✅ For underfertilization: Apply balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength
✅ Follow a seasonal fertilizing schedule (spring through fall)

Recovery Tip: After flushing overfertilized soil, wait at least a month before fertilizing again.

Essential Pothos Care

Water

💧 Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry completely between waterings
💧 Water less frequently in winter, more often during active growth
💧 Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots

Light

☀️ Thrives in bright, indirect light
☀️ Can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth will slow
☀️ Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves

Soil & Feeding

🌱 Use well-draining potting mix, ideally with perlite or orchid bark
🌱 Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring-fall) with balanced houseplant fertilizer
🌱 Skip fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows

Humidity & Temperature

🌡️ Comfortable in average home humidity (40-60%)
🌡️ Prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
🌡️ Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents

Seasonal Care

Spring

Resume regular watering as growth picks up
Begin fertilizing schedule
Wipe leaves to remove dust
Consider repotting if root-bound

Summer

Monitor soil moisture more frequently
Provide bright, indirect light
Mist occasionally during very dry periods
Prune leggy growth to encourage fullness

Fall

Reduce watering frequency as growth slows
Stop fertilizing by late fall
Check for pests before moving indoors (if outside for summer)

Winter

Water sparingly, only when soil is completely dry
Maintain temperature above 60°F (15°C)
Keep away from cold windows and drafts
Skip fertilizing until spring

Pothos Troubleshooting Chart

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Upward curling leaves	Underwatering	Water thoroughly and establish regular schedule
Downward curling leaves	Overwatering	Reduce watering frequency, check drainage
Brown leaf edges	Low humidity or fertilizer burn	Increase humidity, flush soil if overfertilized
Yellowing leaves	Overwatering or nutrient deficiency	Allow soil to dry, consider fertilizing if not recent
Leggy growth	Insufficient light	Move to brighter location, prune to encourage fullness
Tiny webs between leaves	Spider mites	Isolate plant, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil

Recovery Tips for Severely Curling Leaves

If your pothos leaves are severely curled and the plant looks distressed, follow these recovery steps:

Assess and adjust watering – This is the most common issue
Trim severely damaged leaves – They won't recover and drain energy
Move to optimal conditions – Bright indirect light, stable temperature
Hold off on fertilizer until new growth appears
Be patient – Recovery can take 2-4 weeks for new healthy growth

Remember that older leaves that have been severely curled may never fully flatten again, but new growth should emerge healthy once conditions improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will curled pothos leaves ever uncurl?
A: Mildly curled leaves may flatten out once the underlying issue is fixed, but severely damaged leaves typically won't recover completely. Focus on creating conditions for healthy new growth.

Q: How often should I water my pothos to prevent curling?
A: There's no one-size-fits-all schedule. Instead, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. This might be weekly in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter.

Q: Can pothos recover from severe leaf curling?
A: Yes! Pothos are remarkably resilient. Even if you need to cut back severely damaged portions, the plant will typically bounce back with proper care.

Q: Should I mist my pothos to prevent leaf curling?
A: Occasional misting can help, especially in very dry environments, but it's not a substitute for proper watering. A pebble tray provides more consistent humidity.

Q: Why are my pothos leaves curling even though I'm watering correctly?
A: If watering isn't the issue, check for pests, temperature extremes, or recent fertilizing that might have been too strong.

With proper diagnosis and care, your pothos can quickly recover from leaf curling and return to its lush, trailing glory. These adaptable plants are forgiving of occasional mistakes, making them perfect for both beginning and experienced plant parents.