Golden Pothos Leaves Curling: Causes and Solutions

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a highly popular houseplant, known for its resilience and beauty. However, even though it’s relatively easy to care for, there are times when its leaves may exhibit distress, such as curling.

When you notice the leaves on your Golden Pothos curling, it’s often an indicator that something is wrong with its care or environment.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the common causes of leaf curling in Golden Pothos, as well as practical solutions to help your plant return to health.

Why Are Golden Pothos Leaves Curling?

Golden Pothos leaves curling is generally a sign of stress. Several factors could contribute to this condition, ranging from improper watering to environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Understanding the root cause is essential for preventing further damage and ensuring your plant remains healthy and thriving.

1. Underwatering: The Most Common Cause

Underwatering is one of the leading reasons for leaf curling in Golden Pothos. When the plant doesn’t receive enough water, it starts to lose moisture, and the leaves curl up as a defense mechanism to reduce water loss through transpiration.

Signs of underwatering include:

• Dry, crispy leaf edges.
• Drooping vines.
• Soil that feels bone dry to the touch.

Solution:

• Water your plant thoroughly. Allow the soil to become evenly moist but not soggy. Be sure to water until it drains out the bottom of the pot, ensuring all roots receive moisture.
• Establish a consistent watering routine by checking the soil every few days. Water when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry. In general, Golden Pothos prefers being slightly dry between waterings but should never be allowed to completely dry out.

2. Overwatering: Another Common Mistake

While underwatering causes the leaves to curl inward, overwatering can also lead to curling and other symptoms of distress. Overwatering suffocates the roots, preventing them from absorbing oxygen and nutrients properly. This results in poor plant health, leading to curling leaves.

Signs of overwatering include:

• Yellowing or browning of the leaves.
• The soil feels constantly wet or soggy.
• Presence of root rot (black, mushy roots).

Solution:

• Reduce the frequency of watering and ensure your plant’s pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
• If the soil is too soggy, consider repotting the plant into fresh, well-draining potting mix.
• Trim any damaged roots if root rot has occurred, and give the plant time to recover with proper care.

3. Low Humidity Levels

Golden Pothos originates from tropical regions, which means it prefers high humidity levels. In environments with low humidity, particularly during winter when indoor heating is common, the plant can experience moisture loss, leading to leaf curling.

Signs of low humidity include:

• Brown, crispy edges on leaves.
• Dry, shriveled appearance of leaves.
• Overall wilting of the plant.

Solution:

• Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby.
• Another effective method is to place the pot on a tray of water and pebbles, ensuring the bottom of the pot doesn’t touch the water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
• Grouping plants together can also help raise humidity levels by creating a microenvironment with higher moisture levels.

4. Exposure to Direct Sunlight

While Golden Pothos is tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf curling. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light and can even tolerate low-light conditions, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to curl or turn brown.

Signs of too much sunlight include:

• Curling leaves.
• Brown or yellow spots on leaves (scorching).
• Faded or bleached appearance.

Solution:

• Move the plant to a location where it receives bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight. A north- or east-facing window is ideal.
• If you can’t avoid direct sunlight, consider using sheer curtains to diffuse the light, protecting your Pothos from harsh rays.

5. Temperature Stress

Golden Pothos is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and prefers a steady environment between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Extreme heat or cold can stress the plant, causing its leaves to curl.

Signs of temperature stress include:

• Curling leaves, especially after sudden temperature changes.
• Yellowing or browning edges.
• Drooping vines.

Solution:

• Ensure your plant is kept in a consistent temperature environment. Avoid placing it near drafty windows, heating vents, or air conditioning units.
• If your plant is exposed to extreme cold, such as near a window in winter, consider moving it to a warmer spot or insulating it from the cold air.

6. Pests: Hidden Culprits

Pest infestations can also cause leaf curling. Common pests such as spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant, which can lead to curling, yellowing, and other signs of distress.

Signs of pests include:

• Tiny, discolored spots on leaves.
• Visible pests or webbing.
• Sticky residue on the leaves (honeydew produced by pests).

Solution:

• Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, especially if curling is accompanied by other symptoms like discoloration.
• Remove pests by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using a solution of water and mild soap. For heavier infestations, consider using an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
• Isolate the infected plant from others to prevent the spread of pests.

7. Nutrient Deficiencies

Golden Pothos is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but nutrient deficiencies can sometimes cause curling leaves. A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus, can lead to poor plant health and distorted leaf growth.

Signs of nutrient deficiency include:

• Pale or yellowing leaves.
• Slow growth.
• Curling or stunted leaves.

Solution:

• Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Choose a fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too many nutrients can also lead to other issues, such as root burn and further leaf curling.

Conclusion

Curling leaves on your Golden Pothos are a clear sign that your plant is experiencing stress. Identifying the root cause — whether it’s underwatering, overwatering, low humidity, too much light, temperature stress, pests, or nutrient deficiencies — is crucial to restoring your plant’s health. With the right care and adjustments, your Golden Pothos will return to its lush, vibrant form in no time.

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Rimon Chowdhury

Gardener, Horticulturist and Author at GreenyGardener

Rimon Chowdhury, a gardening enthusiast with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Rajshahi. His love for gardening began at a young age and He has been honing his skills for over 15 years.He is an expert in all aspects of gardening, from planting and watering to pest control and crop rotation. He is also dedicated to sustainable gardening practices and love sharing his knowledge with others through his website "greenygardner.com" and on social media platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and GardenStew.

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