Pothos is an easy houseplant to care for, making it great for beginner gardeners. In proper conditions, this plant is a fast grower with tendrils over 10 feet long.
Drooping Pothos leaves are a common problem, but fortunately can be corrected when the underlying issue is fixed. Continue reading to learn more about general Pothos plant care and how fix drooping or wilting leaves.
Learn about general Pothos care with this complete care guide
1. Pothos leaves drooping due to dry soil
Dry soil is one of the most common reasons for drooping or wilting Pothos leaves. Pothos thrive in soil that is consistently moist. If the soil is too dry, the leaves droop and may turn brown. It is important to keep a balance between over and under watering your plant. In general, water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry.
Stick a finger in the soil- if the top layer is completely dried out, give the plant a thorough soak so that it is able to bounce back. After watering, remember to dump out any excess water that collected in the saucer so that the plant does not sit in it for too long (this prevents root rot).
Sometimes the soil may become so dry that when you water it, the water drains straight through without being absorbed. If this occurs, bottom water your plant. Let it sit in a tub of water for a few hours, so it can absorb as much as needed through the drainage hole in the pot.
If under watering was the cause of the wilted leaves, the plant should perk up after a drink or two.
Note: the location of the plant, temperature, humidity, and season all play a role in how often your Pothos should be watered. The plant requires more frequent watering during the warmer summer months or when it receives more sunlight.
Start off by watering the plant once every one to two weeks and adjust the schedule as necessary based on your specific environment. Remember to always check if the top layer of soil is dry before watering.
2. Pothos leaves drooping due to over watering
On the other hand, too much water also leads to wilting, droopy leaves. As hardy as Pothos is, it is still susceptible to root rot from too much water.
To tell the difference between wilting from over and under watering, stick a finger in the soil. If it is bone dry, your Pothos needs more water, but if it feels soggy, your plant is over watered.
If over watering is the reason for drooping Pothos leaves, reduce the watering frequency and plant the Pothos in well-draining soil. Perlite mixed into a houseplant soil increases drainage. In addition, terracotta pots with drainage holes further help remove excess water from the soil.
Avoid planting in a pot that is much larger than the plant. The excess soil in the pot retains too much water and suffocates the roots.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal infection occurring as a result of over watering. The excess water drowns the roots and can lead to plant death if it is not fixed. Pothos with root rot have yellow leaves, wilting and brown stems, and droopy leaves. When the plant is removed from the soil, you will see brown or black, slimy roots.
If root rot is caught early enough, the Pothos can still be saved. With a clean pair of garden shears or scissors, cut off the diseased roots and replant in new, well-draining soil. Clean the old pot with soap and water before planting again.
3. Pothos leaves drooping due to low humidity
Pothos like warm, humid environments. If your plant is kept somewhere with dry air, the leaves may droop and the tips of leaves can appear crispy.
Increase the humidity by misting the leaves with a spray bottle, or placing a humidifier nearby. You can also place a pebble tray with water nearby- as the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
Avoid placing your Pothos near AC vents or heaters, as the air near these is quite dry.
4. Pothos leaves drooping due to cold weather
An outdoor Pothos develops limp, shriveled leaves after freezing temperatures. Leaves may also turn brown or black due to damaged tissue. New foliage is especially susceptible to low temperatures. If this occurs, leave the damaged leaves on the plant: they eventually shrivel and fall off.
Not much can be done to fix the affected areas. On the bright side, if the plant is brought back inside, the cold-temperature does not have a long-term effect on plant growth. The plant should display new foliage in a few weeks.
Avoid keeping Pothos outside when temperatures are freezing.
Pothos Plant Care
Pothos plant care can be summarized in the table below:
| Sunlight | Prefers bright, indirect light, but is able to tolerate low-light environments. Keep away from direct sunlight because it burns the leaves. |
| Water | In general, water about once a week when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Pothos prefer moist, but not soaking soil. Do not over water because that causes root rot. |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil. |
| Temperature | Is able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but is happiest in the warmth, from 70 to 90 °F (21 to 32 °C). |
| Humidity | Thrives in humid environments. If the air is too dry, it could lead to brown leaf tips. |
| Propagation | Propagate Pothos by stem cuttings. |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs and children- keep out of their reach. |
In summary for Pothos leaves drooping…
4 common reasons for Pothos leaves drooping include:
- Under watering
- Over watering or root rot
- Dry air
- Cold temperatures
This low-maintenance plant is able to handle a wide range of conditions, however some problems still cause the leaves to wilt. Once you find the reason why your Pothos leaves are wilted, the plant should bounce back when the problem is fixed. Keep the plant in bright, indirect light, water when the top layer of soil is dry, and plant in well-draining soil to keep it happy.
See other plant specific care guides here.
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