Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling Up

Pothos leaves curling up is usually a sign of stress from improper watering or environmental conditions.
 
If you’ve noticed your pothos leaves curling up, you’re not alone, many plant parents see this and panic.
 
The good news is curling pothos leaves are often reversible once you figure out the cause.
 
Pothos leaves curling can happen for several reasons, but the most common ones involve water, humidity, or light.
 
In this post we’ll walk through why pothos leaves curl up and exactly how to fix those curling pothos leaves.
 
Let’s get those leaves flat, healthy, and happy again.
 

Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling Up?

Pothos leaves curl up mainly because the plant is trying to conserve moisture.
 
When a pothos feels thirsty or stressed, it curls its leaves inward to reduce water loss.
 
But curling pothos leaves can also point to overwatering, low humidity, or even pests.
 
So if you’re wondering why your pothos leaves are curling up, here are the six most likely culprits.
 

1. Underwatering Is the Top Reason for Pothos Leaves Curling

The number one cause of pothos leaves curling up is underwatering.
 
When your pothos doesn’t get enough water, its leaves curl inward to protect themselves.
 
The soil may feel dry to the touch and the curling pothos leaves will look crispy or wrinkled.
 
If you notice the lower leaves curling up first, it’s almost always a thirst issue.
 
Giving your plant a good soak usually fixes curling pothos leaves within a day or two.
 

2. Overwatering Can Also Cause Pothos Leaves Curling

Surprisingly, too much water makes pothos leaves curl up too.
 
When roots sit in soggy soil, they suffocate and can’t deliver water to the leaves properly.
 
This leads to curling pothos leaves that often feel soft or mushy, not crispy.
 
You might also see yellowing leaves or a musty smell from the soil.
 
Check the root system if you suspect overwatering is causing your pothos leaves curling up.
 

3. Low Humidity Makes Pothos Leaves Curl Up

Pothos love humidity, and dry air triggers curling pothos leaves.
 
If your home has low humidity, especially in winter, your pothos leaves curling up is a common reaction.
 
The edges of the leaves may also turn brown and crispy.
 
Increasing humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier often solves curling pothos leaves quickly.
 

4. Temperature Stress Leads to Pothos Leaves Curling

Pothos leaves curling up can happen if the plant is too cold or too hot.
 
Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or direct heat from vents and radiators shock the plant.
 
The curling pothos leaves might also droop or look discolored.
 
Keep your pothos in a spot between 65–85°F (18–29°C) to prevent pothos leaves curling from temperature stress.
 

5. Too Much Direct Light Causes Pothos Leaves to Curl

While pothos like bright indirect light, direct sun burns the leaves.
 
Burned pothos leaves curling inward is a defense against sun damage.
 
If the curling pothos leaves have crisp brown patches, move your plant a few feet away from the window.
 

6. Pests Can Trigger Pothos Leaves Curling Up

Spider mites and thrips suck sap from leaves, causing pothos leaves curling up.
 
Look for tiny webs or small bugs on the undersides of curling pothos leaves.
 
Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil to stop the curling pothos leaves from getting worse.
 

How to Fix Curling Pothos Leaves

Once you know why your pothos leaves are curling up, fixing them is straightforward.
 
Here’s a step-by-step plan to rescue those curling pothos leaves and bring them back to life.
 

1. Check the Soil Moisture First

Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
 
If it’s bone dry, your pothos leaves curling up is likely from underwatering.
 
If it feels soggy, overwatering is the cause of your curling pothos leaves.
 
Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to avoid both extremes.
 

2. Adjust Your Watering Routine for Curling Pothos Leaves

For underwatered pothos, give a thorough soak until water runs from the drainage holes.
 
For overwatered pothos, let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
 
You may need to repot with fresh, well-draining soil if the curling pothos leaves persist.
 

3. Increase Humidity Around Curling Pothos Leaves

Mist your pothos leaves daily or set a humidifier nearby.
 
Grouping plants together also raises humidity and helps stop pothos leaves curling up.
 
A pebble tray with water under the pot is another easy fix for curling pothos leaves.
 

4. Inspect for Pests on Curling Pothos Leaves

Examine both sides of the curling pothos leaves with a magnifying glass.
 
If you find pests, isolate the plant and treat with a gentle insecticide.
 
Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth removes dust and discourages future curling pothos leaves.
 

Preventing Pothos Leaves from Curling in the Future

Stopping pothos leaves curling up before it starts is easier than fixing it.
 
Follow these simple habits to keep your pothos flat and thriving.
 

1. Water on a Consistent Schedule

Don’t wait until your pothos leaves curling up reminds you to water.
 
Check the soil weekly and water when the top inch is dry.
 
Consistency prevents both underwatering and overwatering, so pothos leaves curling becomes rare.
 

2. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Place your pothos in a spot with bright filtered light, not direct sun.
 
If the leaves start curling up, move it a bit further from the window.
 

3. Maintain Good Airflow Without Drafts

Gentle airflow helps prevent pests and mold that lead to curling pothos leaves.
 
But avoid placing pothos in drafty windows or near air conditioning vents.
 

So, Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling Up?

Pothos leaves curling up is almost always a cry for help about water, humidity, or light.
 
The most common reason for pothos leaves curling up is underwatering, but overwatering and low humidity are close behind.
 
By checking your watering routine, boosting humidity, and ruling out pests, you can solve curling pothos leaves in most cases.
 
Remember that pothos leaves curling up is a reversible issue if caught early.
 
Keep an eye on your plant and respond quickly, and those curling pothos leaves will flatten out again.
 
Hope this helps you understand why your pothos leaves are curling up and how to fix them for good.