Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and perfect for beginners. But what if your pothos leaves are curling? Don’t worry—leaf curling is a common issue, and in most cases, it can be fixed easily.
In this guide, we’ll explain why pothos leaves curl, how to spot the problem early, and what to do to fix it. Whether it’s golden pothos, satin pothos, silver pothos, or jade satin, this guide will help you save your plant.
Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling?
Pothos leaves can curl for many different reasons. Let’s go over the most common causes.
1. Underwatering (Dry Soil)
If your pothos isn’t getting enough water, the leaves will curl inwards to keep moisture. You may also see the soil is dry and the plant looks droopy.
Clue: Curling + dry soil = thirsty plant
This is very common in golden pothos and devil’s ivy.
2. Overwatering and Root Rot
Too much water can also cause problems. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can rot. When this happens, leaves curl and turn yellow or brown.
Clue: Curling + soft, yellow leaves = overwatering
This affects all pothos types, including satin pothos and silver pothos.
3. Low Humidity or Dry Air
Pothos plants come from tropical areas. If your home is too dry, especially in winter, the leaves may start to curl or feel crispy.
Clue: Curling + brown leaf tips = low humidity
Silver satin pothos and Scindapsus pictus are very sensitive to this.
4. Too Much Direct Sunlight
Pothos likes bright, indirect light. But if it’s in direct sunlight, the leaves can curl or get sunburned.
Clue: Curling + faded or brown patches = sun stress
This often affects jade satin pothos.
5. Cold Temperatures or Drafts
Pothos plants don’t like the cold. If they’re near a window, fan, or air conditioner, the cold air can cause the leaves to curl.
Clue: Curling + wilting = cold shock
Jade satin and silver pothos may react quickly.
6. Poor Soil or Lack of Nutrients
If your plant is not getting the nutrients it needs, the leaves might curl, turn yellow, or grow smaller.
Clue: Curling + pale leaves = nutrient issue
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly.
7. Pests (Like Spider Mites or Mealybugs)
Tiny bugs can suck juice from the leaves, which leads to curling. Check under the leaves and on the stems.
Clue: Curling + tiny white spots or webbing = pest problem
All pothos varieties, including pothos jade satin, can be affected.
8. Stress After Repotting
After you repot your pothos, it may go into shock. Leaves can curl for a few days or even a week.
Clue: Curling shortly after transplanting = transplant shock
Usually, it fixes itself with time.
How to Tell What’s Causing the Curling
Here’s how to quickly figure out the problem:
| Leaf Curling Type | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Curling + dry soil | Underwatering |
| Curling + soggy soil | Overwatering or root rot |
| Curling + brown tips | Low humidity |
| Curling + faded/burned spots | Too much sun |
| Curling + tiny bugs/spots | Pest problem |
| Curling + pale/yellow color | Nutrient deficiency |
How to Fix Curling Pothos Leaves
1. Water Correctly
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Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
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Don’t let the plant sit in water.
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Avoid watering on a fixed schedule.
2. Increase Humidity
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Mist the leaves regularly.
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Use a humidity tray or humidifier.
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Group plants together to raise moisture.
3. Check the Roots
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Take the plant out of the pot if you suspect root rot.
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Trim any black, mushy roots.
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Repot in well-draining soil.
4. Move Away from Harsh Sunlight
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Place the plant in a spot with bright but indirect light.
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Use sheer curtains to filter light.
5. Control Pests
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Wipe leaves with water and mild soap.
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Use neem oil or insecticidal spray if needed.
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Keep new plants away until they’re inspected.
6. Feed the Plant
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Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
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Don’t overfeed.
Will Curled Pothos Leaves Go Back to Normal?
It depends on the cause.
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If curling was due to dryness or humidity, the leaves may recover.
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If the leaf is too damaged, it won’t uncurl—but new leaves will grow healthy.
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You can cut off badly curled or yellow leaves to help the plant focus on new growth.
Common Curling Problems by Pothos Type
Satin Pothos Leaves Curling
Very sensitive to low humidity and dry soil. Loves moisture and warm air.
Silver Pothos / Silver Satin Curling
Curling usually means it needs water or humidity. Avoid direct sun.
Golden Pothos / Devil’s Ivy
Often, curls are due to underwatering or overwatering.
Jade Satin Pothos Curling
Tougher leaves, but sensitive to cold air and strong sunlight.
FAQs About Curling Pothos Leaves
Why are my pothos leaves curling inward?
Most likely due to underwatering or dry air.
Why are my satin pothos leaves curling?
Low humidity, cold temperatures, or watering problems are the common causes.
Can curled pothos leaves recover?
Some might if the cause is fixed early. Severely curled or dried leaves won’t go back to normal.
Should I cut off curled leaves?
Yes, if they are badly damaged. This helps new growth come in stronger.
Can fertilizer cause leaf curling?
Yes—too much fertilizer can burn the roots and cause curling. Use a balanced amount.
Conclusion
Curling pothos leaves are usually a sign that your plant is stressed. It could be from too much or too little water, dry air, pests, or cold temperatures. The good news? Once you find the problem and fix it, your pothos can grow healthy again.
Take good care of it, and those curled leaves will soon be a thing of the past.
