Pothos plants are known for being resilient and adaptable. But they can still have issues.
If your pothos has drooping leaves it’s a clear sign that something’s off. This guide will help you get to the bottom of why your pothos is sulking and how to get it back to being healthy and happy.
Underwatering
When your pothos starts drooping water is usually the first place to look. If the leaves are looking lifeless and feeling very thin then it probably needs some water. This is even more likely if you’ve noticed the soil pulling away from the edges of the pot.
Don’t worry though – checking how moist the soil is isn’t difficult. Just push your finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it’s dry then water it until the water flow as out of the drainage holes.
Overwatering
You can have problems going the other way though. The soil getting waterlogged will make the leaves droop just as much as underwatering.
If you’ve found the leaves are mushy as well as smelling a nasty odour then slow your watering. Let the top layer of soil dry out between each water. And don’t forget to enjoy the saucer or tray within an hour of watering.
The trickiest part? Finding the right balance between too wet and too dry.
Your pothos will tell you when you’ve got it right. The leaves will perk up and look glossy and happy.
Humidity
The environment being wrong can also cause droopy pothos leaves. Pothos plants comes from the tropical rainforests where the air is warm and moist.
In our homes, especially during the winter when we turn our heaters on, the air can get really dry.
If you’ve seen brown and crispy edges on your leaves along with the drooping then that’s a sign your pothos needs more humidity.
Misting can help but it will only be a temporary fix. The best thing to do is create an environment that is closer to the tropical one pothos are naturally from.
Try grouping any other plants you have together with your pothos. Or you can use a pebble tray which is just a shallow dish that has stones and water in it (make sure you keep your plant above the waterline).
A small humidifier near your pothos will also work really well.
Temperature
The temperature changing and swinging back and forth can upset your pothos too. They don’t like cold drafts from windows or air conditioners blowing on them.
They’re happiest in rooms that stay between 65 and 85 degrees. Basically if you’re comfortable they will be too. Just keep them away from heating vents and cold windows during the winter.
Light
Pothos are known to be adaptable when it comes to light. But if they’re not happy they will let you know.
If the leaves are turning pale and drooping then it could well be your plant is getting sunburned from too much direct light.
If the vibes are leggy and there are big gaps between the leaves then that’s down to your pothos stretching towards whatever light it can find. What they actually want is bright, indirect light. An easy facing window or making sure the plant is a few feet back from a south window will work best.
If your home is naturally dark or dim then using a grow light can help to make up for a lack of natural light without burning your plant.
Pest Problems
Sometimes drooping leaves can be a sign of pests. If you look closely at a struggling pothos you might find tiny webs, sticky substance or even very small dots moving around the stems and leaves.
These are classic signs of common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Unfortunately all of these love the sap of pothos plants.
If you can then try to stay away from using harsh chemicals, at least to begin with. Instead start by putting your pothos in then sink or shower and spraying all of it with lukewarm water. Make sure you pay extra attention to the undersides of the leaves as that’s where the pests hide.
For pests this doesn’t work on then you may have to mix a few drops of dish soap with water and put it in a spray bottle. You can spray it on your pothos and it will suffocate most pests and doesn’t harm your plant in the process.
If none of this works then neem oil is going to be your next best bet. It’s natural and works well when used consistently.
Root Problems
Root problems can cause drooping too, especially if your pothos has been in the same pot for a while. When the roots get too crowded they begin to struggle to absorb the water and nutrients that they and the plant need.
So check to see if the roots are growing out of the drainage holes of the pot. If so then that’s a definite sign the roots need more room.
Repotting isn’t a big deal. Just get a pot that’s a few inches wider than the current one and use a fresh mix. All you have to do is take your plant out of the pot (carefully!) and trim away any parts of the roots that look dead or are mushy.
For a week or two after it’s been repotted pothos can look a bit unhappy. That’s just transplant shock and is common. Keep up the right care and it’ll bounce back without any problems.
Nutrition
Pothos need some basic nutrients to really do well even if they don’t want a huge amount of feeding. If your plant’s leaves are drooping despite good water and light conditions, and you notice pale leaves or poor growth, it could be as simple as it doesn’t have enough nutrients.
Feeding your pothos isn’t complicated. During the growing season (which is spring through early fall), use a balanced houseplant fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks.
Always dilute the fertilizer more than you think you need to though. Pothos plants like a weaker, regular feeding rather than strong fertilizer but given sporadically.
Transplant Shock
If you’ve recently repotted your pothos it could be in shock. This is normal and usually temporary.
Symptoms of Shock
- Leaves drooping soon after repotting.
- The plant looks “off,” even though everything else seem fine.
The Fix
- Be Patient: Give your plant a couple of weeks to settle in.
- Best Conditions: Make sure it’s has the right water, light, and humidity during it’s recovery.
- Support Growth: Add a small amount of diluted fertilizer after 2 to 3 weeks as it will help encourage new growth.
Final Thoughts
The main thing you need to be doing with your pothos is watching it. Getting to know what it normally looks like, how the leaves should be when they’re healthy, how heavy the pot is when it’s been properly watered etc. will all make it easier to spot problems early before they become more serious.
And don’t forget that seasonal changes affect your pothos too. It will be growing less in the winter naturally so you’ll have to change how you’re caring for it then. Don’t water as often, skip fertilizing entirely, and don’t be concerned if it looks less perky than it would usually. That’s just the way it works.