Skip to content

Golden Pothos · Epipremnum aureum

Why is my Golden Pothos drooping?

A drooping Pothos is usually a cry for help regarding its water intake. Check the soil moisture first to see if it is bone dry or waterlogged.

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to feel if it is dry or damp.
  2. Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel limp and thin, and the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not sitting in a puddle.

  2. Root Rot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look wilted even though the soil is wet, and the stems may feel mushy near the base.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black or slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and wait a few days before watering again.

Find out what's wrong with your golden pothos

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, you may have a root issue. It is normal for a plant to droop slightly if it has been in a very hot room.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the top few centimeters of soil before adding more water.

Keep your golden pothos healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my Pothos recover after drooping?
Yes, it usually bounces back quickly once you address the water issue. Just be patient after you water it.
Should I mist the leaves to help with drooping?
Misting does not help with drooping, as the issue is in the roots. Focus on getting water to the soil instead.

More problems with Golden Pothos

Back to the Golden Pothos guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.