Pothos plants, otherwise known as ‘Devil’s Ivy,’ are known for their low requirements and forgivingness. These lovely climbing plants will grow long, thick vines and bright green leaves no matter where you put them in your home.
Forgot to water them? No problem. These plants will bounce right back after a little bit of neglect.
Don’t be fooled, though. Pothos can be difficult just like any other plant if it doesn’t get the conditions it needs. That’s when people often ask, “Why isn’t my pothos growing?” Luckily, these issues are quickly found and fixed.
With their trailing vines and variegated leaves, pothos plants bring the lush vibes of the jungle right into your living room. These tropical beauties are typically fast growers, but sometimes a pothos can stagnate, leaving you wondering “why is my pothos not growing?”
Don’t despair. With a few adjustments, you can get your pothos thriving again. Let’s explore some of the common causes for a lack of growth and tips to spur your pothos into action.
Lighting Issues
Pothos prefer bright indirect light similar to what filters through the canopy in their tropical homeland. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves while too little light starves them of the energy they need to grow.
If your pothos sits in a dark corner, try moving it closer to a bright window North or east facing windows are ideal in most climates Add a sheer curtain to filter harsh afternoon sun from west or south windows. Rotate the plant occasionally so all sides get light exposure.
Insufficient light is one of the most common reasons behind slow pothos growth. Even plants that tolerate low light will grow faster with adequate bright, indirect sunlight.
Underwatering
On the flip side, inadequate water is another frequent culprit when pothos growth stalls. These tropical vines thrive when kept evenly moist. Allowing the soil to completely dry out or go for long stretches without watering can “confuse” the plant.
Check the soil before watering, and irrigate once the top inch becomes dry. Droopy, wrinkled leaves often signal underhydration. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and discard any excess water in the saucer.
During winter when growth naturally slows, you may only need to water every 2-3 weeks. In hot summer months, pothos may need water twice a week. Adjust as needed based on your environment.
Overwatering and Root Rot
Too much moisture can spell disaster for pothos. These plants are susceptible to root rot if left sitting in wet soil for extended periods. Poor drainage only exacerbates the issue.
Check that your pothos pot has a drainage hole, and use a well-aerated potting mix rather than dense, moisture-retentive soil. Water only when the top of the soil becomes dry, and empty any water that collects in the saucer after 30 minutes.
If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots will be firm and white or green. Black, mushy roots indicate advanced rot. Trim off any diseased sections, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Potbound Plant
An overly rootbound pothos will stop growing as it runs out of space for its root system to expand. Carefully remove the plant from its container annually, and inspect the root mass.
If the roots are densely circled or matted along the edge, it’s time to size up to a larger pot. Choose a container 2 inches wider than the current one, using porous terra cotta or plastic with drainage holes.
Before repotting, gently loosen any tightly packed roots or untangle them if possible. This encourages new growth once the plant is situated in its roomier new home.
Underfeeding
While they aren’t heavy feeders, pothos still require nutrients to support an active growth phase. Fertilizing every 2-3 months during spring and summer provides a nutritional boost.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, or opt for a time-release pellet formula mixed into the top of the soil. Feed monthly in fall and winter when plants are less actively growing.
If your pothos looks healthy but compact, stepping up the fertilizer may help it put out new vines and leaves again. Rotate between applications to prevent buildup.
Environmental Stressors
Any type of shock from a sudden change in environment can temporarily stall pothos growth. Things like sharp temperature swings, relocation stress from moving to a new home, or drafts from vents may impact the plant.
Try to maintain stable conditions without extreme highs or lows in temperature or humidity. Keep pothos away from air vents, radiators, or breezy windows where cold drafts are common.
When moving a pothos to a new location, allow it to acclimate for a week or two before repositioning again. This gives the plant time to adjust to the new conditions.
Pruning Spurs Growth
Ironically, sometimes the best way to get a pothos growing again is by cutting it back. Pruning stimulates latent growth buds and signals the plant to redirect energy into pushing out new vines and foliage.
Use clean shears to trim trailing stems back to just below the node. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as well. Within a few weeks, you should see new sprouts emerge from the pruned stems.
You can prune pothos year-round, but it’s best to time it before the spring growing period. Limit pruning to once a year, as excessive cutting can stress plants.
Quick Troubleshooting for Lack of Growth
If your pothos lacks its usual vigor, run through this troubleshooting list:
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Move to a bright location, or install a grow light if natural light is insufficient.
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Check soil moisture and water well when the top inch is dry.
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Repot in fresh soil if roots are dense, circled, or mushy.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid or time-release formula.
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Prune back long, leggy vines to stimulate new growth.
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Eliminate drafts and maintain stable indoor temperatures.
FAQ About Pothos Growth Issues
Still puzzled about why your pothos is playing Sleeping Beauty? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Why is my pothos not growing new leaves?
Inadequate light, irregular watering, or lack of fertilizer can all inhibit leaf growth. Check that the plant gets enough bright indirect sun, keep soil evenly moist but not soaked, and fertilize seasonally.
How can I get my pothos to grow thicker?
Trimming leggy vines forces the plant to grow bushier as it pushes out new sprouts. Allow the cut stems to regrow before pruning again. Provide a moss pole for vines to climb, which keeps growth compact.
Why are my pothos leaves small?
When pothos don’t get sufficient light, they produce smaller leaves. Move the plant closer to a window or supplement with a grow light. Fertilizer and adequate water also contribute to larger, healthy leaves.
How do I encourage my pothos to grow?
Situate in bright indirect light, water when the top inch of soil dries out, fertilize every 2-3 months during spring through fall, and prune when needed to stimulate new growth. Avoid repositioning it constantly or exposing to drafts.
What does a healthy pothos look like?
Healthy pothos have lush, solid green leaves. Vining varieties will trail gracefully. The plant looks full without obvious bare spots. Growth is steady but controlled, not leggy or disproportionate.
Let Those Vines Go Wild!
A vibrant pothos cascade is a simple pleasure that brightens any indoor space. With the right care, these tropical beauties can grow up to 10 feet long! By troubleshooting any issues inhibiting growth, you’ll soon have your pothos flourishing faster than you can string up the vines.
8 Reasons For Pothos Not Growing
Houseplants like Pothos require sunlight to photosynthesize. Through photosynthesis, plants create energy, which they need to be able to grow new, healthy leaves.
Pothos plants may get leggy, long stems and small leaves if they don’t get enough sunlight. Variegated Pothos plants, like the Golden Pothos, will grow fully green leaves with no markings.
Low light conditions are also the most common reason for a stunted growth habit in Pothos plants. Leaves may appear small and crooked due to the plant not having enough energy to develop them properly.
Just like plants need light, they also need ample amounts of water. Water is important for plants because it brings nutrients from the soil to them, helps photosynthesis, and keeps their stems, leaves, and roots healthy.
Pothos plants can handle being a little too wet sometimes, but long-term problems will arise if they are frequently dry. Underwatering is one of the most common reasons for stagnated growth in houseplants.
Ideally, the soil of your plant should be moist at all times. This way, the plant has access to moisture whenever it needs it. Other dehydration symptoms include dry, shriveled-up leaves, compacted and hydrophobic soil, leaf loss, curling leaves, and wilting.
When you are overwatering your Pothos, you are essentially drowning its roots. Due to the excess water in the soil, there is little airflow to reach the roots. The high water content in the soil causes the roots to suffocate.
Because the roots are having a hard time, they can’t get any water or nutrients to the leaves of the plant. This is why the leaves will turn yellow, the plant will grow slowly, lose leaves, and get brown spots from too much water.
Instead of making new leaves, your Pothos will focus all of its energy on saving and fixing its roots. If your plant is frequently overwatered, it will likely develop root rot. This disease is very common among indoor plant owners and is deadly to your plants.
Revision Your Watering Schedule
Pothos plants like to remain moist between waterings. Checking the soil with your fingers is the best way to make sure the plant doesn’t dry out. Feel the soil about halfway down. If it feels dry, go ahead and give your plant a drink.
Please wait a little longer if it still feels wet to the touch.
The type of soil and pot you use for your plant is also important. Using a planter with drainage holes in the bottom is crucial. The holes in the pot let extra water drain, so the soil doesn’t stay too wet for too long. This greatly lowers the risk of overwatering and root rot.
A well-draining soil mix will also help ensure the proper moisture levels in your plant’s soil. Too much water retention in dense soils can make you more likely to overwater. Too much air or sand in the soil will dry out too quickly, not giving your plant roots a chance to drink.
For Pothos, the best soil mix consists of potting soil with additional perlite and orchid bark.