Why Is My Pothos Not Growing: Tips and Tricks for a Lush Plant

Oleh Jeremy Glover June 16, 2023 Post a Comment

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant owners. However, even with its easy-going nature, pothos can sometimes struggle to thrive. If you find yourself wondering why your pothos isn't growing as lushly as you'd like, this article is for you.

In this post, we'll go over some common reasons why pothos plants may not be growing as well as they should, and what you can do to help them thrive. From light and water requirements to pruning techniques, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

Reasons Your Pothos May Not Be Growing

1. Lack of Light

One of the most common reasons why pothos plants don't grow well is because they aren't getting enough light. While pothos can tolerate low light conditions, they still need some level of bright, indirect light to thrive.

If your pothos isn't getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves are smaller than usual or that new growth is sparse. To remedy this, try moving your plant to a brighter location, such as near a window that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.

2. Overwatering

Overwatering is another common issue that can prevent pothos plants from growing properly. When plants are overwatered, their roots can become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

To avoid overwatering your pothos, make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle – if it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, hold off on watering for another day or two.

3. Underwatering

On the flip side, underwatering can also cause pothos plants to struggle. When plants don't get enough water, their leaves can become droopy and wilted, and new growth may be stunted.

To avoid underwatering your pothos, make sure to water it regularly – but not too much. As mentioned above, let the soil dry out before watering again. And if you're not sure whether your plant needs water, check the leaves – if they're looking a little droopy, it's probably time to water.

4. Lack of Nutrients

Like all plants, pothos need nutrients to grow and thrive. If your plant isn't getting enough nutrients, you may notice that the leaves are smaller than usual or that new growth is slow.

To give your pothos a boost, try fertilizing it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, and follow the instructions on the package carefully.

5. Low Humidity

Pothos plants prefer high humidity levels, so if the air in your home is too dry, your plant may struggle to grow properly. You may notice that the leaves are brown around the edges or that new growth is slow.

To increase the humidity around your pothos, try misting it with water a few times a week or setting it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also try using a humidifier to keep the air moist.

6. Rootbound

If your pothos has been in the same pot for a long time, it may be rootbound – meaning its roots have grown too large for the pot. This can prevent the plant from getting the nutrients and water it needs to grow properly.

To remedy this, repot your pothos in a larger pot with fresh soil. Make sure to loosen up the roots before planting – this will help them spread out and absorb water and nutrients more easily.

7. Pest Infestation

Pothos plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and grow poorly.

To get rid of pests, try washing your plant down with a gentle soap solution or using an insecticidal soap. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to fully eliminate the infestation.

8. Too Much Fertilizer

While fertilizing your pothos is important, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. Over-fertilization can cause the leaves to turn yellow and even burn or damage the roots.

To avoid over-fertilizing, make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and only fertilize once a month during the growing season.

9. Improper Pruning

Pruning your pothos can help it grow fuller and more lush. However, if you prune too aggressively or at the wrong time, it can harm the plant.

To avoid this, only prune your pothos when necessary – such as to remove dead or damaged leaves. And when you do prune, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors or shears to prevent damage to the plant.

10. Temperature Extremes

Pothos plants prefer moderate temperatures – between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature in your home falls outside of this range, it can cause your plant to struggle.

To keep your pothos happy, try to keep it in a location where the temperature stays relatively constant. Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors, or in areas that get too hot or too cold.

If your pothos isn't growing as well as you'd like, don't worry – there are plenty of things you can do to help it thrive. From providing enough light and water to fertilizing and pruning properly, following these tips can help you get the most out of your pothos plant.

Remember, every plant is different, so don't be afraid to experiment and try different things. With some patience and a little know-how, you can have a beautiful, lush pothos in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I water my pothos?

You should water your pothos when the soil feels dry to the touch. Stick your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle – if it feels dry, it's time to water.

2. Can pothos plants grow in low light conditions?

Yes, pothos can tolerate low light conditions, but they still need some level of bright, indirect light to thrive.

3. How often should I fertilize my pothos?

You should fertilize your pothos once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

4. How do I prune my pothos?

To prune your pothos, use clean, sharp scissors or shears to remove dead or damaged leaves. You can also prune to encourage fuller growth – simply cut back the stems to just above a leaf node.

5. How do I increase the humidity around my pothos?

6. Can pothos plants be grown in water?

Yes, pothos can be grown in water – simply place the cuttings in a jar or vase filled with water and change the water every few weeks.

7. How do I repot my pothos?

To repot your pothos, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot and fill it with fresh soil. Loosen up the roots of the plant before planting to help them spread out.

8. Can pothos plants be grown outdoors?

Pothos are typically grown as houseplants, but they can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates.

9. What pests are common on pothos plants?

Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are all common pests that can infest pothos plants.

10. How do I get rid of pests on my pothos plant?

To get rid of pests, wash your plant down with a gentle soap solution or use an insecticidal soap. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to fully eliminate the infestation.