Pothos is amongst the most popular houseplants because of how tough it is and the way it grows. But there are times when you will find it stops growing and hits a sort of plateau. Which can be frustrating.
So what do you do when your pothos stops growing?
Well if you’re not sure how to get your pothos going again then taken a look at these 20 reasons that could be behind the stagnation and they’ll help you to get your pothos thriving again.
1. Insufficient Light
Pothos can still do well in low light but if they’re getting too little it will definitely slow and/or stop their growth. When there’s less light the plant struggles to photosynthesize properly and this will slow down its development.
Solution:
- The Right Placement: Put your Pothos somewhere that gets bright, indirect light. An east facing window is usually good as it will get the morning sun without it being too intense so that it burns the leaves.
- Artificial Lighting: If you don’t get much natural light then try using a grow light to make up for it. Make sure your pothos gets light for about 12 to 14 hours daily.
2. Overwatering
Pothos like the soil to be dry between each watering. If it’s too wet/moist it can result in root rot, which is one of the main reasons for poor growth.
Solution:
- Check Soil Moisture: Before you water your pothos put your finger about an inch into the soil. If it’s dry then you can go ahead and water it. If it’s moist then wait a few more days.
- Proper Drainage: Make sure your pot has enough drainage holes so the water can get out. A potting mix that drains well can also stop the water from waterlogging the soil and making the roots rot.
3. Underwatering
If you don’t water your pothos it can become dehydrated and will end up wilting and not growing at all.
Solution:
- Consistent Watering Schedule: Try to water your Pothos once every 1 to 2 weeks. You will have to change that a bit depending on the season and how humid it gets in your home. During the warmer months your pothos will probably need watering more often.
- Humidity Considerations: Pothos really like moderate humidity. If your home gets really dry, especially in the winter, then you might need to use a humidity tray or humidifier to keep the humidity levels right for your plant.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Pothos don’t need much feeding but if they aren’t getting enough nutrients they will struggle and that will affect their growth.
Solution:
- Fertilization: In the growing season (spring and summer) give your pothos a balanced fertilizer once every month. This should be enough for it to get the nutrients it needs to grow well.
- Soil Quality: Over time soil can lose or have the nutrients used up. So try to repot your pothtos every 2 to 3 years with fresh potting mix so the nutrients get replenished.
5. Root Bound Conditions
As your pothos grows its roots can become too big for the pot it’s in. This will mean they struggle to absorb the water and nutrients the plant needs.
Solution:
- Repotting: If you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes you will want to repot. Choose a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter than the one it’s currently in.
- Root Pruning: Loosen the roots and trim any really long roots before putting the plant in its new pot.
6. Temperature Extremes
Pothos do best in temperatures between 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C). Your pothos will get stressed if it’s in too extreme temperatures and this will disrupt its growth.
Solution:
- Stable Environment: Keep your Pothos away from drafts, air conditioning and anything that gives off a lot of heat. Keeping the temperature consistent within the preferred range is what will help your pothos grow best.
- Seasonal Adjustments: During the colder months make sure your pothis isn’t anywhere near cold windows or in rooms that is being heated. But in the summer protect it from too much heat and direct sunlight.
7. Pest Infestations
Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects can do real harm to your pothos and either make it grow poorly or go on to kill it completely (if you don’t deal with them).
Solution:
- Regular Inspections: Look at your pothos every week, especially the undersides of the leaves and along stems. Finding pests early can prevent things from getting worse.
- Natural Remedies: If you do find any prude then treat your pothos with insecticidal soap or neem oil. For more minor infestations it should be good enough to wipe the leaves with a cloth which will remove the pests.
8. Lack of Pruning
If you aren’t pruning your pothos occasionally then it will become leggy and this can make it grow less well.
Solution:
- Regular Pruning: Trim back any overgrown vines so you get bushier growth. Pruning also sends the energy the plant was using on those overgrown vines to new leaves.
- Propagation: You can get more pothos plants by taking cuttings from your plant. It will work to rejuvenate the parent pothos too.
9. Dormancy Periods
Pothos can go into a dormant period in the winter months and won’t grow at all throughout this phase.
Solution:
- Patience: Its totally normal pothos to grow less or not at all in the winter. Go back to regularly caring for your pothos in the spring when it goes back to growing.
- Adjust Care Routine: During the dormancy don’t water as much and hold off on fertilizing as the plant’s metabolic processes have slowed.
10. Poor Soil Quality
If the soil is heavy or compacted it can stop the roots from growing as well and cause the water to stay in the soil and not drain away. You need to have a mix that drains well or the roots may end up sitting in water and not getting enough oxygen.
Solution:
- Well Draining Mix: Use a potting mix that is designed for houseplants like one made from peat moss, perlite and a some vermiculite. Don’t use garden soil as it’s too dense for indoor plants.
- Rejuvenating Old Soil: If you think your soil has compacted it then repot your pothos. You can also add something like coco coir or compost as it can boost the texture of the soil and nutrients.
11. Overcrowding in the Pot
If you’ve taken multiple pothos cuttings and put them in the same pot it could be that they’re overcrowded. They may be fighting for access to things like light, water and nutrients.
Solution:
- Thin Out the Pot: If you have planted multiple cuttings together put them into individual pots or just leave only the healthiest ones. This give the roots more space to grow.
- Proper Spacing: Each of your cuttings will need an inch or two of space from other cuttings in the same pot.
12. Poor Air Circulation
Pothos grow best when they are getting good air flow. If the air becomes stagnant or stale it can result in fungus growing or slowing how much the plant grows.
Solution:
- Improve Airflow: Put the plant in a room that gets some movement of air, like near an open window (but don’t put it in a direct draft).
- Avoid Crowded Shelves: Give your Pothos some room to breathe. Don’t crowd it with your other plants.
13. Wrong Type of Pot
There are some types of pots that can stop your pothos from growing well.
Solution:
- Choose Pots with Drainage Holes: Make sure it had enough drainage holes so the water doesn’t sit. Terracotta pots work well as they also wick away too much moisture but really any pot that has a good amount of holes will do.
- Avoid Overly Large Pots: A pot that’s too big can lead result in overwatering because the soil end up staying moist for too long. A pot that’s only 1 or 2 inches bigger than the roots is perfect.
14. Incorrect Water Quality
Tap water can sometimes have chemicals in it like chlorine, fluoride or salts. These can harm your pothos over time.
Solution:
- Use Filtered or Distilled Water: If your tap water has been treated then either use filtered water or collect some rain water.
- Let Tap Water Sit: If you are going to use tap water then let it sit out for 24 hours because the chlorine will evaporate from it and it’ll be healthier for your pothos.
15. Neglecting to Clean Leaves
When dust builds up on the leaves of your pothos it can block the sunlight and stop it from being able to photosynthesize properly.
Solution:
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe the leaves with a cloth every few of weeks. It’ll keep the plant looking fresh but also makes its better able to absorb light.
- Avoid Sprays: Don’t use leaf shine sprays. They can clog the pores of the leaves and will do more harm than good.
16. Stress from Moving
If you’re moving your pothos a lot it can stress it. Even more so if it’s having to adapt to new temperature or light conditions every time it moves.
Solution:
- Keep It Steady: Once you’ve found a good spot just leave it there. Don’t move it unless you absolutely have to.
- Gentle Repotting: If you’re repotting it then handle it carefully and don’t disturb the roots.
17. Ignoring Leaf Signs
Pothos will show you what’s wrong very clearly. Their leaves will give you early signs about what’s wrong.
Common Signs and Fixes:
| Leaf Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let soil dry out before watering. |
| Brown tips | Low humidity | Increase the humidity near the plant. |
| Pale leaves | Lack of nutrients | Fertilize in the growing season. |
| Curling leaves | Underwatering | Water the plant thoroughly. |
18. Ignoring Seasonal Care
Plants like pothos react to the changes in light and temperature due to the seasons. You should be changing how you care for your plant differently in the different seasons.
Solution:
- Spring and Summer: Water and fertilize more often. It’s during this time your pothos needs more.
- Fall and Winter: Slow down the watering and hold off on fertilizing.
19. Overlooking Root Health
Unhealthy roots can be sabotaging your plant without you even knowing.
Solution:
- Root Check: Look at the roots occasionally taking your the pothos out of its pot. Healthy roots should be white or and firm. Dark or mushy roots are a clear sign of rot.
- Trim Unhealthy Roots: If you find rot then trim away the affected areas, sterilize the roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
20. Neglecting Plant Rotation
Pothos grow towards the light and this can can cause them to grow unevenly if it’s always facing in the same direction.
Solution:
Rotate Regularly: Turn the pot every couple of weeks so every part of it gets enough light. You should then see symmetrical growth that keeps your pothos looking balanced.
Final Thoughts
Pothos are known to be forgiving but you can really make them grow well and look great by giving them that little bit extra attention.
Go through each of these issues found here step by step and you’ll be sure to make your pothos grow again and do so even better.