Pothos Not Growing? Fixes & Solutions (US)

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Let’s face it, seeing your pothos not growing can be a real bummer, especially when you envision it cascading beautifully! Don’t stress, though, because often the issue is easily fixed. Light levels in your house impact pothos growth, so a dark corner might be the culprit. The University of Florida’s IFAS Extension provides a wealth of knowledge about optimal growing conditions for houseplants. Also, improper watering with your watering can is a common reason the pothos isn’t growing. Think of your pothos as a friend; it will always communicate that it is in distress!

Pothos Problems? Let’s Get Those Vines Growing!

Okay, so your pothos, that supposed "easy-care" plant, is stubbornly refusing to grow? Don’t stress! It happens. Pothos are generally pretty chill, but sometimes they need a little nudge in the right direction. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your pothos might be stalled and how to fix them.

Identifying the Culprit: Why Is My Pothos Stuck?

Before we jump into solutions, let’s do a little detective work. Is it just slow growth, or has growth completely stopped? How do the leaves look? Discolored? Drooping? Identifying the symptoms will help pinpoint the cause. Here are some common reasons why your pothos might be lagging:

• Lighting Issues: This is often the biggest culprit! Pothos like bright, indirect light. Too little light means not enough energy for growth. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.

• Watering Woes: Overwatering is just as bad (if not worse!) than underwatering. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, which definitely stunts growth. On the other hand, letting the soil dry out completely for too long can also stress the plant.

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Like all living things, pothos need food! If your plant hasn’t been fertilized in a while, it might be running low on essential nutrients.

• Root Bound: If your pothos has been in the same pot for a long time, the roots might be cramped and circling around the pot. This can restrict nutrient uptake and slow growth.

• Temperature Troubles: Pothos prefer moderate temperatures (between 65-85°F). Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) can put the plant into survival mode, halting growth.

• Dormancy: In some cases, it could be seasonal. Pothos slow their growth down in winter.

Time to Get Growing: Solutions for a Stalled Pothos

Now that we have a better idea of the potential causes, let’s talk about solutions!

1. Lighten Up (or Tone It Down!): Addressing Lighting Problems

• Assess Your Current Location: Is your pothos in a dark corner? Consider moving it closer to a window, but avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. A north- or east-facing window is usually a good bet.
• Use Grow Lights (If Necessary): If you don’t have access to bright, indirect light, consider using a grow light. There are many affordable options available online.

2. Mastering the Art of Watering:

• Check the Soil Moisture: Before you water, stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels damp, wait a few days and check again.
• Water Thoroughly: When you do water, make sure to saturate the soil completely. Let the excess water drain out of the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Watering frequency will depend on factors like temperature, humidity, and pot size. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
• Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing, mushy leaves are often a sign of overwatering. If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In severe cases, you may need to repot the plant with fresh soil.
• Signs of Underwatering: Crispy, brown leaf edges are a sign of underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly and consider increasing the watering frequency.

3. Give Your Pothos a Nutritional Boost:

• Fertilize Regularly: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your pothos every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Skip Fertilizing in Winter: Pothos don’t need as much fertilizer during the dormant season (fall and winter).

4. Root Bound Rescue: Repotting Your Pothos

• Signs of a Root Bound Plant: Roots circling around the inside of the pot, slow growth, and the soil drying out quickly are all signs that your pothos might be root bound.
• Choose a New Pot: Select a pot that’s one or two sizes larger than the current pot.
• Use Well-Draining Soil: Pothos prefer well-draining soil. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss works well.
• Gently Remove the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from its current pot. If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them with your fingers.
• Repot and Water Thoroughly: Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around the roots with fresh soil. Water thoroughly to help the soil settle.

5. Maintaining a Comfortable Environment:

• Monitor the Temperature: Keep your pothos in a room with a consistent temperature between 65-85°F.
• Avoid Drafts: Protect your pothos from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

6. Consider Seasonality:

Remember pothos slow down their growth in colder months and usually require less water and nutrition during this dormant period.

Troubleshooting Common Pothos Problems

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your pothos might still encounter problems. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

Problem	Possible Cause(s)	Solution(s)
Yellowing leaves	Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, low light	Adjust watering schedule, fertilize, move to brighter location
Brown leaf tips	Underwatering, dry air, fertilizer burn	Adjust watering schedule, increase humidity, flush soil to remove excess fertilizer
Leggy growth (long stems with few leaves)	Insufficient light	Move to a brighter location or use a grow light
Small leaves	Insufficient light, nutrient deficiency	Move to a brighter location, fertilize

By carefully observing your pothos and addressing its needs, you can get it back on track and enjoy its lush, trailing vines for years to come!

So, if your pothos isn’t growing as quickly as you’d like, don’t get discouraged! A little detective work and some simple adjustments can usually get those vines trailing again in no time. Happy growing!