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If your pothos isn’t growing, you’re not alone. These easygoing houseplants are known for being low maintenance, but they can still face challenges. The good news is that most pothos problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for. This guide presents 11 reasons why your pothos might not be growing and exactly how to help it thrive again.
YayImagesWhy Your Pothos Isn’t Growing
Pothos are generally easy to care for, but if yours isn’t growing, it’s often a sign of environmental stress. Let’s take a look at the most common issues and how to fix them:
Not Enough Light
Pothos can technically survive in low light, but they won’t grow much (or at all) without enough brightness. If your plant is tucked away in a dim corner, it’s likely getting just enough light to stay alive but not enough to produce new leaves.
How to fix it:
Move your pothos closer to a bright window with plenty of filtered sunlight. East-facing windows are ideal for morning light, while north-facing windows can work if the plant is right up against the glass. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, as pothos leaves are sensitive and scorch easily.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Watering issues are one of the most common reasons for stalled growth. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering leaves the roots dry and stressed, both of which prevent the plant from thriving.
How to fix it:
Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. Use your finger to check – don’t rely on a fixed schedule. Make sure your pot has proper drainage, and empty the saucer after watering. If you suspect rot, unpot the plant and trim away any soft, blackened roots.
Lack of Nutrients
While pothos don’t need heavy feeding, they still need access to basic nutrients. If it’s been more than six months since you repotted or fertilized your plant may be running on empty.
How to fix it:
Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring to early fall) using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. If the plant is rootbound, repotting into fresh soil will help replenish nutrients and give the roots space to grow.
Rootbound
If your pothos has outgrown its pot, the roots can’t expand, and growth will slow or stop. You might see roots circling the bottom of the pot or even poking out of the drainage holes.
How to fix it:
Gently remove the plant from its container and examine the root ball. If it’s dense and tightly packed, it’s time to repot into a slightly larger pot (1–2 inches wider). Loosen the roots before placing it in fresh soil to encourage outward growth.
Cold Temperatures
Pothos are native to warm, tropical climates and don’t do well when exposed to cold. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can put the plant into survival mode, halting growth.
How to fix it:
Keep your pothos in a room where temperatures consistently stay between 65–85°F. Avoid placing it near drafty windows, exterior doors or in the path of air conditioning vents.
Low Humidity
Pothos tolerate average indoor humidity, but very dry air (especially in winter) can slow growth and cause the edges of leaves to brown or curl.
How to fix it:
Boost humidity by grouping your pothos with other plants, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a small humidifier. Aim for at least 40% humidity to keep the plant comfortable and growing well.
YayImagesCompact or Poor-Draining Soil
If your soil is too dense or holds too much moisture, it limits root oxygen and makes it harder for the plant to absorb nutrients, slowing or stopping growth.
How to fix it:
Use a light, well-aerated potting mix that drains easily. I recommend this houseplant potting mix on Amazon. If your current soil stays wet for days, it’s time to repot with a better blend.
Pest Infestations
Even hardy plants like pothos can fall victim to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. These bugs feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and halting new growth.
How to fix it:
Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems for tiny bugs, white fuzz, or sticky residue. Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth, then spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every few days until the pests are gone.
Lack of Pruning
If your pothos has long, bare vines with only a few leaves, it may be putting all its energy into maintaining old growth rather than producing new leaves.
How to fix it:
Prune your pothos just above a node (the spot where a leaf meets the vine). This signals the plant to grow new stems from that point. Use clean, sharp scissors, and don’t cut more than a third of the plant at once.
Dormant Season
It’s totally normal for pothos to slow down during fall and winter. Less natural light causes the plant to pause growth as it conserves energy.
How to fix it:
Be patient and keep caring for your plant. Once spring rolls around and daylight increases, your pothos should naturally perk up and start growing again.
Young or Recently Propagated Plant
If you’ve recently propagated your pothos, it’s probably focusing on root growth before pushing out new leaves. New plants often look like they’re doing nothing for a while.
How to fix it:
Keep the soil lightly moist, give it bright, indirect light, and resist the urge to fertilize until you see new growth. Once the roots are established, the plant will begin producing leaves.
Our favorite plant care products on Amazon:
YayImagesHow To Keep Pothos Plants Healthy
Once your pothos bounces back, a little ongoing care makes a big difference. These plants are low-maintenance, but they still appreciate a stable, supportive environment. Here’s how to keep your pothos growing strong and healthy all year long:
Watering
Inconsistent watering is a major reason for pothos struggles. Instead of following a set schedule, check the soil before watering by inserting your finger about 2 inches deep. If it’s dry, it’s time to water; if still damp, wait a few days.
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. Over time, your plant will develop a predictable watering rhythm based on temperature and light.
Light
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light year-round. A spot near an east or north-facing window is perfect. If only one side is getting light, rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure even growth.
During fall and winter, reduced light can slow growth. If natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light placed 12-18 inches above the plant for 10-12 hours daily.
Feeding
Pothos aren’t heavy feeders but benefit from monthly fertilizing during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, starting in spring and ending by early fall.
Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can harm the plant. Skip feeding in winter, when the plant’s growth naturally slows, to avoid salt buildup in the soil.
Repotting
Soil can become compacted or depleted over time, even if the plant still fits in its pot. Repot your pothos every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for the roots.
Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current one, and use a well-draining mix. If your pothos is rootbound or showing stress, it’s a sign it’s time to repot.
Cleaning
Dust can block sunlight, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Clean the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove dust buildup.
This is especially crucial in winter when light is scarce. During cleaning, check for pests or signs of stress, like yellowing or wilting leaves.
Pests and Stress
Even healthy pothos can attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for sticky residue, webbing, or discoloration.
If you notice pests, treat your pothos with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keep an eye on environmental stressors, like temperature fluctuations or low light, that could affect its growth.
Environment Changes
Pothos don’t handle drastic changes in temperature or humidity well. Keep the plant in a consistent environment, avoiding cold drafts or sudden shifts in light or temperature.
If you make changes to its care routine, do so gradually to avoid shocking the plant. Consistency will help it grow strong and healthy year-round.
YayImagesConclusion
If your pothos plant isn’t growing, it’s almost always a sign that something in its environment needs adjusting. But the good news is that these plants are incredibly resilient. Once you pinpoint the issue and make the right changes, your pothos will likely bounce back with fresh new growth in no time.
Take a little time to check in on your plant’s conditions, give it a clean-up, and make a few tweaks where needed. With some patience and consistency, your pothos will be thriving in no time!
You may also like:
- How To Grow & Care For Pothos Plants
- How To Revive A Snake Plant (10 Problems & Solutions)
- 15 Reasons Why Plant Leaves Turn Yellow & How To Fix Them
- 20 Best Plants For Your Shower That Love Humidity
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