Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are among the easiest houseplants to care for, yet sometimes they seem to stop growing for no apparent reason. If your pothos isn’t thriving, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many plant owners face this issue, and the good news is that there are simple solutions to get your pothos back on track.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your pothos plant isn’t growing and provide easy fixes to help it flourish again.
I’ve provided detailed information in the article below to help with your concerns, However, if you still have questions or need more help, feel free to share photos of your plants or describe your issue on our Facebook Group. Just join the group and leave a comment on the most recent post — either I or someone from the community will respond as soon as possible. We also share helpful and unique plant care tips daily, so consider joining the group to stay updated!
Why Isn’t My Pothos Growing?
1. Insufficient Light
Pothos plants are adaptable, but they need the right amount of light to grow. While they can tolerate low light, they thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. Without enough light, photosynthesis slows down, which directly impacts the plant’s ability to grow new leaves and extend its vines.
Signs of Light Issues:
- Slow or stunted growth
- Pale or yellowing leaves
- Leggy vines stretching toward the light
- Leaves becoming smaller than usual
Easy Fix:
- Place your pothos in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a north or east-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, a fluorescent or LED grow light can supplement it.
- Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure even growth on all sides.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots or crisp edges.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Watering issues are one of the most common reasons why pothos plants struggle. Both overwatering and underwatering can stunt growth and cause leaves to wilt. The roots need the right balance of moisture and oxygen to function properly.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy, black roots (root rot)
- Soggy soil that takes a long time to dry out
- Fungus gnats hovering around the plant
Signs of Underwatering:
- Droopy, crispy leaves that feel dry to the touch
- Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot
- Slow growth with weak, thin vines
Easy Fix:
- Water your pothos only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Stick your finger into the soil to check moisture levels.
- Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water from sitting in the bottom.
- If your pothos is severely overwatered, repot it in fresh soil and trim any rotten roots to prevent further damage.
- If underwatered, give it a thorough soak and establish a regular watering schedule.
3. Lack of Nutrients
Just like any other plant, pothos needs nutrients to grow strong and healthy. If it’s been a while since you fertilized your plant, nutrient deficiency could be the culprit. Over time, soil loses its nutrients, leaving the plant with insufficient food for growth.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiency:
- Faded or pale leaves, particularly in the older growth
- Slow or no growth despite proper watering and lighting
- Weak, thin vines with fewer leaves
Easy Fix:
- Feed your pothos with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Look for an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
- If using organic fertilizers, try compost tea, fish emulsion, or worm castings.
- Flush the soil with water every few months to prevent salt buildup from excess fertilizer.
4. Incorrect Temperature & Humidity
Pothos plants thrive in warm, humid conditions. Extreme temperature fluctuations or dry air can stunt their growth. If your home is too cold or dry, your pothos may struggle to grow properly.
Ideal Conditions:
- Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
Easy Fix:
- Keep your pothos away from cold drafts, heaters, and air conditioners. Sudden temperature changes can stress the plant.
- Increase humidity by misting the leaves, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.
- If your home is too dry, group your pothos with other houseplants to create a more humid microenvironment.
5. Root Bound in a Small Pot
If your pothos has been in the same pot for years, its roots may have outgrown the space, restricting its ability to take up water and nutrients. When this happens, the plant becomes root-bound, meaning its roots are tangled and compressed.
Signs Your Pothos Is Root Bound:
- Roots growing out of drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot
- Soil drying out very quickly after watering
- Stunted growth despite proper care
Easy Fix:
- Repot your pothos into a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
- Use fresh, well-draining soil to encourage new root development.
- If you don’t want to repot, prune the roots carefully and refresh the soil to provide nutrients.
6. Pest Infestation
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats can weaken your pothos by sucking the sap from its leaves and stems. A weak plant is less likely to grow well.
Signs of Pests:
- Tiny webbing on leaves (spider mites)
- White, cotton-like spots (mealybugs)
- Small flying bugs around the soil (fungus gnats)
Easy Fix:
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or neem oil solution to remove pests.
- Use insecticidal soap or diluted rubbing alcohol to treat infestations.
- Keep your plant clean by removing dead leaves and debris to prevent pests from multiplying.
7. Using the Wrong Soil
Pothos plants need well-draining soil to thrive. Dense or compacted soil can suffocate the roots and prevent proper nutrient absorption. If the soil is holding too much moisture, it could also lead to root rot.
Best Soil Mix for Pothos:
- A mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir
- Avoid heavy garden soil that retains too much moisture
Easy Fix:
- Repot with fresh, airy, well-draining soil.
- If soil is too dense, mix in perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.
8. Seasonal Dormancy
If your pothos slows down during winter, don’t panic—it might just be in a natural dormancy phase. Growth slows when temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease. This is completely normal.
Easy Fix:
- Reduce watering and fertilizing in the winter months.
- Keep the plant in a warm, well-lit area to maintain slow but steady growth.
- Be patient! Your pothos will start growing again when spring arrives.