Find out the Reasons Your Pothos isn’t Growing- And None Are What You Think. These uncommon causes could be the reason it’s stuck.
Pothos plants are loved for their fast growth and easygoing nature. But what happens when your leafy friend just… stops growing? You might assume it’s not getting enough light or water. But sometimes, the real reasons are hiding in plain sight — and they have nothing to do with what you’d normally expect. Let’s look at the surprising things that might be holding your pothos back.
Reasons Your Pothos isn’t Growing
1. Your Pot is Too Big
Yes, really! You may think a larger pot gives your pothos more room to grow, but it can actually do the opposite. A pot that’s too big can hold too much water, making the soil stay soggy longer. This slows root growth, which slows leaf growth. Instead, use a pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball.
2. It’s Stuck in a Growth Pause
Sometimes, pothos plants naturally take a break. This can happen after a growth spurt, a repotting, or a change in seasons. Even if conditions are perfect, your plant may slow down or stop growing for a few weeks or even months. Be patient. As long as the leaves look healthy, your pothos is just resting.
3. You’re Moving It Too Often
Pothos plants like a stable environment. If you keep shifting them from one room to another — or even turning the pot every few days — it can stress them out. They’ll need time to adjust to the new light, air, and temperature. Choose a good spot and leave them there unless absolutely necessary.
4. There’s Salt Buildup in the Soil
Tap water and some fertilizers can leave behind salts in the soil over time. This buildup can affect how roots absorb water and nutrients, even if you’re watering regularly. If you see white crust on the soil or pot edges, it’s time to flush the soil with clean water or repot with fresh soil.
5. You’re Over-Cleaning the Leaves
It’s good to dust your pothos leaves now and then, but doing it too often — or using strong sprays and wipes — can damage the leaf surface. Pothos leaves breathe through tiny pores. If those are blocked or irritated, it can slow down the plant’s growth.
6. The Plant Feels Crowded in the Roots
This one sounds obvious, but it often goes unnoticed. A pothos might look fine above the soil, but if its roots are too tight and wrapped around each other (root-bound), it can’t take in water or nutrients well. Even if it’s still alive, it may stop growing. Check for roots peeking out from drainage holes or circling inside the pot — that’s a sign it needs a fresh home.
7. There’s Not Enough Air Movement
Stale, still air can affect your pothos more than you think. In a corner with poor air circulation, moisture can hang around too long, encouraging fungal problems or root stress. Light airflow — from a fan or open window — can make a big difference.
8. It’s Too Comfortable
Strange as it sounds, pothos plants often grow more when they feel a tiny bit stressed. If everything is overly cozy (low light, consistent temperature, no feeding), they may not feel the push to grow. A gentle change — like brighter light or a touch of diluted fertilizer — might be all it takes to spark growth again.
