Plant Care

Pothos Not Growing: How to Encourage Faster Vine Growth

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Frustrated your pothos not growing? Most slow-growing pothos need more light, fertilizer, or repotting - simple fixes for faster vine growth.

JJessica Chen

October 30, 2025

Healthy pothos not growing with vigorous vine growth and new leaves in bright indirect light — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Pothos not growing typically needs more light or fertilizer. Move to bright indirect light and fertilize monthly spring through fall for faster growth.

TL;DR

Pothos not growing usually stems from insufficient light, lack of fertilizer, or being rootbound. Move to brighter indirect light, fertilize monthly during growing season, and repot when roots circle the pot. Most slow pothos will show new growth within 4-6 weeks of adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for pothos to start growing after repotting?

Most pothos show new growth within 4-6 weeks after repotting if done during growing season (March-October). The plant needs 2-3 weeks to establish roots in fresh soil before putting energy into new leaves. Repot in early spring for fastest recovery, and keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during establishment.

Why is my pothos growing but the new leaves are tiny?

Tiny new leaves indicate insufficient light—your pothos is surviving but not thriving. Move to brighter indirect light near an east or west-facing window. New leaves should be the same size or larger than existing ones on healthy plants. You should see improvement in leaf size within 6-8 weeks of better light conditions.

Should I fertilize pothos in winter if it's not growing?

No, skip fertilizer during winter dormancy (November through February). Pothos naturally slow growth as daylight hours decrease, and unused fertilizer can build up in soil causing root burn. Resume monthly fertilizing in March when longer days trigger active growth. This mimics natural seasonal patterns.

Can I make my pothos grow faster with more fertilizer?

Over-fertilizing won't speed growth and can harm your plant. Stick to monthly feeding during growing season with half-strength liquid fertilizer. Growth speed depends more on light availability than nutrients. Too much fertilizer causes salt buildup, brown leaf tips, and can actually slow growth by damaging roots.

How do I know if my slow-growing pothos needs repotting?

Check for roots growing from drainage holes, water running straight through without absorbing, or circular roots visible at soil surface. Gently tip the plant to peek at root structure—if roots circle densely around the pot edges, it's time to repot. This typically happens every 18-24 months for indoor pothos.

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Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.