Find out the Reasons Why Your Pothos is Not Thriving and how to Fix It so that it never fails for the best growth of this popular houseplant.
Pothos is the easiest houseplant for every gardener as it can thrive in extreme conditions. It is loved for variegated heat-shaped leaves and trailing vines. But sometimes, when a pothos is not thriving, it becomes leggy, starts producing yellow leaves, and drooping stems. Relax, here are seven fixes that never fail, and your pothos starts thriving again.
Pothos Not Thriving? Here are 7 Fixes that Never Fail
1. Check the Light
Problem: Pothos plants don’t like too much sun or too little light.
Place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Choose a spot near a window with filtered light that will be perfect. If it is in a dark corner, move it closer to a brighter area. Avoid placing it in direct afternoon sun as it can burn the leaves.
2. Fix the Watering Routine
Problem: Overwatering or underwatering is a common reason pothos plants struggle.
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days. Always empty the saucer under the pot so the roots don’t sit in water.
3. Improve Drainage
Problem: Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Use well-draining soil, mix it with perlite or small stones if needed.
If water pools at the bottom after watering, it is time to repot using fresh, lighter soil.
4. Feed It the Right Way
Problem: A pothos that’s not growing well may need food.
Feed your plant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Don’t fertilize in winter, as it is the rest time of the plant.
5. Keep the Leaves Clean
Problem: Dust and pests can block light and weaken the plant.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every couple of weeks. Check for tiny bugs like spider mites or mealybugs. If you spot any, spray the leaves with neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap.
6. Trim for Grooming
Problem: Long, leggy vines with few leaves mean the plant isn’t happy.
Trim back the stems just above a leaf node to encourage fuller growth. Don’t be afraid to cut it back, pothos bounces back quickly and grows bushier with regular pruning.
7. Keep It Warm and Humid
Problem: Cold air and dry conditions can slow growth or cause leaf damage.
Keep your pothos in a warm room, ideally between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid placing it near AC vents or cold drafts. Mist the leaves once a week or place a bowl of water nearby to add humidity.
