The Secret to Grow Massive Pothos & Philodendron Vines

In a favorable climate, pothos can grow at a rate of 18 to 24 inches per month, which is quite fast. However, when grown indoors, this rapid growth rate can slow down significantly.

If you're facing this issue and want to encourage faster growth in your pothos, don't worry. By making a few adjustments and providing the right care, you can boost your pothos’ growth and enjoy a lush, vibrant plant.

Here are some effective tips to help you grow your pothos faster.

Provide More Light

This is one of the most important factors for a healthy and fast-growing pothos. While pothos can tolerate low light conditions, many indoor plant owners make the mistake of placing them in areas with little to no indirect light.

If your pothos plant hasn’t shown new growth for some time, it might be due to a lack of sufficient light. Move your pothos to a location that receives bright, indirect light. You’ll notice a positive change within a few days.

An east-facing window is a great option as it provides gentle morning sunlight for about 2-3 hours, which can boost the plant's energy and growth.

Although pothos can survive in low light, exposure to indirect sunlight for several hours daily will dramatically improve their growth rate.

Repot Your Pothos with Care

Choosing the right pot size is crucial for the healthy growth of your pothos. If the pot is too large, the plant will focus its energy on growing roots, which means you won’t see any noticeable top growth for months. Additionally, a large pot retains more moisture, increasing the risk of root rot.

To avoid these issues, choose a pot that is just one size larger than the root ball of your pothos. A slightly root-bound pothos is better for faster growth, as it directs energy toward producing new leaves and stems. If your plant is already in a large pot, consider downsizing to promote top growth more efficiently.

Maintain the Right Temperature

Pothos are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for healthy growth is 60-85°F (15-29°C).

If the environment is too cold, your pothos may experience stunted growth, and if it's too hot, the plant may start to shrivel or burn, especially if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

To ensure your pothos grows well, keep it in a warm spot, but avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause black leaves and slow its growth. Proper temperature regulation is essential to maintain steady, healthy growth.

Fertilize Regularly

One of the common reasons for slow-growing pothos plants is a lack of fertilization. If you want your pothos to grow faster, regular feeding is essential.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 4-8 weeks at half or quarter strength to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients.

Additionally, you can add one teaspoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water every two months to improve the color of the foliage and give your pothos a growth boost. You can also spray this solution directly on the leaves to enhance their appearance.

Use Coffee Grounds or Tea Leaves

Did you know that your morning coffee could help your pothos grow faster? Caffeine aids in the biological processes of plants, speeding up photosynthesis.

To take advantage of this, you can dress the soil with used coffee grounds or spent tea leaves occasionally. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can alter the soil’s pH balance.

Keep the Soil pH Balanced

Speaking of pH, pothos plants thrive in neutral soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 7. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can negatively affect the plant's growth.

To ensure that your pothos have the right conditions, invest in a pH meter to regularly check the soil’s pH. By maintaining the ideal pH range, you'll provide a more conducive environment for growth.

Increase Humidity Levels

Pothos are accustomed to the humid environments of the tropics. Unfortunately, most homes don’t have the humidity levels these plants prefer. Low humidity can cause your pothos to grow more slowly.

To remedy this, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or group your plants to increase the humidity levels around them naturally. Using a humidifier near your plant can also significantly improve its growth rate.

Prune for New Growth

Finally, giving your pothos a slight pruning can encourage new growth. If your pothos have become leggy or inactive, try pinching off a few inches from the non-growing stems to stimulate new growth.

Additionally, if you want to grow your pothos as a climber, keep only 4-5 main branches and prune the rest regularly. This method will redirect the plant’s energy to the remaining vines, making them grow longer and healthier.

Conclusion

With the right care and attention, you can help your pothos grow faster and healthier indoors. By providing adequate light, choosing the right pot size, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity, fertilizing appropriately, and even using coffee grounds, your pothos will thrive.

Regular pruning and ensuring a neutral soil pH will further support its growth, allowing you to enjoy a lush, vibrant pothos plant year-round. Happy growing!