How Fast Does Pothos Grow

Pothos are one of the favorite plants in every household due to their easy care and low maintenance needs. Even a newbie gardener can grow this plant easily. Have you ever wondered, how fast does pothos grow? Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) are the fastest-growing houseplants under the appropriate conditions. They can grow 12 to 18 inches monthly and need a temperature between 70-85F and 70% humidity.

These plants are sturdy and feature dark green foliage marbles in multiple shades. Pothos grow and mature quickly with the right conditions and proper care. This blog guide explores the fascinating growth rate of pothos, its growth stages, requirements, and the factors influencing the pathos growth rate. Let’s get started.

What Is Pothos Growth Rate

Pothos belongs to the Araceae family and is commonly known as pothos, devil’s pathos, devil’s ivy, or golden pothos. If properly cared for, these plants can grow an average of 12 inches monthly. During the growing season, this plant grows an average of 30 cm in metric per month. One of the fastest-growing indoor plants is the pothos plant. It is advantageous if you are considering keeping one at home. This plant requires very little upkeep and care. 

The growth rate depends on different factors that impact its growth positively or negatively. The growth is splendid under the right conditions if there is a growing season. With average room temperature, light, and humidity, you can make the conditions more favorable for the plant and grow even faster. 

The growing season of pothos starts in spring and stays till fall. The plant will grow to 1 to 2 feet per year, which is impressive. There are different types of pothos plants; some grow faster than others. Generally, if the plant is more variegated, it will grow slower. All the green plants of plants tend to grow faster; they provide the plant with what it needs. 

The white part of the plant contains chlorophyll and cannot do photosynthesis. However, the green parts undergo the process and provide nutrition for the plant. The downward-falling vines of pothos contain green heart-shaped leaves having purple or lavender, and yellow to golden flowers usually. Their average life is usually 5 to 10 years however, with proper care and maintenance they can live longer than 10 years.

How to Make Pothos Grow Faster

Generally, pothos are the fastest-growing vines in households. However, there are many methods and steps to initiate the fast growth of your pothos plant. Some of the tips about making your pothos plant grow fast include:

1. Ideal Soil Types

Pothos plants come in various kinds, and they all need light and airy soil, well-drained, slightly acidic, and a pH between 6 and 6.5. When there is a plant, moisture retention and drainage are correctly balanced. You can also combine your soil by adding coconut coir, perlite, or peat moss to standard potting soil.

The pothos plant needs suitable soil types and potting mix to grow, if provide suitable soil, it will grow better and faster. You can buy already-made soil or make it whatever suits you best.

2. Ideal Light Conditions

Pothos plants can bear various light conditions, however, they grow best when the light is bright, with indirect sunlight all day. If you can provide a gentle morning sun, it will be best for the proper growth of these plants. 

For this purpose, the plants must be in front of an east-facing window. Never expose these plants to direct sun in the hotter part of the day as it will scorch the sun badly. Furthermore, if you find any yellowing of the leaves on your pathos plant, it is a direct pointer that the light conditions are inaccurate. 

3. Suitable Potting Vessel

Drainage is essential in different types of containers to avoid root rot. However, if you recycle an old object to make it a container, ensure plenty of drainage holes before planting Pothos. Hanging baskets are the best containers for this type of plant as the stems can cascade downwards, and the growth of these trailing vines is not a problem. 

If the container is large enough to hold the root system, keeping the plant for a long time will be best. If you notice the root bound in your pathos, then repotting it is best.

4. Best Temperature and Humidity

Pothos plants require warmer temperatures, between 70F and 85F. If the temperature is slightly out of this range, it will not be a problem for the plant, as Pothos can handle heat better than cold. 

But if you can provide these plants with a moderate temperature, they tend to grow better and quicker. Pothos plants like humidity and grow best in 60% humidity; if the humidity is above 40%, these plants will also grow.

5. Time and Method of Fertilization

The time and the method of fertilization are significant. Pothos don’t need specific or heavy fertilizers. These plants grow best with a lower concentration of balanced fertilizer for around a month in spring or summer. 

How you add the fertilizers also matters, and you need to follow the instructions on the package. Generally, applying a lightly diluted balanced fertilizer during spring or summer significantly improves the fast growth of your pothos.  

6. Staking and Providing Support

These are trailing plants with big aerial roots. They can climb and spread on walls or any other object near them. Moss poles are ideal for the support and they increase these plants’ humidity as well. These poles increase humidity by retaining moisture. If you want your pothos plants to grow on a living wall structure, you can also wrap the stem around a trellis and continue its growth. 

7. Time and Method of Repotting

If you know the exact method and time to repot your pothos plant, you can make it grow faster. If your pothos plant is quickly growing, it will surely benefit from constant repotting, providing some space for the roots to grow. 

It is better to report every 1 or 2 years or anytime the plant shows signs of limited root growth or root bound. Ensure you take one size-up pot for repotting and water the plant as soon as you finish repotting to help the roots adjust to the new pot. 

Pothos Growth Stages

Pothos are the easiest to grow houseplants, however, you can propagate and grow them easily from the cuttings. The growth stages of Pothos generally consist of two stages, the detail about these stages is given below:

1. Propagation Stage of Pothos

The first stage is the establishment or propagation stage. This stage is crucial because a healthy and initial root growth of pothos depends on this stage. The cut roots of pothos are placed in water or directly in soil for 3-6 weeks. During this time, adventitious roots are formed from the nodes alongside the cuttings.

Various key factors are necessary for pothos propagation time. These factors include the temperature range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The propagation needs well-drained slightly moist soil. Bright indirect sunlight and a humid environment are also crucial for this stage.

2. Mature Stage

After the successful propagation stage, the healthy root system of pothos promotes a mature plant. The mature stage is when the plant reaches full size and produces more leaves, stems, and flowers. In this stage, the plant will need more light, water, and fertilizer to help it reach its full potential. A moderate watering schedule is required at this stage.

Apply water if the top inch of soil is dry. Place the plant where it gets bright indirect sunlight most of the day. Lightly fertilize the mature plant with half-strength diluted fertilizer during summer or spring to promote its healthy growth. Repotting the plant when it suffers root bound or every 1 to 2 years is also necessary. 

The plant requires different levels of care at each stage. Pothos is a hardy plant that thrives in most conditions. Still, it’s essential to understand the growth stages to provide the best care possible. With the proper care, Pothos will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage for years.

Growth Requirements for Pothos

Pothos are one of the easiest-growing plants. However, they do need certain requirements for their fast-paced growth. Here are the growth requirements that are best for Pothos plants: 

1. Light and Shade

Pothos plants require a moderate amount of light and can tolerate some shade. They prefer 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive in humid environments. Being fast-growing plants, they require nutrient-rich soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. 

2. Fertilization

Fertilizing pothos plants, monthly or bimonthly throughout the growing season will promote healthy growth. A light application of fertilizer during the dormant season is also beneficial. Ensure the fertilizer is in liquid form and is diluted to its half strength. 

3. Adequate Watering

Proper watering is also essential for pothos plants. Water the plant frequently, but the soil should have time to dry out between waterings. Over-irrigation might result in root rot and other issues. It is better to check the top 1-inch layer of soil, if it is dry then water your pothos.

4. Pruning

Pruning Pothos plants is necessary to promote new development and maintain the plant’s aesthetic health. Cut the vines back to prevent the plant from growing too big or out of control. The best time to prune a plant is when it is actively growing.

5. Repotting

Pothos plants can also benefit from routine repotting. Once they have outgrown their current pot, they should be transferred to a bigger pot with a drainage hole. The soil should be replaced with a new mix formulated for houseplants. 

With these simple requirements, pothos plants can be a lovely addition to any home. These hardy plants will thrive and provide beautiful foliage for many years with proper care.

Why My Pothos Not Growing

If your Pothos is not growing as expected, it is not getting the proper care it needs to thrive. Pothos plants require ample sunlight, moderate temperatures, regular watering, and suitable soil. Without these elements, the plant will be unable to survive and consequently not grow as it should. 

1. Lack of Light

The most likely cause of Pothos not growing is the need for the right amount of sunlight. Pothos plants need bright, indirect light to thrive and produce healthy growth. If the light is too strong or too weak, the plant will not be able to produce the energy it needs to survive. The leaves might also become scorched or bleached if the light is too harsh. 

2. Underwatering and Overwatering

Another possible cause is to give it the proper amount of water. Pothos plants need water regularly to survive but should not be overwatered. If the soil becomes too wet, the plant’s roots will not be able to take up the water, and it will suffer from poor growth. Conversely, if the soil is too dry, the plant will become dehydrated and unable to produce healthy growth. 

3. Poor Soil Base

The soil you use to grow Pothos might need to be more suitable. Pothos plants thrive in well-drained and slightly acidic soils, so using too bare soil could cause the plant to struggle.  Additionally, the soil should be rich in nutrients to support plant growth.

4. Pests and Diseases

Another possible reason Pothos is not growing to the expected size is the contamination of the plant with several pests and diseases. These pests attack the plant, making it weak and unable to function properly. These pests take away the plant’s nutrition, and nothing remains for the plant. As a result, the growth stops or slows down.

5. Overfertilizing

Plants need the right amount of fertilizers to grow properly; if you can provide them with these fertilizers, their growth will be optimum. You need to check the minerals your plant lacks through a soil test and then provide the right amount of fertilizer. If you keep adding the minerals your plant already has in bulk and skip the essential nutrients, your plant will wilt and stop growing. 

6. Unfavorable Temperature

The correct temperature is critical if you want your pothos plant to grow healthy and fast. Because they are tropical plants, Pothos prefer warmer temperatures, about 70F, all year. When temperatures drop, plants go into energy-saving mode, which restricts development. When the temperature falls below 60F, growth slows typically and eventually stops below 50F.

Factors Affecting Pothos Growth

Pothos plants are hardy, low-maintenance, attractive houseplants that can be grown in various conditions. However, several factors directly influence the growth of the pothos plant. The details of these key factors are presented below:

1. Light

Light is one of the most critical factors for pothos growth. They prefer bright, indirect light with no direct sun. Too little light can result in weak, leggy stems, while too much light can cause the leaves to become pale. 

2. Temperature

Temperature is also critical. Pothos plants prefer temperatures between 65- and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures fall below or exceed these, the plant can become stressed and may not thrive. 

3. Humidity

Humidity is also crucial for pothos’ growth; they prefer high humidity levels and may require misting or a humidifier if the air is too dry. 

4. Soil Type

The type of soil used is also essential. Pothos prefer well-drained and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. You can use potting mixes formulated explicitly for pothos plants or a combination of potting soil and peat moss.

5. Water

Water is also critical for pothos growth. Water when the top inch of the soil has dried out, and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. 

6. Fertilization

Fertilization is also necessary and should be done for 1 or 2 weeks a month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer diluted to half of its strength is best. 

These factors are all critical for pothos growth and need consideration when growing them. Pothos can be healthy and attractive houseplants with the right conditions and care.

Do pothos grow fast

Yes, pothos are fast-growing houseplants that are liked due to their low maintenance and care. However, certain conditions are essential for the best growth of pothos. Those conditions include, moderate watering, balanced fertilizer, bright indirect sunlight, well-drained slightly acidic soil, and humidity. Thus, provide your pothos with all required conditions and enjoy its thriving vibrant growth.

Conclusion

Pothos are vibrant, versatile, fast-growing houseplants that demand less care and maintenance. However, they do need some care including, the right watering, balanced fertilizer, humidity, bright sunlight, and well-drained soil. This guide explores all the basic requirements, stages, and factors affecting the growth of pothos. Thus read the complete article and provide your pothos with the right growing conditions. By providing your pothos with the right and balanced care, you can have lush and thriving pothos vines in your home!

FAQs

1. Does Pothos Grow Fast?

Yes, Pothos can grow quite fast. They are fast-growing, trailing houseplants that can grow up to 12 to 18 inches monthly. They grow best in bright, indirect light and require moderate watering. You can propagate Pothos quickly by cutting stems and rooting them in water or potting soil. With proper care and attention, pothos can grow up to an inch weekly. 

2. How Long Does It Take a Pothos Plant to Grow a New Leaf?

Pothos plants require minimal maintenance and can produce new leaves within a few weeks of planting under suitable conditions. With the proper care, they can continue to grow new leaves indefinitely. Regularly provide your Pothos with bright indirect light and water to encourage new leaf growth, and apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. 

3. Are Pothos Plants Slow-Growing?

Pothos plants are fast-growing, making them ideal for those who want to invest less time in houseplant care. They can thrive in various environments and require minimal attention.