Pothos are hardy plants known for their ability to grow in many conditions. While they can survive without fertilizer, they grow much faster and look healthier when nutrients are provided. In nature, pothos receive organic matter from decaying leaves and soil nutrients, but indoor plants rely on us to supply those minerals.
Fertilizer helps support strong vines, deep green leaves, and steady growth. Without feeding, pothos may become slow growing, pale, or produce smaller leaves over time.
Why Fertilizer is Important for Pothos
Indoor soil loses nutrients over time due to watering and plant uptake. Fertilizer replaces important minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients support:
- Healthy leaf color
- Strong roots
- Long trailing vines
- New leaf production
Even though pothos are low maintenance, regular feeding helps them stay lush and vibrant.
How Often to Fertilize Pothos
The best time to fertilize pothos is during the active growing season, usually spring and summer. Feed every 4 to 6 weeks. In fall and winter, growth slows, and fertilizing every 8 to 10 weeks or not at all is usually enough.
If your pothos grows in low light, reduce feeding since plants in dim light grow more slowly and need less fertilizer.
Best Fertilizer for Pothos
Pothos do well with balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Look for a formula like 10 10 10 or 20 20 20. You can also use:
- Organic fertilizer
- Slow release plant food
- Compost tea or worm castings
- Hydroponic fertilizer for pothos in water
Always dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding and root burn.
Signs Your Pothos Needs Fertilizer
Watch for these signs that your plant may be low on nutrients:
- Pale yellowing leaves
- Slow growth
- Small new leaves
- Weak or thin vines
- Dull leaf color
These symptoms can also come from poor light or overwatering, so check overall care routines too.
Common Fertilizing Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes to keep pothos healthy:
- Over fertilizing, which can burn roots
- Feeding during winter dormancy
- Giving fertilizer to dry soil (water first)
- Using strong fertilizer without dilution
Less is better than too much when feeding pothos.
FAQs
Do pothos grow faster with fertilizer
Yes, fertilizer supports faster growth, bigger leaves, and fuller vines.
Can pothos survive without fertilizer
They can survive but may grow slowly and appear less vibrant over time.
What type of fertilizer is best for pothos
A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer like 10 10 10 works well.
Should I fertilize pothos in water
Yes, but use liquid hydroponic fertilizer at a weak dose.
How do I know if I over fertilized my pothos
Brown tips, crispy leaves, and white salt on soil are signs of overfeeding.
