Pothos plants are known for being easy going and fast growing, but sometimes growth slows down due to care conditions. If you want your pothos to grow faster and produce long trailing vines with healthy green leaves, a few simple changes in care can make a big difference. By understanding what this plant naturally loves, you can help it thrive indoors.
Give Bright Indirect Light
Light is one of the most important factors for faster pothos growth. This plant can handle low light, but it grows much quicker in bright indirect light. Place it near a window with filtered sunlight. Rooms that are bright for most of the day support stronger vines and larger leaves.
If natural light is limited, using a grow light for a few hours a day can boost growth.
Choose the Right Soil Mix
Healthy roots equal faster growth. Use a light, well draining potting mix. A blend of indoor potting soil with perlite or coco coir keeps roots oxygenated and prevents waterlogging. Compact soil slows down growth and can lead to root issues.
Good soil gives the plant the nutrients and structure it needs to grow vigorously.
Water Only When Needed
Watering plays a major role in the speed of growth. Pothos prefers soil that dries slightly between watering. Check the top layer of soil and water when it feels dry. Overwatering can cause yellow leaves and slow growth, while underwatering can cause drooping and dry tips.
Room temperature water works best for the plant.
Use Balanced Fertilizer
To push strong growth, feed your pothos during the active growing season, especially spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer once a month is usually enough. Look for a standard houseplant fertilizer with balanced nutrients. Avoid fertilizing too often, as it may damage the roots.
During winter, reduce feeding because growth naturally slows.
Maintain Warmth and Humidity
Pothos plants come from tropical environments, so warmth helps them grow faster. Keep them in temperatures between 18 and 29 degrees Celsius. Avoid cold drafts and keep them away from direct air conditioning.
Higher humidity supports lush growth. You can place a bowl of water near the plant or use a humidifier for added moisture.
Prune to Encourage New Growth
Pruning is one of the easiest ways to stimulate faster growth. Trim long vines above a leaf node to encourage branching. This helps pothos grow fuller and thicker, not just longer. Use clean scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
You can also propagate the cuttings in water or soil to grow new plants.
Provide Support for Climbing
In nature, pothos climbs tree trunks. When given a moss pole or trellis, it tends to grow faster and develop bigger leaves. Climbing helps the plant feel supported like in its natural tropical habitat, leading to healthier vines.
Repot When Roots Need Space
If your pothos has roots circling inside the pot or coming out of drainage holes, it is time to repot. Choose a pot one size larger and fresh potting mix. More space and new soil can boost growth speed.
Keep Leaves Clean
Dust on leaves blocks light and slows photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp soft cloth every few weeks to help the plant take in more light and grow better.
Final Thoughts
Fast pothos growth depends on giving the plant what it naturally loves. Bright light, good soil, proper watering, fertilizer, humidity and occasional pruning all support strong vines and vibrant leaves. With consistent care, your pothos can grow quickly and turn into a beautiful trailing or climbing indoor plant.
FAQs
What makes pothos grow fastest?
Bright indirect light, proper watering, balanced fertilizer and warm conditions help pothos grow fastest.
How often should I water my pothos?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not keep the soil soggy.
Do pothos grow faster in water or soil?
Pothos grows faster in soil because it gets more nutrients, but it can grow well in water too.
Can I put pothos in direct sunlight?
Direct sunlight can burn leaves. Use bright indirect light for best growth.
How do I make pothos bushier?
Prune long stems above a leaf node to encourage new branches and fuller growth.
