If you’re new to houseplants, you might wonder how long does it take for pothos to grow. The good news is, pothos is one of the fastest and easiest plants you can have. In perfect conditions, you can see several inches of growth per month, with vines that can eventually trail many feet long.
This quick growth makes it incredibly satisfying. You get to watch your plant thrive with just a bit of basic care. Let’s look at what effects its speed and how you can help it along.
How Long Does It Take For Pothos To Grow
There’s no single answer, as growth depends on many factors. Generally, a healthy pothos in its growing season (spring and summer) can add 12 to 18 inches of length per month. That means a new leaf every week or two isn’t uncommon.
From a small cutting, you can have a full, bushy plant in about 3-6 months. A pothos can reach impressive lengths of 5 to 10 feet indoors over a few years. They’re champions of speedy foliage.
What Impacts Pothos Growth Speed?
Several key elements determine how fast your pothos vines will lengthen. Getting these right is the secret to quick growth.
1. Light: The Biggest Factor
Pothos are adaptable, but growth slows in low light. For the fastest growth, provide bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal.
- Bright Indirect Light: Leads to rapid, lush growth with close-together leaves.
- Medium Light: Growth will be steady but slower.
- Low Light: Growth may almost stop, and leaves will be farther apart on the vine.
Avoid direct hot sun, which can scorch the leaves. If your light is low, don’t worry—your pothos will survive, it just won’t grow as quick.
2. Watering Habits
Overwatering is the main killer, not underwatering. Pothos like their soil to dry out a bit between drinks.
- Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes so roots aren’t sitting in water.
- Growth will stall if the plant is too wet or too dry for long periods.
3. Fertilizing for Fuel
While not heavy feeders, a little fertilizer boosts growth significantly. Feed your pothos monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. You can stop feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
4. The Right Pot and Soil
Pothos aren’t too picky, but they need well-draining soil. A standard potting mix with some perlite for aeration works great. They also like to be slightly root-bound, so don’t pot them in a container that’s way too big. A pot 1-2 inches larger than the root ball is perfect.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Pothos Grow Faster
Follow these simple steps to maximize your plant’s growth potential.
Step 1: Find the Perfect Spot
Place your pothos where it gets plenty of ambient light without sunbeams directly on its leaves. A few feet back from a south or west window, or right in an east window, is prime real estate.
Step 2: Water with Care
Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Soak the soil until water runs out the bottom, then let it drain completely. Don’t let the pot sit in a saucer of water.
Step 3: Feed Regularly During Growth Seasons
Set a reminder to fertilize every 4-6 weeks from March to September. A half-strength dose is plenty and prevents fertilizer burn, which can damage the roots.
Step 4: Prune for Bushiness
If you want a fuller plant, not just long vines, regular pruning is key. Here’s how:
- Use clean scissors.
- Cut just below a leaf node (the bump on the stem where a leaf grows).
- Your plant will send out two new stems from that point, creating a bushier appearance.
You can also propagate the cuttings you take to make new plants—it’s very easy to do.
Common Problems That Slow Growth
Sometimes, growth stalls even when you think you’re doing everything right. Here are the usual suspects.
Root Bound Conditions
If you see roots growing out the drainage holes or circling the top of the soil, it’s time to repot. Choose a pot only one size up and refresh the soil. This gives the roots new room to expand and support new top growth.
Pests
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can suck energy from your plant. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. If you spot pests, wipe leaves with a cloth dipped in soapy water or use an insecticidal soap.
Seasonal Changes
It’s completely normal for pothos growth to slow down or pause in the shorter, cooler days of fall and winter. This is a rest period. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing until you see new growth in spring.
Propagating Pothos for More Plants
Want more pothos quickly? Propagation is simple and shows results in weeks.
- Cut a 4-6 inch stem tip, making sure it has at least 3-4 leaves.
- Remove the leaf closest to the cut end.
- Place the cut end in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
- Put it in a bright spot and change the water weekly.
- In 2-6 weeks, you’ll see roots develop. Once they’re an inch or two long, pot it in soil.
This is a great way to fill out your original plant by adding cuttings back into the pot, or to share with friends.
FAQ: Your Pothos Growth Questions Answered
How fast does pothos grow in water vs. soil?
Pothos cuttings root quickly in water, often within 2-3 weeks. However, for long-term, sustained growth, soil is better. A pothos grown solely in water will grow slower than one planted in soil after it’s rooted.
Why is my pothos not growing at all?
The most common reasons are too little light, being pot-bound, or it’s simply the dormant winter season. Check light levels first, then inspect the roots. If both seem fine, be patient until spring.
What is the fastest growing pothos variety?
The classic Golden Pothos is often considered the fastest grower. Its vigorous nature and high variegation, which requires good light, encourage it to put out new leaves rapidly. The Jade pothos, with its solid green leaves, is also very robust.
Can I make my pothos grow longer vines?
Yes! Provide ample bright indirect light, water consistently, and don’t prune the tips of the vines. The plant will direct its energy into lengthening those existing vines. You can train them along shelves or walls for a beautiful display.
With it’s forgiving nature and rapid growth, pothos is the perfect plant for seeing quick results. By providing the right balance of light, water, and nutrients, you’ll be amazed at how much it can grow in just a single season. Remember, the key is consistency—your plant will reward you with lush, trailing vines that make your space feel alive.