It's hard to find a home where there isn't a poto in one of its rooms. This houseplant It is one of the most popular and appreciated thanks to its resistance, beauty, and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and gardening enthusiasts. Its heart-shaped leaves, in various shades of green and golden or cream hues, look perfect both in hanging pots and climbing with supports. However, even those with a good hand with plants can encounter a frustrating situation: butt stops growing or shows very slow development.
If you are at that moment where you ask yourself why your butt doesn't grow o how to make it regain its vitalityIn this article you will find all the possible causes, effective solutions and practical advice so that you aureum show new and vigorous leaves again.
Getting to know the butt: characteristics and why it may stop growing
El poto, potus or pothos (aureum) It is native to tropical and humid areas of Southeast Asia, especially regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. In these places, it grows as a perennial climber, reaching surprising heights by using its aerial roots to scale trees or other surfaces. Indoors, it can grow hanging or vertically if provided with a tutor suitable.
This species is highly appreciated not only for its decorative appearance but also for its ability to purify the air in the home. However, despite being resilient and adaptable, its growth can stagnate if its minimum needs are not met. Below, you'll see the most common causes that can slow down the development of the butt and how to detect them to act quickly.
Main reasons why a butt does not grow
- Lack of adequate light
- Improper watering (too much or too little water)
- Nutrient-poor substrate
- Inappropriate pot size
- Extreme temperatures
- Low ambient humidity
- Seasonal dormancy
- Pest or disease attack
Lack of light: can the pothos live in the shade?
Many people believe that the pothos thrives in complete shade, but this is a mistake. The pothos is tolerant to semi-shade, But needs light to grow vigorouslyIf it's in a corner with little natural light, its growth will be poor, and the leaves will lose color and size. Furthermore, the lack of light reduces the appearance of white or yellow spots in variegated varieties.
Solution: Place your pothos near a window where it receives bright light, but never direct sunlight. If you don't have enough natural light, you can use LED grow lights specifically for plants. Adequate lighting will encourage your pothos to produce new leaves and grow vigorously.
Irrigation: key to pothos growth
Both the excess irrigation such as lack Water is harmful. If the soil remains constantly wet or waterlogged, the roots will rot and the plant may die. Conversely, if the substrate dries out completely between waterings, the pothos will stop growing and its leaves will begin to turn yellow.
Trick: Before watering, dip your finger into the soil. If the top is dry to about 2-3 cm, it's time to water gently. Always use a pot with good drainage to avoid standing water.
Poor substrate or lack of nutrients
The pothos needs a well-aerated and rich substrate organic materialWhen soil loses nutrients due to continuous watering or prolonged lack of change, growth stagnates. Nutrient deficiency is often reflected in small, pale, or dull leaves.
Solution: Change the soil every one or two years and use quality substrates, whether universal or specific for green plants. Learn how to water a potted pothos and thus optimize its growth. Also, take care of your indoor plants so that they always have the necessary nutrients.
Pot too small or no room for roots
El pot size It's essential. If the roots are sticking out of the drainage holes or the plant is growing very slowly, it probably needs more space.
Tip: Transplant the pothos to a pot a few centimeters larger in diameter. As you do so, check the roots and remove any damaged ones. This will give it an extra boost of growth.
Unsuitable temperatures and drafts
The pothos, common indoors, is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Its ideal range is between 18ºC and 27ºCA very cold or very hot environment can stunt growth and even cause damage such as dry leaves or leaf drop.
Avoid placing the plant near heat sources (radiators, heaters) or in areas exposed to drafts. If the environment is very dry, especially in winter, spray the leaves with warm water or place a humidifier nearby.
Insufficient ambient humidity
As a tropical plant, the pothos needs humidity to look healthy. If the air is very dry, you'll notice yellow or brown leaf edges and slow growth.
To increase humidity, you can:
- Spray the leaves with warm water from time to time.
- Group plants to create a humid microclimate.
- Place a tray of damp stones under the pot.
- Use a humidifier in the room.
Dormancy: The butt does not grow at certain times
During the fall and winter, the pothos may enter a resting phase or dormancyDuring this period, growth is minimal or nonexistent. It's a natural process and shouldn't cause you any concern as long as the plant is healthy. Simply adjust your watering (reduce the frequency) and wait until spring to see new shoots.
Pests and diseases: invisible enemies of development
Although pothos is known for its resilience, it can be attacked by pests such as mealybugs, mites, aphids, and thrips. Mealybugs are the most common. These pests weaken the plant and can stunt its growth.
Regularly check the undersides of leaves and stems. If you detect pests, remove them manually with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or apply natural solutions such as potassium soap or neem oil.
Additional tips for vigorous pothos growth
- Rotate the pot every week so that all its leaves receive light in a balanced way and the plant grows uniformly.
- Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and facilitate light absorption.
- Prune the stems to stimulate branching and density.
- Use tutors or supports if you want to guide the pothos as a climber.
- Propagate by cuttings to obtain a bushier plant. Cuttings in water or soil root easily and can be planted in the main pot.
Frequently asked questions about poto: common doubts resolved
- Can the poto always live in water? Yes, you can grow cuttings in water, but they won't reach the same vigor and size as in soil, and you'll need to periodically add specific liquid fertilizer.
- Why don't new leaves open? It could be due to environmental dryness, a lack of nutrients, or light. Review these factors and adjust them.
- What to do if the leaves turn yellow? It usually indicates overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Remove damaged leaves, check the growing medium, and adjust the watering regime.
- Is poto toxic to pets? Its leaves contain calcium oxalate, which can cause digestive upset if ingested. Keep it away from curious dogs or cats.
- When to transplant the pothos? Usually when the roots appear through the drainage holes or every one or two years, preferably in spring.
- How to make a pothos more bushy? Gathering several cuttings at the base of the pot, training and pruning the stems to encourage new growth.
- Analyze the light: Change location if it is too shaded.
- Adjust the irrigation: Only when the substrate is dry in the first few centimeters.
- Improve the substrate: Use aerated mix and change the soil if it has not been renewed for a long time.
- Fertilize: Provides liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- : If the pot has become too small.
- Increases humidity: Humidify, group plants or use trays with water and stones.
- Control pests: Act at the slightest sign of insects or suspicious stains.
