How to Make Pothos Leaves Bigger: Expert Growth Tips

Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Please note that while we always strive to provide 100% up to date and accurate information, there is always the small possibility of error. Therefore, we advise conducting further research and due diligence before consuming any plants or exposing pets to anything mentioned on this site. Kindly refer to the full disclaimer for more details here.

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking to make your pothos plant look fuller and more lush, one of the best ways to achieve this is by increasing the size of its leaves. However, this can be a bit tricky without the right knowledge and techniques. In this article, we’ll share expert growth tips on how to make pothos leaves bigger, including the best ways to encourage healthy growth, how to prune your plant, and how to provide the right conditions for optimal leaf size.

Understanding Pothos Plant Growth

Pothos plants are popular houseplants known for their beautiful, cascading leaves. To achieve larger leaves and better overall plant growth, it’s essential to understand their natural growth patterns and the factors that influence leaf size. In this section, we will explore these key aspects of pothos plant growth.

Natural Growth Patterns

Pothos plants originate from the jungles where they grow beneath the canopy, receiving bright, indirect sunlight. They are sometimes called “Devil’s Ivy” because they can thrive in various conditions and are known for their resilient nature. In their natural habitat, pothos plants climb and attach to trees, allowing their leaves to get more evenly distributed light, resulting in larger, more vibrant foliage (source).

Typically, as pothos plants mature, their leaves will grow in size provided that they receive adequate light, water, and nutrients. Supporting the plant’s natural climbing nature with a moss pole or trellis helps further encourage larger, fuller leaves (source).

Factors Affecting Leaf Size

Several factors contribute to the size of pothos leaves. Among these factors are:

  • Light: Pothos plants require at least 4 hours of bright, indirect light per day. Limited light conditions can lead to smaller leaves and reduced overall growth (source).
  • Fertilizer: Providing an appropriate fertilizer with sufficient nitrogen content can encourage chlorophyll production, promoting higher rates of photosynthesis and larger leaves (source).
  • Watering: Adequate watering is essential for maintaining healthy pothos plants, as too little or too much water can negatively impact leaf growth.
  • Temperature: Pothos plants prefer warmer temperatures, as low temperatures can stunt their growth.
  • Support: Providing support in the form of a moss pole or trellis allows a pothos plant to climb, mimicking its natural habitat and encouraging more even light distribution for larger leaves (source).

Considering these factors and adjusting plant care accordingly can significantly impact pothos leaf size, contributing to a healthier, more attractive plant.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light Requirements

Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. In their natural habitat, they grow beneath the jungle canopy, which provides them with filtered light. To mimic these conditions, aim to give your pothos at least 4 hours of bright indirect light per day. This will encourage healthy leaf growth and larger leaves. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in small, underdeveloped leaves.

Watering Practices

Proper watering is essential for promoting larger pothos leaves. These plants prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. Be sure to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot and hinder leaf growth. Using a well-draining soil mix will help prevent waterlogged roots and promote healthy growth.

Additionally, adjusting your watering schedule according to the season is important. During the warmer months, pothos plants may require more frequent watering, while in the colder months, you may need to reduce the frequency to avoid overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

Pothos plants prefer consistently warm temperatures to support their growth. Ideal temperatures range between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plant and impact leaf size. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a stable environment and avoid placing the plant near drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating sources.

As for humidity, pothos plants thrive in higher humidity levels, similar to the jungle environment they originate from. You can increase humidity around your pothos by placing it on a tray of water with pebbles, using a humidifier, or occasionally misting the plant with water. Higher humidity levels will promote healthier and larger leaves.

Nutrient and Soil Requirements

Fertilization Tips

One of the crucial factors to consider when trying to make pothos leaves bigger is proper fertilization. It is essential to provide your pothos plant with an adequate amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Nitrogen plays a crucial role in supporting leaf growth, especially during the growing season in spring and early summer(source).

Applying fertilizer once or twice a month can encourage foliage production, making your pothos appear fuller and healthier. Be cautious, though, as using too much fertilizer can harm the plant(source). When using compost or solid fertilizer, sprinkle it on top of the soil and gently mix it in using a hand trowel.

Soil Composition

Your pothos plant will thrive in well-draining soil, as it prevents overwatering and root rot. A high-quality potting mix that includes peat moss or perlite is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and aeration(source).

In addition, it’s essential to water your pothos thoroughly and regularly to ensure it receives the nutrients it needs from the soil. Sufficient nutrient supply results in a healthier, fuller plant with larger leaves(source).

Following these fertilization tips and focusing on soil composition are key factors to achieving bigger and fuller leaves for your pothos plant.

Pruning and Maintenance

Keeping your pothos plant healthy and promoting larger leaves involves proper pruning and maintenance. This section will cover several vital aspects, including pruning techniques, repotting, and root care.

Pruning Techniques

Pruning your pothos plant is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier growth. To start, identify the areas on the vine where you’d like to make a cut. Once you’ve selected a spot, cut about a quarter-inch above the leaf, or growth node (HappySprout). Trimming the top of the vine by one to two inches will keep the plant’s shape in check, encourage a faster growth rate, and promote longer trailing branches (Balcony Garden Web).

Repotting

Repotting your pothos can contribute to larger leaf growth by providing it with more space and nutrients. Choose a container that is one to two sizes larger than the current pot, and use fresh, well-draining soil. Make sure to gently loosen the root ball and trim away any damaged or tangled roots before transferring the plant to the new pot. Finally, fill in the gaps around the roots with soil and water the plant to help it settle in.

Root Care

Proper care of your pothos’ roots is just as important as pruning when it comes to promoting larger leaves. To encourage healthy root growth, make sure the plant is in a well-draining container to prevent root rot, and be mindful of your watering schedule. Overwatering can lead to waterlogged roots, while underwatering can cause the roots to become stressed and weak. It is crucial to find a balance that keeps the plant’s roots moist but not soaked. Additionally, ensure the soil provides adequate nutrients, specifically increasing the nitrogen content of the fertilizer to improve chlorophyll in the leaves (The Practical Planter). This allows more photosynthesis to occur, ultimately leading to larger leaves.

Video Guide