How to Make Your Money Plant Grow Faster: 7 Expert Tips for Healthier Vines
The money plant, also known as pothos or Epipremnum aureum, is one of the easiest plants to maintain indoors. It can be hung in a basket, trained on a moss pole, or kept in a bottle on a windowsill to add a fresh touch. However, many plant owners face the common problem of the money plant surviving but not growing. In reality, this evergreen climber is a vigorous grower capable of producing large vines and leaves under the right conditions. Studies on potting pothos have shown that soil and roots play crucial roles in plant growth. If your money plant seems stuck, these seven expert-backed tips can help encourage faster growth and healthier vines.
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Sunlight is the most critical factor for money plant growth. While pothos tolerates low light, it does not thrive in it. Under low light, the plant produces small leaves with large spacing between them. To promote vigorous growth, ensure your plant receives bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves. Filtered sunlight encourages larger leaves and better foliage color.
2. Water Correctly
Over-watering is a more common issue than under-watering. Instead of following a fixed schedule, water based on soil moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Continuously wet soil can damage roots and impede growth. According to Better Homes & Gardens, pothos grows faster when watered according to soil moisture. Healthy roots absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to quick vine growth. Yellowing leaves or moldy soil indicate over-watering.
3. Feed During the Growing Season
Plants need nutrients for proper development. Although pothos can survive in nutrient-poor soil, feeding boosts growth. From spring through summer, apply a general-purpose liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can burn roots and cause leaf problems.
4. Repot When Necessary
Sometimes the issue lies beneath the surface. If roots circle the pot, emerge from drainage holes, or fill most of the container, the plant lacks room to expand. Repot into a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix. This provides more space for root growth and nutrient uptake.
5. Encourage Climbing Rather Than Trailing
Pothos is a natural climber. When allowed to grow vertically on a moss pole or coir pole, it produces larger leaves and more vigorous growth. The Spruce reports that supported pothos grows bigger than trailing plants. Vertical growth directs energy toward leaf production. If your plant has been trailing, try adding support and observe the difference.
6. Maintain Warm Temperatures and Humidity
Originating from tropical regions, pothos thrives in warm conditions and moderate humidity. While it tolerates normal room temperatures, growth accelerates in comfortably warm environments with moderate humidity. Avoid sudden temperature changes, dry air, and cold drafts. Keep the plant away from air conditioners, heaters, or frequently opened windows in winter.
7. Prune Intelligently for Fullness
Pruning may seem counterintuitive, but it stimulates growth. Removing long stems encourages the plant to produce new growth points, resulting in a fuller, more compact appearance. According to The Spruce, pruning leads to a bushier plant rather than a few thin vines. Additionally, cuttings can be planted back into the soil to increase density. Prune only during active growth periods.
By implementing these tips, you can transform your money plant into a lush, thriving vine that enhances your indoor space.
