Pothos plants are known for their lush, dark green leaves that can brighten any home.
But if you’ve noticed your pothos leaves are smaller than usual, you may be wondering what could be causing it.
In this article, we’ll cover all the possible causes of small pothos leaves and how to provide proper care for your plant so it can thrive.
We’ll look at possible causes such as low light, incorrect watering, and imbalanced nutrients, as well as how to fertilize and provide the right amount of light for your pothos.
Read on for all the answers you need to get your pothos looking its best!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Pothos leaves can be small due to several reasons, such as inadequate light, underwatering, or too much fertilizer.
If the leaves are small and yellowing, the plant may be getting too much sun or not enough water.
If the leaves are small but still a healthy green color, the plant may need more fertilizer or light.
Make sure the plant is in a spot with indirect light and is getting enough water and fertilizer for best results.
What Causes Small Pothos Leaves?
When it comes to keeping houseplants, one of the most common questions asked is why are my pothos leaves so small? There are several potential causes of small leaves on a pothos plant and it is important to identify and address them in order to get your plant back on track.
The most common causes of small leaves on a pothos plant are inadequate light, incorrect watering, or an imbalance in nutrients.
Pothos plants need bright, indirect light in order to thrive and grow properly.
Without enough light, the plant will develop small leaves and may also become leggy and weak.
In terms of watering, pothos plants need to be watered regularly, but not overly so.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and consequently, small leaves.
Finally, if the pothos plant is not getting enough nutrients, it can lead to small leaves as well.
Fortunately, small leaves on a pothos plant can be easily fixed.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the plant is getting enough light.
If the plant is not getting enough light, move it to a brighter spot or consider getting a grow light to supplement the natural light.
Secondly, make sure to water the plant regularly, but not too much.
Too much water can lead to root rot and small leaves, while not enough water will also cause small leaves.
Finally, fertilize the pothos plant with a balanced fertilizer in order to ensure that it is getting all the nutrients it needs.
With proper light and care, your pothos leaves should return to normal size in no time.
If you have been following all these steps and the leaves are still small, it may be time to check for any pests or diseases.
If you suspect any, consult with a professional to determine the best course of action.
With the right care and attention, you can have a healthy and thriving pothos plant in no time.
Low Light
Having small leaves on your pothos plant is a sign that it is not getting enough light.
Pothos plants are tropical evergreen vines that thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
Without enough light, the leaves of your pothos plant will become small, weak, and discolored.
To fix this issue, make sure to move your pothos plant to a location where it can get at least four to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day.
If you cannot provide this much sunlight, you can supplement with a grow light.
This will ensure that your pothos plant is getting the light it needs to stay healthy and vigorous.
Incorrect Watering
When it comes to caring for a pothos plant, one of the most common reasons for small leaves is incorrect watering.
This could be either too much or too little water.
If your pothos is getting too much water, the soil will become soggy and the roots wont be able to get the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
This will cause the leaves of the plant to become smaller.
On the other hand, if the plant is not getting enough water, the soil will become too dry and this will also lead to small leaves.
The key is to strike the right balance.
Water your pothos plant regularly, but make sure the soil is not sodden.
You can check the soils moisture level by sticking your finger into it.
If the soil feels dry, its time to water.
If its damp, wait a few days before watering again.
This should keep your plants leaves healthy and of normal size.
Imbalanced Nutrients
It’s possible that your pothos leaves are small because of an imbalance in nutrients.
When the plant doesn’t have access to the right amount of nutrients, it can cause stunted growth.
To ensure your plant is getting the right amount of nutrients, you should fertilize it regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
When selecting a fertilizer, make sure it’s specifically formulated for pothos, or for indoor plants in general.
Additionally, you can use a soil test kit to make sure your plant has the right balance of nutrients.
If it turns out there is an imbalance, you can add the necessary nutrients to the soil.
Once you’ve corrected the imbalance, your pothos leaves should return to normal size.
Proper Care for Pothos
Taking proper care of a pothos plant is essential for keeping it healthy and ensuring that its leaves dont become too small.
To ensure that your plants leaves are the right size and that it stays healthy, you should provide it with a combination of light, water, and nutrients.
Light is essential for pothos plants, as it helps the plant to photosynthesize and produce energy that keeps the leaves healthy and growing.
Ideally, your plant should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light.
If you dont have access to natural light, you can also use artificial lights, such as LED lights or fluorescent bulbs.
Watering is also essential for keeping your pothos plant healthy.
You should water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.
You should also be careful to avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
To check the soil, you can use your fingers to feel the soil and determine if it needs more water.
Finally, your pothos plant needs nutrients to stay healthy and keep its leaves the right size.
You can provide your plant with essential nutrients by using a balanced fertilizer that is specifically designed for houseplants.
You should apply the fertilizer at least once a month during the growing season, following the instructions on the package.
By following these simple steps and providing your pothos plant with the combination of light, water, and nutrients it needs, you can ensure that its leaves stay healthy and the right size.
With proper care, your pothos leaves will return to normal size in no time.
Fertilizing Pothos
Fertilizing pothos is an important step in keeping your plant healthy and growing strong.
Pothos are known to be easy to care for and don’t require as much fertilization as other plants.
However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need it.
Fertilizing your pothos will help ensure that your plant is getting the nutrients it needs and can help prevent small leaves from forming.
When fertilizing your pothos, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer.
This means that the fertilizer you use should have equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
This type of fertilizer will provide your pothos with the essential nutrition it needs.
It is also important to note that pothos should only be fertilized during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall.
Fertilizing during the winter can be damaging to the plant.
When applying fertilizer, you should use a weaker solution than you would with other plants.
Pothos are sensitive to too much fertilizer, so you don’t want to overdo it.
A good rule of thumb is to use half the recommended amount of fertilizer for your pothos.
This will provide your plant with the nutrients it needs without overwhelming it.
Finally, it is important to make sure you are fertilizing your pothos regularly.
Pothos should be fertilized every two to four weeks during the growing season, depending on the type of fertilizer you are using.
This will ensure your plant is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and keep its leaves from becoming too small.
Fertilizing your pothos is an essential part of caring for your plant and can help prevent small leaves from forming.
By using a balanced fertilizer, applying it at the right concentration, and fertilizing regularly, you can ensure your pothos will stay healthy and have large, healthy leaves.
Light Requirements for Pothos
When it comes to why your pothos leaves may be small, inadequate light is one of the most common causes.
Pothos are low-light plants, but they still need some light to thrive.
An ideal light situation for a pothos plant is bright, indirect light, such as near a window that filters light or near a lamp.
If your plant is too far away from a light source, or if it is receiving too much direct sunlight, the leaves can become small and weak.
To fix this issue, try moving your pothos closer to a light source.
Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn and become brown.
Additionally, if you are using artificial lighting, choose a bulb that is designed for plant growth.
This will ensure that your plant is receiving the right kind of light and that it is getting enough of it.
Final Thoughts
Small leaves on your pothos plant are usually caused by inadequate light, incorrect watering, or an imbalance in nutrients.
To fix these issues, it’s important to make sure your pothos is getting enough light, water it regularly, and be sure to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
With proper care and nutrition, you can be sure that your pothos leaves will soon return to their normal size.
So, if you’re wondering why your pothos leaves are so small, now you know the answer!.