Do you want to know what the reason behind your pothos stems splitting is? We had experienced this issue before and decided to write an entire article to tell you how you can go through it. So, read our article thoroughly, and you will get answers to all your questions regarding this topic.
In this article, we will go through the 5 common reasons why your pothos leaves aren’t growing as large as they should be, along with 5 tips on increasing leaf size.
Why Are My Pothos Stems Splitting?
Pothos stems start splitting when the humidity reaches a low level. In fact, the best humidity level for pothos is between 60% and 80%. However, such a range of humidity is difficult to maintain, especially for indoor plants. Therefore using a humidifier is the best way to increase the humidity level for your pothos and avoid stems splitting.
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The Main Factors that Cause Pothos Stems to Split
The main factor that causes pothos stems to split is low humidity. In fact, when you grow your pothos in a low-humidity area, they are susceptible to splitting because such an environment is different than the one where pothos originate.
Direct sunlight exposure is also a common cause behind the splitting of pothos stems. Generally, pothos needs light to grow, but they should only be exposed to indirect sunlight. When pothos get exposed to direct sunlight, they are likely to grow leggy, and the stems are more susceptible to splitting.
Overcaring may also cause your pothos stems to split, especially overwatering. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot which is another cause of stem splitting.
Severe environmental conditions such as high temperature may also lead to stem splitting: in particular, pothos doesn’t do well when the temperature goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sometimes the split of your pothos stems may be due to physical damage caused by a pet or a human. For example, if a cat starches the leaves of your pothos, the branches are very likely to split because of damaged tissue.
Last but not least, another common factor behind stem splitting is using the wrong type of potting mix. Make sure to use a light and fast-draining potting mix for your pothos plants to avoid this problem.
- Elevate Your Space: This Pothos plant transforms interiors, adding flair and starting conversations. Potted for convenience, it enhances aesthetics.
- Breathe Easy: Pothos plants purify air, eliminating toxins. Create a healthier environment with this trailing plant.
- Boost Mood & Wellbeing: Pothos enhances mood, creativity, and reduces stress. Studies confirm its calming effects, perfect for home or office.
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What Should I Do if My Pothos Stems Start Splitting?
If you realize that the stems of your pothos are splitting, you should automatically think of humidity. One way to check the moisture of your pothos is to take a piece of tissue paper and place it on top of the soil. After a few hours, if you notice any condensation or water on the tissue paper, the humidity is high.
If you detect a low humidity level, you should use a humidifier to increase the humidity level. If you don’t have a humidifier, try putting your plant on pebbles and watering it from the bottom.
Try to water your pothos systematically; you should not water your plant until you have a clear indicator that it needs to be moisturized. The best way to know whether your pothos needs water is by checking if the soil has started to dry. You can water the plant if the soil feels dry to the touch.
When watering your pothos, make sure that you are using clean water. But, even when you use clean water, you should avoid overwatering because this is another common cause behind stem splitting.
Also, keep the temperature around your pothos at an optimum level. The best temperature that helps pothos thrive is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain the temperature of your pothos in that interval, you can use a thermostat or an air conditioner.
When you realize that your pothos stems start splitting, you should check if there are any bacteria or fungi around your plant. Infestation is also a common cause behind pothos stem splitting. So if you see any infestation on your plant, you should immediately treat it with a fungicide or any pesticide you trust.
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Effective Drainage System: Dozens of drainage holes and a bottom reservoir prevent root rot and overwatering, promoting plant health.
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How Do You Get Big Leaves on Pothos?
Getting big leaves on your pothos is not a difficult task. It would help if you started doing things right from the first days of growing your pothos. The crucial step that determines how big the leaves of your pothos will grow is the choice of the appropriate variety. In fact, when you choose a pothos variety already known for big leaves, like Hawaiian pothos, you will increase your chances of getting the desired results.
Propagation is also another factor that determines how big the leaves of your pothos will be. If you get your cutting from a pothos with large leaves, then you will increase your chances of having a big leaves plant.
Another factor that determines the size of a plant is food. For example, if you want your baby to look big and healthy, you should feed him the right food. The same goes for plants. If you wish for your pothos to grow at their full potential, you should use an appropriate fertilizer and a rooting hormone.
Pothos originate from southern Asia, which is known for its tropical climate. As a result, you should try to mimic this environment as much as possible when growing pothos. If you do so, you will find that your pothos starts increasing faster. And if you are developing a pothos variety with large leaves, you will get more giant leaves in less time.
Pruning your plant regularly can also stimulate your pothos leaves to grow bigger. In fact, after pruning, a plant’s energy will be redirected toward developing new leaves, making the plant look bushy. This helps the plant to get more light, which results in more giant leaves.
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A few months after planting your pothos, and when leaves start growing, the roots may become confined in the pot. That’s why reporting is determining factor in pothos growth.
If you find that your pothos needs to be repotted, you should transplant your pothos into a bigger pot. You must remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the soil around the roots. After that, put some fresh soil in the pot and place your pothos in the new pot. Finally, press the soil around the roots to ensure that your plant is stable.
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Conclusion
Pothos plants are some of the easiest plants to grow and can thrive in various environments. However, one common problem that people experience with pothos is stem splitting. There are several causes for this problem, but luckily, there are several solutions. Following the tips above, you can help your pothos plant overcome splitting and thrive.
Click here to read our full article On how to propagate a leafless pothos vine
