How do I make my pothos bushier?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.The process of creating a bushier pothos begins with the person caring for the plant pruning it the right way. Pursuing making your pothos bushy involves pruning the leggy vines in a way that suggests to the plant to grow lateral from the leaf node. My marble pothos doubled its density after 2 times of pruning, 1 month was optimal between the two cycles. Sharp sterilized pruners are recommended to avoid any issues with plant infection.
Node Targeting
- Cut ¼ inch above nodes to activate dormant buds
- Prioritize stems with 4+ leaves for faster recovery
- Remove yellowing leaves to focus energy on new growth
Propagation Integration
- Root trimmed vines in water for 2-3 weeks
- Replant rooted cuttings into the mother pot
- Space new plants 2-3 inches apart for density
To promote even light exposure, rotate your pothos every week at 90 degrees. My routine of rotation at the time of taking the photo placed my east-facing window with no bald spots in 8 weeks. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer formula monthly in the spring/summer. Be cautious not to overfeed, as your pothos may become leggy rather than bushy.
Light Optimization
- 6-8 hours bright indirect light daily
- Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh afternoon sun
- Supplement with grow lights in dark corners
Fertilizer Management
- Dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength
- Apply directly to moist soil to prevent burn
- Stop feeding in winter to respect dormancy
With time and patience, a few sporadic stems of pothos can be transformed into a cascade of the plant. After three years of consistent attention, my golden pothos plant now stretches over eight feet across. Importantly, with each cut, you are signaling new growth points. Prune, care for, and be rewarded with a density of plants worthy of any jungle.
Read the full article: How to Propagate Pothos in 3 Simple Steps
