If you’re new to growing this plant and its is producing small leaves, you’re probably wondering, “Do pothos leaves get bigger after unfurling?” I asked the same question the first time I saw new growth on my first Pothos plant.
Will I be stuck with these tiny leaves forever? The good news is no, you won’t!
Do pothos leaves get bigger after unfurling? Yes! Pothos leaves DO get bigger after unfurling. New leaves are bright green, thin, waxy, and small. But they grow much bigger and stronger over time as they mature (provided you are caring for the plant properly).
Related: Pothos Indoor Plant Care Guide
Why Do Pothos Leaves Get Bigger After Unfurling?
Pothos is an “Aroid” (a plant in the Araceae family of plants). They are also sometimes called the Arum family. In addition to Pothos, this family includes the common houseplants Philodendron, Monstera, Peace Lily, Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen), and ZZ plant.
Aroids produce leaves that become larger over time. This process is progressive, with each new leaf growing larger than the last. If you examine your plant, you’ll notice that the older leaves are much larger than the younger ones.
This is considered a normal growth habit. However, if leaves do not get any bigger after unfurling, this could be a sign of nutrient deficiency or another care-related problem. See the last section of this article for troubleshooting tips.
How to Make Pothos Leaves Bigger
Do you want bigger leaves on your Pothos plant? Don’t we all! Luckily, there are some tricks you can use to encourage leaves to grow bigger.
- Stake your plant. Pothos leaves tend to grow larger when trained to climb up a stake or trellis. When the plant cascades downward, leaves won’t get as big. Place a stake or houseplant trellis in the pot and wrap the vines around it, training your plant to climb upwards.
- Feed your plant. Pothos doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer. But if you want your leaves to grow as large as possible, make sure to feed it adequately. I recommend using a balanced fertilizer such as Jack’s All-Purpose (that’s what I use on my pothos and it loves it).
- Increase light. This plant needs lots of bright, indirect light to produce bigger leaves. If you don’t have a place in your home that receives adequate light, consider supplementing with artificial plant lights.
In my experience, not enough light is the number one problem most people have with pothos. If you’re experiencing lack of growth, this is most likely the cause. Otherwise, it’s a very easy plant to grow and shouldn’t give you too many issues.
How Big Do Pothos Leaves Get?
Even under optimal conditions, there is a limit to how big your pothos leaves can grow indoors. In the wild, pothos leaves can reach lengths of more than 12 inches (30 cm).
When grown indoors as a houseplant, however, mature leaves typically reach anywhere from 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) in length.
What if My Leaves Aren’t Getting Bigger?
If your plant’s leaves do not grow after unfurling, it could be due to low humidity, lack of adequate sunlight, or even nutrient deficiency. Here are some suggestions to help you pinpoint and fix the problem:
- Low Humidity – This is the first thing I would try, especially if your indoor air is very dry. Mist your plant several times a day using a spray bottle filled with room temperature water set to the “mist” setting. It might also help to get a houseplant humidifier or place the plant on a humidity tray.
- Not Enough Light – Pothos plants grown in low light may struggle to produce larger leaves. Make sure your plant receives plenty of bright, indirect light throughout the day. I grow my pothos in an east-facing window and it thrives there.
- Nutrient Deficiency – Your plant may need more nutrients than the current soil provides. Feed pothos once every two weeks in spring through fall with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. In winter, reduce feeding to once a month.
If all of your plant’s needs are met – water, humidity, light, and fertilizer – leaves should grow to a nice size over time. See my post on caring for your indoor pothos for more information.
