Why is My Houseplant not Growing?

Discover the reasons why houseplants stop growing. Some common reasons include time of year, improper watering, insufficient lighting and soil pH imbalances. 

0:00-Intro

0:21-Overview

0:50-Fertilizing

2:00-Repotting

3:19-Was the plant recently repotted?

4:52-Time of year

6:13-Possible salt buildup

6:50-Was the plant recently pruned?

8:38-Soil pH

9:45-Pests and diseases

10:31-Outro

Welcome to healthyhouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the comment section below. You’ll also find links to videos mentioned in this video in the description.

Today, we’re addressing the question: Why is my houseplant not growing? There are several reasons why your houseplant may not be growing, and we’ll go through them to help you identify the issue.

One main reason could be that the plant needs fertilizing. Signs of this include yellowing leaves and slow growth. I recommend using an organic fertilizer like Green Gourmet House Plant Food to reduce the risk of burning the plants.

Another reason could be that the plant needs repotting. If it’s in too small of a pot, it may only be able to maintain itself without putting on new growth. Aim for a two-thirds plant to one-third pot combination. However, be careful not to use too large a pot, as this can also hinder growth.

If you’ve recently repotted your plant, keep in mind that it can take one to three months before it starts growing again. This is especially common in colder months when plants enter a semi-dormant state.

Time of year plays a significant role in plant growth. Houseplants typically have growth spurts in spring and summer, slowing down in fall and winter. Even if you keep your house warm, plants respond to day length, so shorter winter days can result in less growth.

Salt buildup in the soil can cut off roots and cause rot, preventing the plant from taking up water and nutrients. Check out my root rot playlist for more information on this issue.

If you’ve recently pruned your plant, especially if you’ve removed more than one-third of it, it may take some time before it starts growing again. Some plants react by trying to grow quickly to make up for what was cut, while others may sit dormant for a while.

An often overlooked reason for lack of growth is incorrect pH levels. All plants require a specific pH range to grow well. If everything else seems right but the plant still isn’t growing, consider checking and adjusting the soil pH.

Finally, pests and diseases can hinder plant growth. Mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites are common indoor pests that can suck the energy out of your plants. Always check for signs of infestation if your plant isn’t growing as expected.

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