Question
I've had a pathos ivy for about 18 years in a six-inch pot.  It is indoors in filtered morning light. I water it sparingly. It has been gradually losing its leaves and is now more vine than leaf.  I used a small indoor-plant food spike in the pot some time ago and I don't know if that was the cause of the leaf loss.  If I cut the vines back, will that encourgae the plant to produce more leaves?  Can you give me an idea of what might save this plant?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Patti,

Congratulations on your long success with your Pothos! Apparently, the only thing you have neglected is regular pruning.

Most vining plants produce new growth only at the ends and never replace leaves along the vines. If these plants are not pruned, eventually they cannot support any additional leaves, so they shed older leaves while continuing to add new ones at the ends of the vines. That is what has happened with yours and explains why you have long, bare vines. Fertilizer will not change that.

You can prune one or all of the vines as far back as you want. New growth will emerge on the vine just below where you make the pruning cut. I generally recommend cutting vines back to a length of 3-4 inches. The pruned off cuttings can be rooted in water.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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