Why Your Fishbone Plant Is Growing Sideways

If you have a fishbone plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as a pothos or devil’s ivy, you may have noticed that it is growing sideways instead of upwards. This can be frustrating, especially if you want your plant to grow tall and bushy. However, there are several reasons why your fishbone plant may be growing sideways, and solutions to help it grow straight.

Lack of Light

One of the most common reasons why a fishbone plant grows sideways is due to a lack of light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and can become leggy and spindly if they do not receive enough light. If your plant is growing sideways, it may be reaching towards the light source or trying to escape from a dark spot.

Solution: Move your plant to a brighter location or provide additional artificial light. A grow light can help supplement natural light and encourage your fishbone plant to grow straight.

Uneven Watering

Another reason why a fishbone plant may grow sideways is due to uneven watering. If the plant receives more water on one side than the other, it may lean and grow in that direction.

Solution: Make sure you are watering your fishbone plant evenly on all sides. Use a watering can with a long spout to reach all areas of the pot, or water the plant in a sink or bathtub and rotate it as you water.

Imbalanced Fertilizer

Fishbone plants need regular fertilization to thrive, but too much fertilizer or an imbalanced ratio of nutrients can cause the plant to grow unevenly. If your plant is growing sideways, it may be due to excess nitrogen, which encourages foliage growth at the expense of stem growth.

Solution: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the package carefully and do not over-fertilize.

Small Pot

If your fishbone plant is growing sideways, it may be due to a small or overcrowded pot. As the roots of the plant grow, they can push against the sides of the pot, causing the plant to lean and grow in one direction.

Solution: Repot your fishbone plant into a larger pot with fresh soil. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot and has drainage holes at the bottom.

FAQ

How often should I water my fishbone plant?

Water your fishbone plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the temperature and humidity of your home, this may be every 7-10 days.

Can I train my fishbone plant to grow straight?

Yes, you can train your fishbone plant to grow straight by providing it with support. Use a stake or trellis to prop up the stems and encourage them to grow upright. You can also prune back any leggy or uneven growth to promote bushier growth.

What should I do if my fishbone plant is growing too tall?

If your fishbone plant is growing too tall, you can prune back the stems to encourage bushier growth. Cut back any stems that are growing too long or unevenly, making sure to cut just above a leaf node or bud. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching.