Your plant looks healthy… but it just won’t grow. No new leaves, no height, nothing. If you’re stuck with a plant that seems frozen in time, don’t worry — there’s usually a fix. Whether it’s a lighting issue, nutrient deficiency, or a case of dormancy, we’ll walk through the most common reasons plants stop growing and what you can do to get them back on track.
Not Enough Light
Light is a plant’s energy source, and without enough of it, growth can slow to a crawl.
What to look for:
- New leaves are small or non-existent
- Your plant is leaning toward a window
- Lower leaves turning yellow and dropping
What to do:
- Move the plant closer to a bright window
- Supplement with a grow light if natural light is limited
- Rotate the plant weekly for even exposure
Nutrient Deficiency
Plants need more than just water — they also need nutrients to grow. Over time, potting soil can become depleted, especially if you haven’t fertilized.
What to look for:
- Pale or yellowing leaves
- Stunted growth
- No new shoots or leaves
What to do:
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season
- Follow label instructions — more isn’t better
- Repot with fresh soil if it’s been a year or more
The Plant Is Dormant
Some plants naturally slow down or stop growing during colder months. This dormancy phase is totally normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
What to look for:
- No signs of growth in fall or winter
- Leaves remain healthy but unchanged
- It’s a plant known to go dormant (e.g., many tropicals or bulbs)
What to do:
- Reduce watering slightly — dormant plants need less
- Avoid fertilizing until spring
- Resume regular care once growth picks up again
It’s Pot-Bound
If roots have run out of space, your plant might stop growing altogether.
What to look for:
- Roots circling the bottom of the pot
- Water running straight through when watering
- Soil dries out very quickly
What to do:
- Check the roots by gently removing the plant from the pot
- Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil
- Water thoroughly after repotting to help it adjust
Wrong Temperature
Plants are sensitive to temperature swings, and being too cold or too hot can slow growth.
What to look for:
- Plant is near a drafty window, heater, or AC vent
- No growth during summer when growth should be active
- Leaves show signs of stress like curling or crisping
What to do:
- Keep your plant in a stable, room-temperature environment
- Avoid placing it near direct heat or cold drafts
- Most houseplants prefer 65–75°F (18–24°C)
Final Thoughts
Plants grow at their own pace, but if yours hasn’t budged in months, it’s usually trying to tell you something. Check its light, nutrients, pot size, and seasonal rhythm — a small tweak can often kickstart growth again. Patience goes a long way, and even slow growers can thrive with the right care.