Not growing

Causes, how to tell, and fixes

1. 1

   Insufficient light

   How to tell

   Slow, stretchy, thin growth reaching toward the light source

   Fix

   Check light distance and intensity — this is the single most common cause of stalled growth indoors

2. 2

   Root-bound plant

   How to tell

   Growth was fine, then plateaued; roots visible circling at the bottom of the pot

   Fix

   Transplant into a larger container

3. 3

   Temperature too low

   How to tell

   Growth slows dramatically below roughly 60°F, especially at night

   Fix

   Bring ambient temperature up, particularly if growing outdoors in a cooler season

4. 4

   Normal transition period

   Normal — not a problem

   How to tell

   A brief pause right after transplanting or right after switching light schedules is normal, not a problem

   Fix

   Give it a few days before assuming something's actually wrong

Seeing something else?

• Yellow leaves
• Brown spots
• Curling leaves
• Not growing
• Bugs or pests
• Strong odor indoors