Yeah, straight up soil with no airation like perlite added can slow down root growth and if roots have a harder time growing then it slows down plant growth. It will still grow fine, it just might take a little longer which not the best thing for an auto.
Next time focus on growing roots. Make your medium light and airy. Lots of drainage like perlite or pumice. This will also allow more oxygen to get to your roots which unlike the plant that needs CO² to grow, roots need oxygen or they suffer. If you grow a healthy root system, more times than not the plant follows.
