How To Make Pothos Climb

If you want your pothos to look lush and full, learning how to make pothos climb is the key. This simple guide will show you the easy methods to train your plant upwards, just like it does in nature.

Pothos are natural climbers. In their tropical habitat, they use aerial roots to attach to trees and reach for the light. When we grow them in pots, they don’t have anything to grab onto, so they trail down. Giving them support lets them grow larger leaves and become even healthier. It’s a simple process that anyone can do.

To train your pothos, you need to provide support and gently guide its growth. The main steps are choosing the right support, attaching the vines, and providing proper care to encourage upward growth. Let’s look at the tools you’ll need to get started.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering a few simple supplies first makes the whole process smoother. You probably have most of these items already.

A Healthy Pothos Plant: Choose a plant with several long, flexible vines. Healthy vines are more likely to attach and climb.
A Support Structure: This can be a moss pole, a coco coir pole, a wooden trellis, a bamboo stake, or even a piece of string.
Soft Ties: Use plant velcro, soft garden twine, or even old strips of fabric. Avoid wire or anything that can cut into the stem.
A Watering Can: Proper hydration is crucial during training.
Clean Scissors or Pruners: For any occasional trimming.

Choosing the Best Support for Your Pothos

The right support depends on your space and the look you want. Each option has its benefits.

Moss or Coco Coir Poles

These are the top choice for encouraging aerial root attachment. The moist, rough surface mimics tree bark, giving the roots something to grip. Your pothos will eventually anchor itself, needing less help from ties.

Wooden Trellises or Bamboo Stakes

A small trellis or a few bamboo stakes create a beautiful, structured look. They are great for smaller plants or directing growth in a specific shape. The vines will need to be tied more permanantly, as the smooth surface is harder for roots to cling to.

Wall Hooks or Clear Adhesive Clips

For a cascading wall of greenery, you can train vines along a wall using hooks or clips. This method is very decorative. Remember, the aerial roots can sometimes mark paint or wallpaper, so plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step Training Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the actual process. Follow these steps to ensure success.

Insert the Support: Carefully push your chosen pole or trellis into the pot’s soil, close to the plant’s center. Avoid damaging too many roots. For a wall setup, install your first hook near the top of the pot.
Water Thoroughly: Give your plant a good drink. A well-hydrated pothos is more flexible and less likely to snap during training.
Gently Separate the Vines: Untangle the vines from each other. Take your time to avoid breaking them.
Attach Vines to Support: Start with the longest vine. Loosely wrap it around the pole or weave it through the trellis. Use a soft tie to secure it in a few places. Don’t pull it tight—the tie should be snug but not constricting.
Encourage Attachment: If using a moss pole, keep it slightly damp. This humidity encourages the aerial roots to grow into the pole. Mist the pole occasionally.
Repeat and Redirect: Attach the other vines. As new growth appears, gently guide it onto the support. You may need to add new ties every few weeks.

Essential Care Tips for a Thriving Climbing Pothos

Your plant’s needs change slightly when it starts climbing. Here’s how to adjust your care routine.

Light and Water Needs

A climbing pothos will often grow faster. It might need water more frequently, so check the soil often. Place it in bright, indirect light for the best growth. The new leaves that develop while climbing will often be larger if the light is good.

When and How to Prune

Pruning helps maintain a full, bushy appearance. If a vine becomes too long or leggy, you can cut it back. Make your cut just below a leaf node. This will encourage new growth from that point, making the plant denser. You can propagate the cuttings you take to make new plants!

Fertilizing for Growth

During the spring and summer growing seasons, feed your pothos with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month. This gives it the nutrients it needs to produce those big, beautiful climbing leaves. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting Common Climbing Problems

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are solutions to common issues.

Vines Won’t Stay Attached: Check your ties. They might be too loose. For moss poles, ensure the pole is consistently moist to promote root gripping.
Leaves are Getting Smaller: This usually means not enough light. Move the plant to a brighter location (but not direct sun).
Aerial Roots are Drying Out: Increase humidity around the plant. You can mist the air roots and the support pole regularly.
Plant Looks Sparse at the Base: This is normal as energy goes upward. Prune the longest vines back to encourage new growth from the soil level.

Creative Ideas for Displaying Your Climbing Pothos

Once you know the basics, you can get creative with your designs. The possibilities are almost endless.

Train a pothos up a tall moss pole in a corner for a dramatic floor plant effect.
Use a small obelisk trellis in a tabletop pot for a elegant centerpiece.
Create a living wall frame by training the vines around a large picture frame mounted on the wall.
Let it climb up a bookshelf, weaving the vines between your books and decor.

FAQ: Your Pothos Climbing Questions Answered

How long does it take for pothos to attach to a moss pole?

It can take several weeks to a few months for the aerial roots to firmly attach. Keeping the pole moist speeds up this process significantly.

Can I make a pothos climb a wall?

Yes, you can use clear command hooks or clips to guide the vines along a wall. Be aware that the aerial roots might leave marks on some surfaces, so test in a small area first.

Why are the leaves on my climbing pothos bigger?

This is a natural response! When a pothos climbs, it mimics its mature, natural state. The increased support and often better light exposure trigger the growth of larger, fenestrated leaves over time.

Should I repot my pothos when adding a climb support?

It’s often easiest to add the support during repotting, but it’s not strictly nessessary. You can carefully insert a pole into an established pot. Just be gentle to minimize root disturbance.

What if my pothos vines are too short to climb?

Be patient! Allow the vines to grow longer before attempting to train them. In the meantime, ensure it has good light and proper care to encourage faster growth.

Training your pothos to climb is a rewarding project that changes the entire look of the plant. With a simple support and a little patience, you can guide its growth into a beautiful, vertical display. The key is to start with a healthy plant, choose a suitable support, and attach the vines gently. Regular care and occasional pruning will keep your climbing pothos looking its best for years to come.