Looking for a stunning, low-maintenance houseplant that makes a big impact? You’ve found it. The Pothos Totem is a brilliant way to grow this easy-care climbing plant into a dramatic, vertical feature. It’s perfect for adding a touch of lush, green elegance to any corner of your home, and it thrives even if your gardening skills are just beginning.
This setup involves training a pothos plant, like the classic Golden Pothos or a Marble Queen, up a moss pole or coir totem. As it climbs, the leaves often grow larger and the plant develops a mature, tree-like form. It’s surprisingly simple to create and care for, offering all the benefits of pothos with a striking new shape.
Pothos Totem
Creating your own pothos totem is a rewarding project. It starts with choosing the right plant and materials. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic supplies you can find at most garden centers.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
* A healthy, full pothos plant with several long vines.
* A moss pole or coco coir totem. These provide a textured surface for the roots to grip.
* A sturdy pot that’s large enough to support the totem’s height.
* Well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor plant mix works fine.
* Soft plant ties, twist ties, or even strips of old nylon stockings.
First, insert the totem pole firmly into the pot’s center. Repot your pothos, positioning it so the base of the plant is near the pole. Now, take the longest vines and gently wind them around the pole. Use the soft ties to loosely secure the stems to the totem. Don’t tie them too tight—just enough to offer support. Over time, the aerial roots will attach naturally.
Why Choose a Totem for Your Pothos?
You might wonder why you wouldn’t just let your pothos trail from a shelf. Training it upward on a totem has some fantastic advantages. For one, it saves floor and shelf space by growing vertically. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms.
The climb also encourages the plant to enter a more mature growth phase. You’ll often notice the leaves becoming larger and more impressive as the plant ascends. It also creates a single, focal point of greenery that looks intentional and designed. A pothos totem simply looks more structured and majestic than a trailing one.
Your Simple Care Guide
The best part is that a pothos on a totem needs the same easy care as any other pothos. These plants are famously forgiving. They’ll tell you what they need if you pay a little attention.
Light and Location
Pothos plants are adaptable. They prefer bright, indirect light, which will keep their variegation vibrant and promote steady growth. However, they can also tolerate lower light conditions better than many plants. Just avoid direct, hot sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often perfect.
Watering Your Totem Correctly
Overwatering is the main cause of problems. Pothos like their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Here’s a simple method:
1. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
2. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
3. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes.
4. Empty the saucer underneath so the plant isn’t sitting in water.
You’ll likely water less in winter and more in summer. The plant’s leaves will droop slightly when it’s very thirsty, giving you a clear signal.
Feeding and Soil Needs
A light feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) is plenty. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength, about once a month. You can stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. As for soil, a quality potting mix that drains well is key. Repotting every couple of years refreshes the nutrients.
Training and Maintenance Tips
Your pothos won’t climb the totem completely on its own at first. It needs your initial guidance and occasional check-ins. As new growth appears, gently weave it around the pole and secure it with a tie. Always direct the growth upward.
If the aerial roots aren’t attaching to a dry moss pole, try misting the pole regularly. This creates a humid surface they can grab onto. Pruning is also simple. Snip back any vines that get too long or leggy. This pruning encourages bushier growth at the base, making your totem look fuller.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even easy-care plants can have occasional hiccups. Here’s how to fix common pothos totem problems.
* Yellow Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. It can also mean the plant needs a bit more light.
* Brown Leaf Tips: Usually indicates low humidity or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water. Try using distilled or rainwater, and occasionaly mist the leaves.
* Leggy Vines with Small Leaves: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot (still indirect light).
* Pests: Keep an eye out for mealybugs or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap if needed.
Remember, pothos are resilient. Correct the issue, and it will usually bounce back quickly.
Choosing the Perfect Pothos Variety
Almost any type of pothos (Epipremnum aureum) can be grown on a totem. The choice depends on the look you want. The classic Golden Pothos with its yellow-green variegation is a vigorous grower. Marble Queen has beautiful white and green marbling, though it grows a bit slower.
For darker, dramatic leaves, the Jade or Neon Pothos are excellent. The Neon has bright, lime-green leaves that really stand out. The Cebu Blue pothos has stunning silvery-blue leaves that look incredible on a tall structure. Experiment with different types to find your favorite.
FAQ About Pothos Totems
Can I make my own moss pole?
Absolutely! You can wrap sphagnum moss around a PVC pipe or wooden stake and secure it with fishing line or mesh. Soak the moss before wrapping to make it easier to work with.
How often should I mist the totem pole?
Misting the pole once or twice a week is helpful, especially if your home’s air is dry. It encourages the aerial roots to attach. Some people even pour a little water down the top of the pole.
My pothos won’t stick to the pole. What should I do?
Be patient. Keep using soft ties to secure the stems. Ensure the pole is moist, and make sure the plant is getting adequate light to encourage strong growth. Attachment can take several months.
When should I repot a totem plant?
Consider repotting when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, or when the plant becomes top-heavy and unstable. You may need to move to a larger pot and potentially extend the totem pole’s height.
Is a pothos totem pet-friendly?
No. Pothos plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to place your totem in a location where your pets cannot reach the leaves.
The pothos totem is a testament to how a simple idea can create something truly special. With minimal effort, you can guide this humble vine into a magnificent indoor tree. It brings height, texture, and vibrant life to your space without demanding constant attention. Start with a small plant and a modest pole, and enjoy the process of watching it reach for the sky. It’s a living project that grows more beautiful with each passing month.