Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), often called Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant known for its long, trailing vines, commonly seen cascading from hanging baskets or shelves. While beautiful in a trailing form, many plant enthusiasts encourage Pothos to climb, mimicking its natural growth habit. This vertical training can transform the plant’s appearance and promote different growth patterns.
Why Encourage Pothos to Climb?
Encouraging Pothos to climb offers several benefits by simulating its natural environment. In its native tropical forests, Pothos is an epiphytic vine, growing on other plants or structures to scale tree trunks and reach for sunlight.
When Pothos vines climb, their leaves often become noticeably larger and more mature. This occurs as the plant invests more energy into leaf development, responding to its instinct to seek brighter light. This natural behavior can also lead to a healthier plant overall. Vertical growth also optimizes space, making it a good choice for smaller areas.
Choosing the Right Support
Choosing the right support is important for successful climbing. Moss poles are a common and effective choice, as they closely mimic the natural tree trunks Pothos would climb. These poles retain moisture, encouraging the plant’s aerial roots to attach and grow into the damp material. Coco coir poles function similarly, providing a textured surface for aerial roots to cling to.
Trellises, made from various materials, offer a decorative and flexible option for guiding vines upward. While trellises provide structure, their open design may not offer the same moisture retention as moss or coir poles, which can influence aerial root attachment. Stakes, such as bamboo canes, also provide vertical support but typically require more frequent securing of the vines. Pothos can even be trained to climb walls using hooks or wires, though direct attachment to painted surfaces might risk damage from aerial roots.
Training Your Pothos to Climb
Training a Pothos to climb involves guiding its vines and securing them to the chosen support. It is often easier to begin when the plant is younger and its vines are more pliable. Gently wrap the longest vines around the support, ensuring not to bend them too sharply.
To secure the vines, use soft plant ties, Velcro strips, or plant clips. These materials hold the vines in place without causing damage. Position the aerial roots, small brown nubs emerging from the nodes, in contact with the support. These roots are designed to anchor the plant and absorb moisture, and encouraging their contact helps the plant self-attach over time.
Ongoing Care for Climbing Pothos
Caring for a climbing Pothos includes specific considerations. If using a moss or coco coir pole, keep the pole consistently moist. Regular misting or pouring water directly onto the pole helps create the humidity that encourages aerial roots to grow into the support.
Ensure the climbing Pothos receives adequate bright, indirect light. Sufficient illumination encourages continued upward growth and larger leaves. Rotating the pot periodically, perhaps every one to two weeks, can promote balanced growth. A well-draining soil mix is important to prevent root rot. Occasional pruning of lower or less vigorous vines can redirect the plant’s energy toward upward growth and maintain a fuller appearance at the base.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When encouraging Pothos to climb, common challenges may arise. If vines are not attaching to the support, it could be due to insufficient humidity around the aerial roots. Misting the support regularly, especially moss or coir poles, can encourage roots to adhere. If leaves remain small, ensure the plant receives enough bright, indirect light, as light levels influence leaf size.
Should the plant revert to a trailing habit or vines become loose, re-secure them to the support using soft ties or clips. This provides guidance until the aerial roots firmly attach. Patience is helpful, as it takes time for the plant to establish its grip and for new, larger leaves to develop. Consistent care supports its climbing aspirations.