Pothos plants are popular houseplants known for their vining growth. These adaptable plants, often trailing from baskets or shelves, can also be encouraged to grow vertically. Trellising a pothos manages and enhances its growth, transforming its natural cascading habit into an upright, lush display.
Why Trellis Pothos
Trellising a pothos encourages larger foliage. When pothos vines climb, they often develop bigger leaves, mimicking their natural growth ascending trees to reach sunlight. This vertical orientation helps the plant access more light, supporting more substantial leaves.
Beyond leaf size, trellising promotes healthier growth by improving air circulation. Growing vertically also conserves space, ideal for smaller living areas where horizontal spread is limited. A trellised pothos enhances aesthetic appeal, transforming a common trailing plant into a striking vertical feature for indoor decor.
Choosing the Right Trellis
Choosing a trellis involves considering types and materials. Moss and coir poles are popular choices, mimicking the natural environment and allowing aerial roots to attach readily. They also retain moisture, benefiting aerial roots. Traditional lattice, bamboo or wood stakes, and wire forms can also be used, offering different aesthetic and structural options.
Assess trellis material for sturdiness and moisture resistance. While metal or plastic supports can be used, they are too smooth and dry for aerial roots to attach without assistance. Untreated wood lattice provides a wider surface for roots to grip, especially if kept moist. Trellis size should be proportionate to your plant and allow for future growth; many poles are extendable to accommodate a maturing plant.
How to Attach Pothos to a Trellis
Attaching pothos vines requires gentle handling and appropriate materials to avoid damaging stems. Essential items include plant ties, soft twine, or clips. Bobby pins or garden staples can also secure vines.
Position the trellis securely in the pot, ensuring stability to support the growing plant. Gently guide the longest vines towards the trellis, wrapping them around the support. Secure vines loosely with your chosen material, ensuring not to cinch them too tightly, which could harm stems. Position aerial roots in contact with or close to the trellis, encouraging them to latch on. Regular adjustments are needed as the plant grows; starting with younger vines makes training easier.
Caring for Trellised Pothos
Caring for a trellised pothos involves specific considerations, particularly watering and light. If using a moss pole, keep the pole consistently moist, as this encourages aerial roots to attach and grow into it. This may require misting the moss pole regularly (two to three times a week) or pouring water directly onto it. While the pole needs moisture, soil watering needs remain similar to untrellised pothos; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, ideal for robust growth and vibrant leaf coloration, especially for variegated varieties. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves; insufficient light leads to smaller leaves and leggy growth. Regular pruning is beneficial for trellised pothos to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and manage vertical growth. Prune by cutting just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth and ensure a fuller appearance.