Pothos, a favored houseplant, is often seen trailing. However, its natural habit is to climb, which unlocks its full potential. Encouraging a Pothos to climb leads to more robust growth and significantly larger leaves than on trailing specimens. This enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal with a lush, vertical display and promotes its overall health by mimicking its inherent growth patterns.
The Natural Climbing Instinct of Pothos
Pothos plants naturally climb in their jungle habitats, such as the Solomon Islands, ascending trees to reach sunlight in the dense forest canopy. This upward growth is a direct response to seeking light, which is scarce on the forest floor.
Climbing triggers maturation in Pothos, leading to notable changes in the plant’s morphology. As a Pothos climbs, its leaves become substantially larger, sometimes developing fenestrations in highly mature specimens, unlike the smaller leaves on trailing plants. The plant invests more energy into leaf development when climbing, resulting in a healthier, more vigorous appearance.
How Pothos Attach and Ascend
Pothos plants climb using specialized aerial roots, which emerge from stem nodes (where leaves and new growth originate). These roots are distinct from soil roots and serve multiple purposes.
Their main function is anchorage, allowing the Pothos to cling firmly to surfaces like tree trunks or supports, enabling vertical ascent. Aerial roots also absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air, especially in humid conditions, supplementing soil root absorption. Their adhesive nature allows them to grip the climbing surface.
Selecting the Right Climbing Support
Choosing an appropriate climbing support is important for a Pothos to thrive. Moss poles are a popular option, mimicking the natural tree trunks Pothos climb. Sphagnum moss poles are absorbent and retain moisture, encouraging aerial roots to attach and grow into the pole. Coco coir poles also provide support and a suitable textured surface for roots, though they retain less water.
Trellises (metal, wood, or plastic) offer another support option. Pothos is not a twining vine, so manual guidance and tying are needed to secure vines to the trellis. Untreated wood lattices offer better root attachment than smooth metal trellises. Direct wall surfaces can also be used, but caution is advisable as aerial roots adhere strongly and may cause damage or marks if the plant is removed.
Guiding Your Pothos Upward
To train a Pothos, insert the chosen support deep into the pot, ensuring stability and proximity to the stems (about two inches from the base). For established plants, select healthy vines at least 12 inches long.
Guide the vines upwards, gently placing them against the support. Secure them with soft plant ties, garden twine, or clips, avoiding tight knots to prevent stem damage. Ensure aerial roots make direct contact with the support to encourage latching. Full anchoring may take several weeks, and new growth will require continued guidance.
Maintaining Your Climbing Pothos
Ongoing care for a climbing Pothos includes specific practices. For moss poles, regularly moisten the pole by pouring water slowly until soaked, rather than just misting. This ensures consistent dampness, encouraging aerial roots to grow into the pole for anchorage and moisture/nutrient absorption.
As the Pothos grows, its light requirements may adjust, with more light reaching upper leaves. Pruning maintains shape and encourages bushier growth by removing older, less vigorous vines. Maintaining adequate humidity is also beneficial, as aerial roots thrive in humid environments. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase ambient humidity.