Pothos plants, often called Devil’s Ivy, are popular houseplants known for their long, trailing vines. These adaptable plants are favored for their simple care requirements and ability to thrive in a range of indoor conditions. Their heart-shaped leaves, available in various variegations, add a lush, tropical feel to any interior space. Pothos are a resilient choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Why Pothos Climbs and Why You Should Encourage It
In their natural tropical environments, Pothos plants actively climb up tree trunks and other structures to reach sunlight. This inclination is driven by their aerial roots, which anchor them to surfaces. Encouraging Pothos to climb indoors mimics this habit, offering several benefits.
Climbing Pothos often develop larger, more mature leaves than trailing vines. Vertical growth triggers hormonal responses, directing energy toward leaf development as the plant seeks light. This also promotes a healthier, more robust plant with better nutrient distribution and root systems. Training Pothos to grow vertically efficiently uses space, transforming sprawling vines into striking vertical displays, particularly useful in smaller living areas.
Choosing the Right Support
Selecting an appropriate climbing support is important for vertical growth. Moss poles are effective, replicating tree bark with their texture and moisture retention capabilities. Aerial roots readily attach to moist sphagnum moss, encouraging upward growth. However, moss poles require consistent moisture to remain effective and can be more expensive.
Trellises, made from wood, metal, or plastic, offer decorative and flexible designs for support. Pothos can be easily guided and secured to these supports. Wooden trellises, particularly untreated wood, provide a surface that aerial roots can eventually attach if kept moist. Bamboo stakes offer a simple, affordable guide, though they may require more frequent tying of the vines.
For an integrated look, Pothos can climb walls using gentle adhesives or plant clips. These clips allow vines to be secured directly to a wall, creating a living green display without causing significant damage to painted surfaces. Wooden planks or textured wooden surfaces also serve as climbing structures, allowing aerial roots to grip the material. When choosing a support, consider the plant’s size, aesthetic preferences, and the maintenance level you are prepared to undertake.
Training Your Pothos to Climb
Once a support is in place, training Pothos involves gentle guidance and consistent attention. Begin by selecting mature vines, ideally at least 12 inches long, from your plant. Position these vines against the chosen support structure.
To secure the vines, use soft plant ties, gardening tape, or clips. Wrap them loosely around the vine and support, allowing for future growth and preventing constriction of the stem. As the plant continues to grow, gently guide new shoots upward along the support, securing them as needed. Aerial roots will naturally anchor to the support over time, especially on moist, textured surfaces like moss poles.
Consistency is important. Regularly check progress and adjust ties or clips to ensure vines grow in the desired direction. Placing the plant where light is above the support can also help direct growth, as Pothos grows towards light. If vines trail downwards, re-direct them onto the support, or propagate and root them at the base for a fuller appearance.
Ongoing Care for Climbing Pothos
Maintaining a climbing Pothos requires specific care adjustments. Watering frequency may need to increase for climbing plants, particularly those on moss poles, due to faster moisture evaporation from the support. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on environmental conditions. For moss poles, directly water the pole until fully saturated to encourage aerial root attachment.
Bright, indirect light is ideal for vigorous growth and larger leaves. While Pothos tolerates lower light, optimal light encourages upward growth. Rotate the pot every 1-2 weeks for balanced growth and to prevent leaning towards the light.
Occasional pruning encourages bushier growth and manages size. Trim leggy or sparse vines just above a node to promote new growth, leading to a fuller plant. Pruning can be done any time of year, with more significant trimming best performed during the active growing season (spring to early fall). Monitor for issues like yellowing leaves from overwatering or wilting from underwatering, and address them promptly.