Pothos is a popular houseplant loved for its trailing vines and easygoing nature. But did you know you can also train your pothos to climb? When you provide the right support and care, this tropical vine will eagerly grow upward, creating a lush vertical display. Whether you want to cover a trellis, a moss pole, or even a wall, learning how to get pothos to climb will help you take your plant to the next level—literally. This guide explains everything you need to know, from choosing the right structure to encouraging healthy, upward growth.
Understand How Pothos Grows
To train pothos to climb, first, it helps to understand how the plant grows in nature. In tropical rainforests, pothos climbs up tree trunks using aerial roots that grab onto surfaces for support. These roots help the plant stay anchored while it reaches toward sunlight. Indoors, pothos will send out those same aerial roots, but without a vertical support structure, they’ll just dangle from hanging baskets or spill over the edge of pots. If you offer a surface that mimics tree bark—like a moss pole or coir totem—the plant will respond quickly and begin climbing.
Choose the Right Climbing Support
Next, pick a structure that suits your style and your space. One of the most effective supports is a moss pole. These poles retain moisture and give aerial roots something to grip. Coir poles, which are made from coconut husk fiber, also work well. If you prefer a more decorative approach, try a wooden trellis, bamboo stakes, or even a wire grid mounted on a wall. No matter which option you choose, make sure it’s tall and sturdy enough to support long vines. As the plant grows, it will get heavier, so your support system must be secure.
Click here for post on how to make your own moss poles.
Start with a Healthy Plant
Before training pothos to climb, focus on plant health. A strong, vigorous pothos will be easier to train and will grow faster. Make sure it gets bright, indirect light. While pothos tolerates low light, it thrives with better lighting and produces larger leaves and longer vines. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Feed your plant every 4–6 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during spring and summer. Healthy pothos vines will reward your care with quick and steady growth.
Position the Support Close to the Plant
Now that your plant is healthy and you’ve chosen a support, it’s time to set things up. Position your climbing structure directly in the pot or very close to the base of the plant. If you’re using a moss or coir pole, insert it firmly into the soil. Push it deep enough to stay upright and stable. If you’re mounting a wire grid or wall trellis, place the pot directly below it so the vines can reach the support easily. Don’t wait until the vines get long to add support. It’s easier to train new growth than to reposition mature stems.
Gently Tie Vines to the Support
Once the support is in place, begin securing your pothos vines. Use soft plant ties, garden Velcro, or twine to loosely attach the stems to the support. Avoid pulling the vines too tight or damaging the plant. You want to guide the growth, not force it. As new leaves emerge, continue tying them higher up. In time, the aerial roots will attach on their own, and the plant will climb naturally. Just keep checking the ties as the vines grow. Adjust them as needed to avoid girdling or cutting into the stems.
Keep the Moss Pole Moist
If you’re using a moss or coir pole, keeping it moist will encourage climbing. When the pole stays damp, the aerial roots can absorb moisture, helping the plant grow faster and attach more securely. You can mist the pole regularly or water it directly when you water the plant. Some gardeners even insert a straw or watering tube into the center of the pole to keep the core moist. A well-hydrated pole mimics the damp bark of trees in the wild, which helps pothos feel right at home.
Prune to Encourage Upward Growth
If your pothos is growing sideways or producing too many trailing vines, don’t hesitate to prune it. Cut back any overly long or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth at the base. This will redirect energy into producing new shoots that can be guided upward. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf node. You can even root the cuttings in water and add them back to the base of the plant for a fuller, more dramatic display.
Rotate for Even Light and Growth
As your pothos climbs, it’s important to rotate the plant regularly. Even if it gets plenty of light, vines can start to lean or twist if one side receives more light than the other. Rotating the pot every couple of weeks ensures balanced exposure and symmetrical growth. This simple step also helps prevent bare spots or vines growing away from the support. A consistent light source promotes lush leaves and strong vines that cling closely to your climbing structure.
Monitor for Pests and Overgrowth
Once your pothos begins climbing, it may grow quickly. Keep an eye on it for signs of overgrowth, pests, or other issues. Common pests like spider mites or mealybugs may hide among the thick foliage. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and check for insects. Trim back any tangled or unruly vines to keep the plant tidy and well-shaped. As the plant matures, consider upgrading to a taller support if it outgrows the original pole or trellis.
Propagate Vines to Fill Out the Base
To create a fuller climbing pothos, take a few cuttings from the top of long vines and root them in water or moist soil. Once they form roots, plant them back into the same pot at the base of the original plant. This adds more growing points, giving you a thicker, lusher look. As these new vines grow, train them up the support along with the original stems. Over time, your pothos will form a dense, dramatic column of green.
Try Different Climbing Styles
While a vertical pole or trellis works well, you can get creative with how you train your pothos to climb. Try guiding it along a curtain rod, a macramé ladder, or across a shelf edge. You can even mount small hooks or adhesive clips to a wall and guide the vines in patterns. Just be sure the surface is safe for the plant to grip and easy to remove later if needed. However you choose to display your climbing pothos, the result will be eye-catching and elegant.
Final Thoughts
Getting pothos to climb is easier than it looks, and the results are well worth the effort. Start with a healthy plant, give it something to cling to, and guide the growth with gentle support. Keep the climbing surface moist, rotate the plant for even light, and trim as needed to shape the growth. With the right care, your pothos will grow upward with enthusiasm, transforming your space with vibrant, trailing vines that reach for the sky.
By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a thriving, climbing pothos that adds beauty and greenery to your home all year long.
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