15 Tips to Help Your Pothos Plant Climb Like a Pro

Pothos plants are often nicknamed “the ultimate beginner’s plant” and for good reason: they’re forgiving, adaptable and beautiful. While they naturally trail, their ability to climb is equally impressive, especially when given the right conditions.

But if you’re unsure of how to get them climbing or yours aren’t doing very well then this guide is for you. These tips will show you how you can transform your Pothos into a stunning vertical showpiece, including some unconventional tips you won’t find elsewhere.

1. Pick the Perfect Climbing Support

Your Pothos needs a proper structure to climb. Here’s an in depth look at the best options and how to use them effectively:

Support Options

Pro Tip: Coat a DIY support structure (like a wooden dowel or pipe) with coconut coir or jute for added texture that mimics natural tree bark.

2. Position It Like a Pro

Where you place your Pothos is key to climbing success. Bright, indirect sunlight is essential for vigorous growth. A poorly lit corner might lead to slower growth and smaller leaves.

• Good Placement: Near east-facing windows or areas with filtered light.
• Avoid: South-facing windows without curtains—direct sunlight scorches leaves.

Extra Tip: Experiment with proximity to artificial grow lights if natural light is limited. Pothos responds well to LED grow lights in lower-light homes.

3. Getting the Right Watering Balance

The secret to a thriving Pothos lies in its soil’s moisture level. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Watering Tips:

• Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the roots.

Empty saucers under pots to prevent standing water.

• Adjust your routine during winter months when growth slows.

Pro Tip: Set up a self-watering pot or use an olla (a terracotta watering vessel) to provide a steady moisture level – especially helpful if you’re prone to over – or under-watering.

4. Boost Humidity Levels

Pothos naturally thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, try these methods:

• Group plants together (they create a microclimate of humidity).
• Place a pebble tray filled with water under the pot.
• Run a humidifier nearby.

Uncommon Tip: Mist the moss pole or support system directly. This encourages aerial roots to cling better and absorb moisture.

5. Feed It Right

Pothos don’t demand heavy feeding, but regular fertilizer during the growing season can make all the difference.

• Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
• Apply monthly during spring and summer; stop feeding in fall and winter.

Advanced Tip: Try an organic banana peel “tea.” Soak banana peels in water overnight and use the nutrient-rich water to feed your Pothos.

6. Pruning

Pruning isn’t just about appearance. It signals to the plant that it can push out new growth, encouraging thicker, lusher vines.

• Cut right above a node (where the leaf meets the stem).
• Use sanitized scissors or shears to prevent infections.
• Don’t toss the cuttings—propagate them in water to create new plants.

Pro Tip: Pinch off new growth from the top to divert energy to side shoots. This method results in a bushier, fuller plant.

7. Secure with Gentle Ties

Loose ties guide the vines upward without strangling the stems. Here’s a breakdown of options:

• Twine or String: Budget-friendly, but check regularly for cutting into stems.
• Velcro Plant Tape: Adjustable and reusable.
• Soft Twist Ties: Ideal for beginners; flexible yet gentle.

Pro Tip: Use a figure-eight loop when tying stems. It allows room for growth while keeping the plant secure.

8. Rotate for Balanced Growth

Plants naturally lean toward light sources. To keep your Pothos evenly climbing:

• Rotate the pot by 90 degrees every 1-2 weeks.
• Track its progress and adjust its position if one side grows faster.

9. Rehome It Periodically

Your Pothos will outgrow its pot every couple of years. Here’s how to know it’s time:

• Roots poking out of drainage holes.
• Slowed growth despite proper care.
• Soil drying out too quickly after watering.

Repotting Tips:

• Use a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
• Refresh the soil with a well-draining mix (peat, perlite, and bark).
• Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil.

10. Keep Pests in Check

Common pests like spider mites or mealybugs can slow down your Pothos’ growth. Prevention and early treatment are critical.

• Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly.
• Wipe leaves with a neem oil solution to deter pests.
• Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection.

11. Encourage Aerial Roots

Those little nubs along your Pothos stems are aerial roots waiting to develop. To activate them:

• Mist the roots lightly every few days.
• Press the aerial roots against a moss pole or coir-wrapped support.

Extra Tip: You can create a “humid boost” by wrapping damp sphagnum moss around the nodes. This encourages faster rooting and anchoring.

12. Skip the Harsh Stuff

Chemical-heavy fertilizers or cleaning solutions can damage your Pothos over time. Stick to natural alternatives:

• Use diluted Castile soap for pest management.
• Rinse leaves gently under lukewarm water instead of using leaf-shining sprays.

13. Stabilize Temperatures

Pothos plants hate drafts. Ensure their environment stays within the 65–75°F (18–24°C) range.

• Keep plants away from windowsills in the winter.
• Avoid placing them near air conditioners or radiators.

Advanced Tip: Use a thermometer and humidity meter combo to monitor conditions if your home fluctuates in temperature.

14. Choose Soil Wisely

Regular garden soil won’t cut it for Pothos. They thrive in a mix that retains moisture but drains quickly. A good DIY mix:

• 1 part peat moss or coco coir.
• 1 part perlite or pumice.
• 1 part orchid bark.

Pro Tip: Add a bit of charcoal to the soil mix to help with aeration and absorb impurities.

15. Trust the Process

Climbing Pothos is a slow but rewarding journey. With care and patience, you’ll see larger, more vibrant leaves and thriving vines.

A Good Mindset: Don’t expect immediate results. Each node that attaches to a support is a sign of your Pothos adapting beautifully to its climbing habitat.

A Climber’s Cheat Sheet

With these expanded tips you’re armed with everything you need to turn your Pothos into a climbing superstar.