Pothos isn’t just your average houseplant — it’s actually a really good climber. While most people let their pothos trail along shelves or hang in pots it has a natural knack for scaling upwards when given the chance.
You can train your pothos to climb and help you save space or create a real statement. But sometimes its a struggle to come up with ideas for your pothos to climb.
This guide will look at some creative, practical and downright fun ideas to help your pothos reach new heights.
Understanding Pothos Growth Habits
In their natural habitat pothos are climbers. They use aerial roots to ascend trees and absorb more light. Indoors though they can still be trained to climb structures, which enhances their growth and aesthetic appeal.
Benefits of Encouraging Pothos to Climb
- Larger Leaves: Climbing pothos often develop bigger, more mature leaves.
- Space Optimization: Vertical growth saves space and adds greenery to eye-level areas.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A climbing pothos can become a living piece of art in your home.
Choosing the Right Support for Your Pothos
Selecting an appropriate structure is important for training your pothos to climb. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Moss Poles
These provide a naturalistic support that retains moisture and mimics the plant’s native environment. They encourage aerial roots to attach and can lead to larger leaf development.
Bamboo Trellis
Lightweight and sturdy, bamboo trellises offer a minimalist look and can be customized to fit your space. They are excellent for guiding vines in specific directions.
Wall-Mounted Wire Grids
Ideal for creating living wall art, these grids allow you to train your pothos into various patterns, adding a decorative touch to your interiors.
Circular Hoop Trellis
A hoop trellis adds a unique aesthetic and is perfect for small spaces. It guides the plant in a circular pattern, creating a lush, full appearance.
DIY Ladder Trellis
Crafted from materials like wood or metal, ladder trellises provide a rustic charm and are great for supporting multiple vines simultaneously. DIY Pothos Trellis Ideas
Making your Own Trellis
Creating your own trellis can be a fun and rewarding project too. Here are some DIY ideas to inspire you:
1. Circular Trellis
Repurpose old wire tomato cages to create a circular trellis. This design allows the pothos to climb in a spiral, adding a dynamic look to your space.
2. Bamboo Trellis
Use bamboo sticks to construct a simple yet effective trellis. Arrange the sticks in a fan shape or crisscross pattern to guide the vines upward.
3. Wall-Mounted Trellis
Install hooks or nails in a desired pattern on your wall and connect them with twine or wire. This setup allows you to train the pothos to grow along the wall, creating a living piece of art.
4. Ladder Trellis
A small wooden ladder can serve as a rustic trellis. Place it in your pot and let the pothos climb its rungs, adding vertical interest to your plant display.
Training Your Pothos to Climb
Once you’ve chosen or created a support structure it’s time to train your pothos to climb. These steps make it easy:
1. Positioning
Place the support close to the plant’s base to make it easy for the vines to reach.
2. Guiding the Vines
Gently wrap the vines around the support, securing them loosely with soft ties or garden tape. Avoid tying too tightly to prevent damage to the stems.
3. Pruning
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Trim back overgrown vines to maintain the desired shape.
4. Lighting
Ensure your pothos receives adequate light. Bright, indirect light promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
5. Watering and Humidity
Maintain consistent watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Pothos also appreciate higher humidity levels, which can be achieved by misting the plant or using a humidity tray.
Creative Display Ideas for Climbing Pothos
Incorporating climbing pothos into your home decor can be both functional and just looks good. Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Living Wall Art
Train your pothos on a wall-mounted trellis to create a green tapestry. This approach adds a natural element to your decor and can serve as a focal point in any room.
2. Window Accents
Position a trellis near a window and guide the vines to frame the window. This setup not only enhances the view but also provides natural shade. It’s an elegant way to bring the outdoors in while keeping the light flowing.
3. Corner Climbers
If you have a bare corner in your room, consider adding a tall moss pole or bamboo trellis. Let your pothos climb upward to soften the space and give it a lush, tropical feel.
4. Bookshelf Greens
Train your pothos to climb along the edges of a bookshelf. Use small hooks or ties to guide the plant along the edges or up the sides. This not only adds life to your bookshelves but also turns them into a stunning plant display.
5. Indoor Archways
If you have an indoor archway, install a wire grid or small hooks along the frame. Let the pothos trail up and around, creating a natural frame. This can give your room a cozy, garden-like atmosphere.
Comparing Trellis Materials: A Quick Guide
To help you choose the best trellis material for your pothos, here’s a comparison table:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Moss Pole | Natural look, retains moisture for roots | Can be pricey, bulky |
| Bamboo | Lightweight, eco-friendly | May need more frequent cleaning |
| Metal Trellis | Durable, modern aesthetic | Can be heavy or expensive |
| Plastic Grids | Affordable, easy to customize | Less visually appealing |
| Wooden Ladders | Rustic charm, sturdy | Prone to moisture damage indoors |
Common Challenges When Training Pothos and How to Fix Them
Even the hardiest pothos can present a few hiccups when training them to climb. Here’s how to tackle some common issues:
1. Vines Won’t Attach to the Trellis
Solution: Use soft ties or garden tape to gently secure the vines until they naturally adhere to the structure.
2. Leaves Are Turning Yellow
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Solution: Ensure the pot has drainage holes and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
3. Slow Growth
Cause: Inadequate light or nutrients.
Solution: Place the plant in bright, indirect light and feed it with a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
4. Vines Growing Outward Instead of Climbing
Solution: Regularly guide the vines towards the support and secure them loosely with ties to encourage upward growth.
Uncommon Ideas to Elevate Your Pothos Climbing Game
Let’s push the boundaries of traditional climbing techniques! Here are some unconventional ideas you won’t find in most gardening guides:
1. Hanging Rope Ladders
Install a hanging rope ladder from the ceiling and let your pothos climb upwards. This creates a bohemian, floating plant display.
2. Ceiling Grids
Fix a lightweight wire grid to your ceiling and train the pothos to climb overhead. It’s perfect for creating a green canopy in a kitchen or living room.
3. Chandelier Frame
If you have an old chandelier, remove the wiring and use it as a climbing structure. The cascading vines create a stunning, nature-inspired focal point.
4. Macramé Meets Trellis
Combine macramé hangers with climbing supports. This adds texture and style to your space while giving your pothos something to climb.
5. Outdoor Patio Posts
For those with an outdoor setup, guide pothos up patio posts or pergolas. It adds a tropical vibe and provides natural privacy.
Final Thoughts
Training your pothos is an opportunity to get creative and bring a fresh dimension to your indoor space. You have so many unique choices to get your pothos thriving and climbing.
Remember, a healthy pothos is a happy pothos. So pay attention to its light, water and nutrient needs, and you’ll be rewarded with a plant that climbs and climbs.