How to Make Pothos Climb Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a beloved houseplant admired for its low maintenance and lush trailing vines. But did you know that, in its natural tropical habitat, Pothos doesn’t just trail — it climbs? With a little help, you can train your indoor Pothos plant to climb upward just like it does in the wild, turning your ordinary plant into a stunning vertical display.

Whether you’re designing a plant wall, working with a moss pole, or just exploring new ways to enrich your indoor plant collection, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make your Pothos climb — the right way.

Why Train a Pothos to Climb?

1. Bigger Leaves, Better Growth

When a Pothos plant climbs, it behaves more like it does in its natural tropical habitat—climbing up tree trunks toward the light. As a result, the plant invests more energy into leaf development.

• Why it happens: In the wild, Pothos grows upward to compete for sunlight, and this vertical growth triggers hormone responses that lead to larger and more mature foliage.
• What you’ll see: Instead of small, simple leaves, you might notice broader, sometimes even fenestrated leaves (slits or holes, especially in older varieties).

Bottom line: If you want your Pothos to grow large and lush, getting it to climb is key.

2. Space Efficiency

Pothos is naturally a trailing plant, and when left to sprawl, it can take over tabletops, shelves, or hang down awkwardly from high places.

• When it climbs, however, you’re making use of vertical space—like walls, trellises, or wooden poles.
• This is especially useful in small apartments, studios, or home offices, where floor and table space is limited.

Bottom line: Training your Pothos vertically gives you more room to enjoy other houseplants or décor while still having that lush jungle vibe.

3. Natural Behavior = Healthier Plant

Climbing is the natural instinct of the Pothos. In the wild, it doesn’t just trail—it climbs tall trees using its aerial roots to anchor itself.

• Supporting this habit indoors creates a stress-free, familiar growing environment, encouraging healthier root systems and better nutrient distribution throughout the plant.
• Plants that are allowed to grow in ways that mimic their natural habitat tend to be more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.

Bottom line: Letting Pothos climb is not forcing it—it’s actually giving it what it wants to do naturally.

4. Lush Indoor Decor

Let’s not forget the design aspect. Climbing Pothos is visually striking.

• Whether it’s wrapping around a moss pole, crawling up a wall trellis, or artfully climbing across shelving or window frames, it brings an element of green architecture to your space.
• It pairs beautifully with minimal or modern interiors, softens hard lines, and can be styled in so many ways—from a jungle corner to a framed wall.

Bottom line: A climbing Pothos turns a simple houseplant into a stunning natural feature in your home.

Best Pothos Varieties for Climbing Indoors

While all Pothos varieties can be trained to climb, some are especially well-suited for vertical growth:

• Golden Pothos
• Neon Pothos
• Marble Queen Pothos
• Pearls & Jade
• Silver Satin Pothos

These varieties respond well to climbing structures and display beautiful foliage patterns when exposed to sufficient indirect light.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Pothos to Climb

1. Start with a Mature Plant

For the best results, choose a Pothos that is at least a couple of years old, with vines that are strong and long enough (12+ inches). Younger plants may not have developed enough aerial roots to begin climbing effectively.

2. Choose Your Climbing Support

Climbing structures are essential to guide and support your Pothos. Here are your top options:

Moss Pole

A moss pole is the most popular and effective climbing support. It:

• Retains moisture
• Encourages aerial roots to latch
• Adds humidity to the plant’s environment

Trellis or Wire Frame

Ideal for creating artistic vertical arrangements, trellises can be wooden, bamboo, or metal. Wire grids work great for wall-mounted designs.

Wall Hooks

Use small 3M command hooks or nails to guide vines along the wall. Perfect for DIY living wall art.

Driftwood or Bamboo Canes

Natural and aesthetically pleasing, these provide a rustic look and work well when anchored securely.

Pro Tip: Avoid supports with rust-prone metals or toxic finishes. Always use safe, plant-friendly materials.

3. Secure the Vines Gently

Use soft ties like jute twine, gardening tape, or plant clips to loosely attach the vines to the structure. Never tie too tightly—this can damage the stems.

As the plant grows, aerial roots will anchor themselves naturally to the support. At that point, you can remove or adjust the ties as needed.

4. Use Light to Direct Growth

Pothos plants climb toward sunlight in nature. Indoors, you can replicate this by strategically placing your plant where the light source is above it.

Ideal Lighting:

• Bright, indirect light for 6+ hours/day
• Grow lights for rooms with low natural light
• Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Lighting Hack: Position your plant on the floor or a low shelf with a grow light placed above to encourage upward climbing.

5. Maintain Optimal Environment

Pothos thrive when their environment mimics the tropics. Here’s how to make them comfortable and encourage climbing:

• Temperature: 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C)
• Humidity: 50%+ (use a humidifier or mist weekly)
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Drainage: Always use well-draining soil and pots with holes to avoid root rot

How to Make a DIY Moss Pole for Your Climbing Pothos

Creating a moss pole is easier than you think! Here’s what you need:

Materials:

• 1 bamboo or plastic pole
• Sphagnum moss
• Twine or zip ties
• Gloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the sphagnum moss in water for 20–30 minutes.
2. Wrap wet moss tightly around the pole.
3. Use twine or zip ties to secure it in place.
4. Insert the moss pole into the pot, close to the base of the plant.
5. Gently wrap your Pothos vines around the pole and tie loosely.

Tip: Keep the moss pole moist to help aerial roots attach faster.

Creative Ideas for Displaying Climbing Pothos

Looking for aesthetic inspiration? Here are some stylish climbing Pothos ideas:

• Indoor Plant Wall: Use multiple hooks to guide vines in a pattern or grid.
• Framed Trellis Art: Grow Pothos around picture frames or geometric trellises.
• Moss Pole Trees: Use tall moss poles and train multiple vines upward for a “tree-like” centerpiece.
• Hanging + Climbing Combo: Let some vines trail down from a hanging basket while others climb up a pole.

Common Problems & How to Solve Them

Advanced Tips for Growing Climbing Pothos Faster

1. Fertilize Monthly During the Growing Season

When and why: Pothos is actively growing in spring and summer. This is when the plant uses up the most nutrients from the soil to produce new leaves and vines.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK) diluted to half strength.
• Feed it once a month to give it the nutrients it needs for strong stem and leaf development.

Tip: Over-fertilizing can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which can damage roots. Always follow the dosage instructions.

Result: Faster growth, greener foliage, and healthier root development.

2. Prune Occasionally

Why prune a climbing plant? You might think you want your Pothos to grow as long as possible—but occasional pruning actually helps it grow faster and fuller.

• Remove dead or yellowing leaves to redirect energy toward healthy growth.
• Pinch or snip leggy stems to encourage branching and bushier growth.

Tip: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading disease.

Result: A more lush, well-shaped plant with multiple vines rather than a few long, stringy ones.

3. Rotate the Pot Every 1–2 Weeks

Why rotation matters: Pothos naturally grows toward the light. If one side of your plant is always facing the light source (like a window or grow light), it can become lopsided or lean toward one direction.

• Turn the pot a quarter turn every 1–2 weeks.
• This ensures even light distribution, helping all sides of the plant grow equally.

Result: A balanced, fuller-looking plant with symmetrical growth.

4. Clean the Leaves Monthly

Why clean leaves? Dust accumulates on plant leaves over time, especially indoors. This layer of dust blocks sunlight, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize (which is how it makes food).

• Wipe leaves gently with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
• You can also mist and gently rinse them during watering sessions.

Bonus Tip: Cleaning also lets you check for pests like spider mites or mealybugs.

Result: Shiny, healthy leaves that absorb more light and produce more energy for growth.

5. Repot Annually

Why repot? Pothos are fast growers, especially when trained to climb. Over time, the plant will outgrow its pot, leading to:

• Root binding: Roots circle tightly and can’t absorb nutrients efficiently.
• Soil exhaustion: Nutrient levels drop as the plant uses up everything in the pot.

Repotting once a year (preferably in early spring) helps:

• Refresh the soil with nutrient-rich mix
• Allow more space for root growth
• Promote healthier top growth and climbing ability

Choose a pot that is 1–2 inches wider than the current one, with drainage holes.

Result: A reinvigorated plant with access to more nutrients, better moisture retention, and room to climb stronger and faster.

Recap: Why These Tips Matter

By following these practices regularly, you’re giving your climbing Pothos the best possible conditions to thrive, develop lush foliage, and grow faster — turning it into a stunning living feature in your home.

Conclusion: Let Your Pothos Reach New Heights

Training your Pothos to climb is one of the most rewarding ways to showcase this hardy and beautiful houseplant. Whether you’re using a moss pole, wall hooks, or decorative trellises, the process is both creative and functional.

With the right light, support, and care, your climbing Pothos will not only flourish but also transform your indoor space into a lush green oasis.

FAQs

1: Can Pothos climb walls without a moss pole?

Yes, but they’ll need anchors like hooks or nails. However, this may damage your walls or paint over time.

2: How often should I mist a climbing Pothos?

Mist once or twice a week, especially if you’re using a moss pole or live in a dry climate.

3: Can I train a hanging Pothos to climb?

Absolutely! Take long trailing vines and gently guide them upward onto a pole or trellis.

4: What’s better: trailing or climbing Pothos?

It depends on your aesthetic preference. Climbing Pothos often grow larger leaves, while trailing adds drama to shelves and hanging pots.

5: Can I propagate climbing Pothos?

Yes! Just cut a vine with at least one node and root it in water or moist soil. It can then be added to your climbing display for a fuller look.

Ready to turn your Pothos into a climbing showstopper? Explore our collection of supports, care tools, and climbing accessories now.