How To Grow Pothos Upright

You can grow pothos upright by giving them a proper support structure to climb.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow pothos upright, the key is to mimic their natural climbing habit in the wild.
 
Pothos are natural climbers that use aerial roots to attach to trees and other surfaces in their native environment.
 
When you grow pothos upright, you’re simply recreating that vertical support so the plant can reach upward instead of trailing down.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to grow pothos upright using different methods, what tools you need, and how to train your plant to climb.
 
Let’s get that pothos reaching for the sky.
 

How to Grow Pothos Upright with a Moss Pole

Using a moss pole is one of the most effective ways to grow pothos upright indoors.
 
The rough surface mimics tree bark, giving the aerial roots something to grip.
 
Here’s how to set it up and train your pothos to climb upright.
 

1. Choose a Moisture-Retaining Moss Pole

Look for a moss pole made from sphagnum moss or coco coir.
 
These materials hold moisture, which encourages the aerial roots to dig in and climb upright.
 
When you grow pothos upright on a moss pole, the roots absorb both moisture and nutrients from the pole itself.
 
This helps the plant produce larger leaves and a fuller look.
 

2. Insert the Pole Deep into the Pot

Place the moss pole near the center or back of the pot before planting.
 
Make sure it goes all the way to the bottom of the container so it stays sturdy.
 
You want the pole to support the weight of the pothos as it grows upright over time.
 
If the pole wobbles, your pothos won’t feel secure enough to climb.
 

3. Gently Attach the Stems to the Pole

Use soft plant ties, twist ties, or even strips of old pantyhose.
 
Don’t tie tightly—leave a little room for the stem to expand.
 
As the pothos grows upright, it will naturally send out aerial roots that bind to the pole.
 
You can also mist the moss pole regularly to keep it damp, which encourages root attachment.
 

4. Train the Vines Upward as They Grow

Every few weeks, check the vines and guide any wayward stems toward the pole.
 
When you grow pothos upright, you need to redirect new growth until the plant gets the hang of climbing.
 
Over time, the pothos will learn to climb upright on its own without constant intervention.
 

How to Grow Pothos Upright Using a Trellis or Stake

If you don’t want a moss pole, a simple trellis or wooden stake also works.
 
This method is great for smaller pots or for giving your pothos a structured upright shape.
 
Here’s how to grow pothos upright with a trellis.
 

1. Pick a Sturdy Trellis That Fits Your Pot

Choose a trellis made of bamboo, metal, or coated wire.
 
The trellis should be tall enough to support future growth but not so tall it topples over.
 
Insert the trellis legs deep into the soil so it won’t shift when you attach vines.
 

2. Weave or Tie Vines to the Trellis

Start with the longest stems and gently weave them through the trellis openings.
 
For shorter stems, use soft ties to hold them against the trellis until they grab hold.
 
As you grow pothos upright on a trellis, the plant will eventually send aerial roots around the structure.
 
This creates a natural, self-supporting upright habit over several months.
 

3. Prune to Promote Upward Growth

If your pothos is bushy at the bottom, trim a few lower leaves.
 
This redirects energy to the top vines, helping them climb upright faster.
 
Pruning also encourages branching near the top, making the upright form look fuller.
 

How to Grow Pothos Upright in a Totem or Coir Pole

A totem pole is similar to a moss pole but often thicker and made from compressed coir.
 
It’s a great choice when you want to grow pothos upright with minimal maintenance.
 

1. Use a Totem That Matches Your Pot Size

Buy a pre-made totem or make your own by wrapping coir around a PVC pipe.
 
The totem needs to be buried at least a few inches into the soil to stay upright.
 

2. Attach Multiple Vines to Fill the Totem

Instead of just one vine, wrap several stems around the totem in a spiral.
 
This creates a lush, full upright pothos that looks like a living column.
 
When you grow pothos upright on a totem, the aerial roots will cling tightly after a few weeks.
 

3. Keep the Totem Moist for Best Results

Mist the totem daily or water it directly if it’s hollow.
 
Moisture signals to the roots that this is a good place to attach.
 
A dry totem will still work, but the pothos will climb upright more slowly.
 

Common Mistakes When You Grow Pothos Upright

Even with the best support, you can run into problems.
 
Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
 

1. Waiting Too Long to Provide Support

If you wait until your pothos is long and tangled, training it upright is much harder.
 
Start when the plant is young and the stems are flexible.
 
It’s always easier to grow pothos upright from the beginning than to force an old vine upward.
 

2. Using a Pole That’s Too Short

A short pole will only support a small portion of the plant.
 
As your pothos grows upright, it will outgrow the pole and start trailing down again.
 
Choose a pole that’s at least half the height of your final desired plant length.
 

3. Neglecting to Water or Mist the Support

Roots need moisture to attach firmly.
 
If the moss pole or totem dries out completely, the aerial roots will stop gripping.
 
Regular misting keeps the surface inviting for your pothos to climb upright.
 

So, How to Grow Pothos Upright?

You can grow pothos upright by providing a moss pole, trellis, or totem and training the vines to climb.
 
The most important part is starting early, keeping the support moist, and gently tying or weaving the stems.
 
When you grow pothos upright, you not only save space but also encourage larger leaves and a more dramatic look.
 
Give your pothos something to reach for, and it will reward you with a beautiful vertical display.
 
Now grab a pole and start climbing.