How To Grow Pothos Upward

You can grow pothos upward by training the vines to climb a support structure like a moss pole or trellis.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow pothos upward, it’s actually easier than you think.
 
Pothos are natural climbers in the wild, and with the right setup, they’ll happily grow upward in your home too.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to grow pothos upward, what supports work best, and how to keep your plant thriving as it climbs.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Grow Pothos Upward

Learning how to grow pothos upward starts with picking the right climbing support.
 
Pothos don’t attach themselves naturally like ivy, so you’ll need to guide them.
 
Here are the most effective ways to help your pothos grow upward.
 

1. Use a Moss Pole for Vertical Climbing

A moss pole is one of the best ways to grow pothos upward because it mimics the tree trunks they climb in nature.
 
The moist moss encourages aerial roots to dig in, giving the plant a secure hold.
 
To get started, insert the moss pole into the pot, then gently weave the longest vines around it.
 
Use soft plant ties or twist ties to secure the stems every few inches.
 
Over time, the roots will latch on, and your pothos will naturally climb higher.
 

2. Train Pothos Up a Trellis

If you want a more decorative way to grow pothos upward, a trellis works beautifully.
 
Place a small indoor trellis right in the pot, then weave the vines through the openings.
 
Trellises are great for creating a full, bushy look as the plant spreads out while still climbing.
 
Just make sure the trellis is sturdy enough to hold the weight of mature vines.
 

3. Use a Coir Pole or Wooden Stake

A coir pole is similar to a moss pole but made from coconut fiber.
 
It provides a rough texture that pothos can grip, helping you grow pothos upward with less effort.
 
Wooden stakes are another option, though they don’t hold moisture, so aerial roots may need more coaxing.
 
Whichever you choose, the key is to keep the support firmly in the soil and close to the main stem.
 

Training Your Pothos to Grow Upward

Once you have a support in place, the next step is actively training your pothos to grow upward.
 
Pothos vines naturally want to trail downward, so you’ll need to redirect them.
 

1. Gently Wrap and Tie Vines

Start by wrapping the longest vine around the pole or trellis in a spiral.
 
Use soft plant ties or garden Velcro to hold the vine in place at each loop.
 
Avoid tying too tightly, as this can damage the stems and slow upward growth.
 
Check every few days and adjust the ties as the vine continues to climb.
 

2. Prune to Encourage Upward Growth

Pruning helps you grow pothos upward by redirecting energy to the top of the plant.
 
Cut back any long trailing stems that aren’t climbing, and remove yellow or damaged leaves.
 
Make your cuts just above a leaf node to encourage branching, which fills out the support.
 
Regular pruning keeps the plant focused on vertical growth instead of sprawling out.
 

3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Pothos grow upward fastest when they get plenty of bright, indirect light.
 
Low light slows overall growth and makes vines thin and leggy, which isn’t ideal for climbing.
 
Place your pothos near a north- or east-facing window, or use a grow light if needed.
 
Good light encourages strong, sturdy stems that can support upward growth.
 

Maintaining Healthy Upward Pothos Growth

After you’ve taught your pothos to grow upward, you’ll want to keep it healthy and happy.
 
Here’s how to maintain that vertical growth over time.
 

1. Keep the Moss Pole Moist

If you’re using a moss pole, mist it regularly to keep it damp.
 
Moisture encourages aerial roots to dig in, which strengthens the climb.
 
Without moisture, those roots may dry out and stop gripping, making upward growth harder.
 
You can also water the pole by pouring a small amount of water down the top.
 

2. Fertilize During the Growing Season

To grow pothos upward vigorously, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer.
 
Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots.
 
Fertilizing gives the plant the nutrients it needs to produce long, climbable vines.
 
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
 

3. Rotate the Pot Occasionally

Pothos tend to lean toward the light, which can pull them away from their support.
 
To keep upward growth straight and even, rotate the pot a quarter turn every week.
 
This ensures all sides of the plant get equal light exposure.
 
A balanced plant is much easier to train up a pole or trellis.
 

So, How to Grow Pothos Upward?

You can grow pothos upward by providing a sturdy support like a moss pole or trellis and actively training the vines to climb.
 
The key is to secure the stems, prune regularly, and keep the plant well-lit and moist.
 
With a little patience, your pothos will reward you with lush, vertical growth that transforms any room.
 
We hope this guide on how to grow pothos upward helps you create the climbing beauty you’ve always wanted.