How To Make Pothos Grow Upwards

You can make pothos grow upwards by providing a stable vertical support like a moss pole, trellis, or stake.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make pothos grow upwards instead of letting it trail, the secret is giving the vine something to climb.
 
This mimics how pothos naturally grows in tropical forests, where it climbs up tree trunks to reach more light.
 
Without support, pothos will cascade downward, but with the right setup, you can train your plant to reach for the sky.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to make pothos grow upwards, the best supports to use, and the care tweaks that encourage vertical growth.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Pothos Grow Upwards Using a Moss Pole

The most reliable way to make pothos grow upwards is with a moss pole.
 
Here’s why a moss pole works so well for making pothos grow upwards.
 

1. Moss Poles Mimic Their Natural Habitat

Pothos are natural climbers, and in the wild, they use aerial roots to grip onto tree bark.
 
A moss pole provides a similar rough, moisture-retentive surface that encourages the plant to attach.
 
When you make pothos grow upwards on a moss pole, the aerial roots dig into the moss, anchoring the vine.
 
This anchoring is key to getting the plant to grow vertically instead of drooping downward.
 

2. Consistent Moisture Helps Roots Latch

Pothos aerial roots prefer a humid environment to grip firmly.
 
Keeping the moss pole slightly damp by misting it daily will help your pothos grow upwards more easily.
 
The moisture encourages the roots to embed into the moss, which supports the weight of the vine.
 
Without moisture, the roots may not latch, making it harder to make pothos grow upwards.
 

3. Tying the Vine Guides the Direction

To start making pothos grow upwards, gently tie the stems to the pole using soft plant ties or twist ties.
 
Place the ties loosely every few inches up the stem to avoid damaging the vine.
 
Over time, the vine will naturally follow the pole upward, and the ties can be removed as the roots establish.
 
This initial guidance is essential when you first try to make pothos grow upwards.
 

Additional Supports to Help Pothos Grow Upwards

If a moss pole isn’t your style, other supports can also help you make pothos grow upwards.
 

1. Trellis or Ladder

A small wooden or wire trellis inserted into the pot gives pothos a grid to climb.
 
Weave the vines through the trellis openings as they grow to encourage upward movement.
 
This method is great for making pothos grow upwards in a more structured, bushier shape.
 

2. Bamboo Stakes

For a minimalist approach, a single bamboo stake works well to make pothos grow upwards.
 
Secure the vine to the stake with soft ties every few nodes, and the plant will grow straight up.
 
Multiple stakes can be used to support several vines at once.
 

3. Wall Hooks or Command Clips

If you want to make pothos grow upwards along a wall, use clear hooks or command clips.
 
Run the vines along a desired path, securing them with the clips as they lengthen.
 
This turns your pothos into living wall art while still allowing it to grow upwards.
 

Care Adjustments to Encourage Pothos to Grow Upwards

Making pothos grow upwards isn’t just about the support; you also need the right growing conditions.
 

1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Pothos will grow faster and reach upward when given medium to bright indirect light.
 
Low light causes leggy growth with wide spaces between leaves, which makes climbing harder.
 
Placing your pothos near an east or north-facing window gives it enough energy to grow upwards.
 

2. Water Thoroughly but Let Soil Dry

Pothos need consistent moisture but hate soggy roots.
 
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent root rot while keeping the plant hydrated.
 
Healthy roots support larger leaves and stronger vines, both vital for making pothos grow upwards.
 

3. Fertilize During the Growing Season

A balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer fuels growth.
 
This extra nutrition helps the plant produce the energy needed to climb and develop larger leaves.
 
Larger leaves, in turn, anchor better to supports, making it easier to make pothos grow upwards.
 

4. Prune to Encourage Bushier Upward Growth

Trimming leggy stems back to a node encourages new branches that can be trained upward.
 
Each new branch is another vine you can guide onto your support.
 
Regular pruning also prevents the plant from becoming too heavy and toppling its support.
 

Common Mistakes When Making Pothos Grow Upwards

Avoid these pitfalls to successfully make pothos grow upwards.
 

1. Using a Support That’s Too Slippery

Pothos aerial roots need a rough surface to grip.
 
Smooth plastic or metal poles won’t help make pothos grow upwards because the roots can’t latch.
 
Always opt for natural materials like moss, coir, or untreated wood.
 

2. Not Securing the Vine Early

Letting the vine trail for too long makes it harder to redirect upward.
 
Once a vine trails down, it may not naturally want to climb upward again.
 
Start making pothos grow upwards when the vine is still young and flexible.
 

3. Ignoring Humidity Levels

Dry indoor air makes aerial roots brittle and less likely to attach.
 
Mist the support and plant regularly, or use a humidity tray to create a moist microclimate.
 
Higher humidity is a game‑changer for making pothos grow upwards.
 

So, How to Make Pothos Grow Upwards?

You can make pothos grow upwards by giving the plant a rough, moisture‑retentive support like a moss pole, trellis, or stake.
 
Start by securing the vine to the support with ties, keep the support humid, and provide bright indirect light with regular care.
 
With these steps, your pothos will happily climb upward instead of trailing down.
 
Now you have a clear path to making pothos grow upwards in your own home.
 
Happy climbing.