Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, are versatile plants that can adapt to various growing conditions. When it comes to their natural growth habit, pothos tend to vine horizontally or hang downward from their pot. This is because they are native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where they grow as epiphytes, clinging to the trunks and branches of trees.
In their natural environment, pothos receive filtered sunlight as they grow under the dense canopy of the rainforest. As a result, they have evolved to have long, trailing stems that allow them to reach towards the light. If you place a pothos in a spot with limited sunlight, it will typically grow horizontally along a surface or dangle from a hanging basket.
However, if you provide your pothos with more sunlight, it will exhibit a different growth pattern. Pothos are known for their ability to climb and attach themselves to surfaces using their aerial roots. These roots can be seen sprouting from the stems and are used by the plant to anchor itself to a support structure, such as a trellis, moss pole, or wall.
If you want your pothos to climb, you can provide a support structure for it to latch onto. This can be as simple as placing a trellis or moss pole in the pot and allowing the plant to naturally wrap its stems around it. Alternatively, you can attach the stems to the structure using soft ties or plant clips to guide their growth.
It’s worth noting that pothos can be trained to climb in a specific direction or pattern. By gently redirecting the stems and attaching them to the support structure, you can create a visually appealing display. This can be particularly useful if you want to incorporate pothos into your indoor or outdoor landscaping design.
If you prefer a more relaxed, cascading look for your pothos, you can let it hang from a hanging basket or place it on a high shelf where the long stems can dangle freely. This allows the plant to create a beautiful, flowing display as the stems reach towards the ground.
In my personal experience, I have had pothos plants that were trained to climb on a moss pole, and they created a stunning vertical display in my living room. On the other hand, I also have pothos plants that I let hang from the ceiling in my kitchen, and their long, trailing vines create a lovely cascading effect.
To summarize, pothos are adaptable plants that can either climb or hang depending on the availability of sunlight. They naturally vine horizontally or hang downwards, but with more light, they can be trained to climb and attach themselves to a support structure. The choice between climbing or hanging is a matter of personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your indoor or outdoor space.
