Pothos (*Epipremnum aureum*) is a natural climber in its native tropical habitat. In the wild, it uses aerial roots to attach itself to trees and other structures, allowing it to reach sunlight and grow vertically. When grown indoors, pothos can be trained to climb using supports like trellises or moss poles, which mimic its natural environment. The choice between these two methods depends on the plant's needs and the grower's preferences.
A trellis is a rigid framework, often made of wood, metal, or plastic, that provides a structured path for the pothos to climb. Here's how the plant interacts with a trellis:
Attachment Mechanism: Pothos does not naturally cling to smooth surfaces like a trellis. You will need to gently tie the vines to the trellis using soft plant ties or clips. Over time, the plant's aerial roots may attempt to anchor, but they will not penetrate the hard surface.
Growth Pattern: The trellis guides the plant's direction, creating a neat, controlled appearance. However, without moisture or organic material, the aerial roots may not grow as vigorously as they would on a moss pole.
Maintenance: Regular pruning and tying are required to keep the plant trained. The trellis is ideal for growers who prefer a tidy, architectural look.
A moss pole is a vertical support wrapped in sphagnum moss or coco coir, which retains moisture and provides a more natural climbing surface. Here's how pothos responds to a moss pole:
Attachment Mechanism: The moist moss pole encourages aerial roots to penetrate and cling, similar to how they would on a tree in the wild. This creates a stronger, more natural bond between the plant and the support.
Growth Pattern: Pothos grown on a moss pole often develops larger leaves and more vigorous growth, as the aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the moss. The plant may also produce more fenestrations (splits in the leaves) as it matures.
Maintenance: Moss poles require regular misting or watering to stay moist. If the pole dries out, the aerial roots may not attach as effectively. This method is best for growers who want to replicate the plant's natural habitat.
Nutrient and Moisture Access: A moss pole provides additional hydration and minor nutrients through the aerial roots, promoting healthier growth. A trellis offers no nutritional benefit.
Stability: Both supports provide stability, but a moss pole allows the plant to anchor itself more securely over time, reducing the need for manual tying.
Leaf Size and Health: Pothos on a moss pole often exhibits larger, more mature leaves due to the enhanced root attachment and moisture retention. A trellis-trained pothos may have smaller leaves unless regularly fertilized.
The decision between a trellis and a moss pole depends on your goals. If you prefer low-maintenance training with a clean aesthetic, a trellis may suffice. If you want to encourage natural climbing behavior and maximize growth, a moss pole is the better choice. In either case, providing a climbing structure will help your pothos thrive by mimicking its native growing conditions.
