From my perspective as a Pothos, climbing is not a trick you are teaching me; it is my fundamental nature. In my native tropical habitat, I am an epiphytic vine, meaning I naturally seek out tall trees and structures to ascend. I do this to reach brighter, filtered sunlight in the forest canopy, which is far more advantageous than the dim light on the forest floor. My stems produce special aerial roots, not just for moisture absorption, but also as anchoring systems. These tiny, brown, nub-like roots are my grasping hands, designed to latch onto rough, porous surfaces like tree bark. A moss pole or trellis perfectly mimics this natural support, satisfying my deep-seated instinct to climb and explore vertically.
To begin our journey together, you must first identify my most suitable stems for training. Look for long, healthy vines that are actively growing; these are the most pliable and eager to climb. Please be gentle. My stems are resilient but can be snapped if handled too roughly. Gently gather the vines and loosely hold them against the base of the moss pole or trellis. Do not force them or bend them at sharp angles. I need to feel the support against me to understand its purpose. It is best to start this process when my soil is slightly dry, as I am a bit less turgid and more manageable, reducing the risk of stem damage.
My initial aerial roots are small and may not immediately adhere to the new support. I need your temporary help to stay in place until my own natural mechanisms take over. Use soft, flexible ties like plant velcro, twine, or even strips of old fabric. The key is to tie me loosely—never tight! You must allow room for my stems to thicken and grow without being constricted or scarred. Secure the ties around the pole, not my stem, creating a gentle guide that encourages contact. The goal is to press my nodes (the bumpy points on my stem where leaves and roots emerge) against the moist, textured surface of the moss pole. This contact is the signal for my aerial roots to awaken and dig in.
The single most important thing you can do to train me is to keep the moss pole consistently moist. My aerial roots are seeking moisture and a stable surface. A dry, inert pole is just a stick to me; I have no incentive to attach. When you water the soil at my base, also thoroughly mist or slowly pour water down the top of the moss pole. The damp, humid environment you create tells my aerial roots that this is a worthwhile surface to cling to for hydration and support. They will respond by growing longer and actively embedding themselves into the moss. This is how I truly become self-sufficient on the climb.
Once securely attached, my entire growth habit will transform. Instead of putting energy into growing long, trailing vines with wide gaps between leaves, I will begin to produce larger, more mature leaves that are closer together on the stem. This is my "happy" form. As I grow upward, you may need to add new sections to the moss pole. Continue to gently guide new growth and mist the new section to encourage my roots to climb higher. Your consistent care in providing light, water, and a moist pole allows me to express my natural behaviors fully, resulting in a magnificent, towering specimen that is a testament to our successful partnership.
