Ever stared at your plain pothos and thought, “Man, this could be so much cooler?” You don’t need fancy tools or a botany degree.
Here are 15 climbing ideas that’ll help you wrangle those wild vines up poles, trellises, walls, and even curtain rods. Suddenly, your home feels like a leafy, green playground.
You’ll find easy DIY tricks, renter-friendly hacks, and setups that match any budget or vibe.
Training your pothos can actually be fun—like a craft project that doesn’t quit growing.
1. Train your pothos on a DIY moss pole for that tropical jungle vibe indoors
Did you know your pothos secretly dreams of climbing trees?
A moss pole gives those aerial roots something to grab, so leaves get bigger and your plant starts acting like a mini tree.
You can make a pole by wrapping a wooden stake in sphagnum or coconut coir.
Stick it in the pot, gently tie up the vines as they grow, and keep the pole damp so roots don’t get cranky.
This setup saves space and brings a lush vibe with almost no effort.
Give the pot a little spin now and then so your plant grows evenly and looks extra full.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Mist your moss pole once or twice a week. The roots love the moisture, and you’ll see fuller leaves in no time.
2. Use command hooks to gently guide vines up your wall without making a landlord mad
Ever wish for a living wall but dread losing your deposit? Command hooks are your secret weapon.
Stick some clear mini hooks along your dream vine path.
They’re easy to move, and they’ll hold up those stems as your pothos stretches out.
Drape the vine over or tie it loosely with soft twine so it sits snug in the hook.
Keep an eye on the hooks, and swap in stronger ones if your plant starts flexing those muscles.
Don’t push those weight limits—spread out the hooks for each long vine.
Your walls and your pothos will thank you.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Start with the tiniest hooks and upgrade only when the stems get beefy. Swap out the adhesive strips every few months to dodge surprise crashes.
3. Create a trellis from old wooden slats and watch your pothos turn it into living art
Trellises can get pricey, right? Grab some old wooden slats, sand them a bit, and arrange them like a ladder or a fan. It’s low-key and looks awesome leaned against a wall.
Tie the slats with screws or strong twine, then set up the trellis where your pothos catches good light.
Weave the vines through as they grow, or tie them gently with soft twine.
Your pothos gets structure to climb, and you get a wall full of green texture.
Plus, you’re recycling and saving cash—win-win.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Go for untreated wood and just seal the edges. That way your plant stays safe and your trellis lasts. Loosen the ties every few months so the stems don’t get squeezed.”
4. Hang a wire grid on the wall and weave vines through like a green Instagram filter
Think you need special skills for a plant wall? Nope. A metal grid or wire panel turns a boring wall into leafy art.
Mount that grid tight, then thread vines through the squares. Let some vines trail, others climb sideways—make it as wild or neat as you want.
Use plant clips or soft ties to avoid pinching stems. Spin the pots and trim a little so everything stays neat and photo-ready.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick a rust-proof grid if it’s outside. Indoors, any simple metal panel works. Water at the base, not on the leaves, so you don’t get moldy vines.”
5. Wrap vines around a tension rod placed vertically between floor and ceiling for a no-drill solution
Can’t drill in your rental but still want a tall, dramatic pothos?
Set up a tension rod from floor to ceiling—no tools, no holes, no landlord drama.
Pick a metal rod with rubber tips so it doesn’t slip.
Wrap the vines around in a loose spiral, using soft ties if you need extra grip.
Give the plant a turn now and then so all sides catch some light.
This creates a leafy column that fits in corners, hallways, or by sunny windows.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Add a moss pole or coconut coir strip next to the rod for extra root grip. Water at the base—no one likes soggy floors.
6. Attach suction cup hooks to windows and train your pothos for sun-dappled climbs
Your pothos won’t mind living the window life—in fact, most love it.
Stick strong suction cup hooks to clean glass and string up a soft line or fishing line between them. The plant climbs the line, reaching for that sweet, filtered sun.
Clip or tie the stems loosely so roots can cling as they like.
Spin the strands every few weeks for balanced growth.
Windows let you make a living curtain—no tools needed.
Just check those suction cups so you don’t wake up to a plant on the floor.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Use clear fishing line for invisible support. Wipe the glass and check the cups monthly to keep everything in place.
7. Build a macramé ladder planter to combine crafting skills with plant parenting.
Surprising Fact: If you’ve got a ladder and some rope, you can create a living art piece that’ll make your pothos feel like royalty.
Hang a simple wooden ladder and tie macramé holders along the rungs.
Your pothos gets spots to climb and trail, and you get a cool vertical display.
Make the hangers from cotton cord—they’re gentle and easy to clean.
Space the pots so vines can weave around the ladder, climbing and spilling as they please.
Go for lightweight pots and use liners that let water drain, so your wood stays happy.
This setup works indoors or on a covered porch, and it’s perfect for showing off cuttings.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Start with a small ladder and just a couple hangers. Watch how your pothos grows before you go all in. Check the knots now and then so nothing slips.
8. Use bamboo stakes in a bundle to mimic natural climbing poles for a rainforest feel
Bamboo grows faster than most houseplants—so it’s perfect for that jungle look.
Bundle a few stakes together, tie them with twine, and you’ve got a thick, natural pole for your pothos to climb.
Set the bundle in a tall pot or bury the ends for stability.
You’re making a mini tree trunk, and your vines will love wrapping around it.
Tie the stakes with garden wire, and stuff in some moss for extra humidity.
Spin the pot every so often to keep growth even.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Wrap the top with rough twine for root grip. Mist the pole now and then, and your pothos will go wild.”
9. Incorporate driftwood branches as natural climbable sculptures next to your plant pot
Driftwood isn’t just for the beach—it’s awesome for supporting pothos.
Stand a tall driftwood branch by your pot and let the vines climb up naturally.
The rough surface helps roots grip, and the driftwood brings a cozy, rustic vibe.
Lean smaller sticks together for a teepee or plant a single trunk for a living column.
Switch up the pieces as your plant grows or if you want a new look.
Make sure the wood is dry and sturdy—nobody wants bugs or rot.
If you like things tidy, sand sharp spots and seal the base with a safe finish.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick driftwood with a thick base so it won’t tip over. Give it a good scrub and let it sun-dry before adding your plant.”
10. Train your pothos along curtain rods for green accents with every window glance
Don’t want to lose shelf space to plants? Let your pothos climb your curtain rods—it frames the window with green and looks super fresh.
Clip soft plant ties to the rod and guide the vines across.
The plant will chase the light, filling out the edges of your window.
Turn the stems from time to time so both sides stay bushy.
If you see leaves browning, lift them and check for chilly drafts.
Drape the vines for a relaxed look, or keep them neat for a clean line.
It’s easy, and every window view gets a little greener.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Tie vines loosely so you don’t squish the stems. If the air’s dry, mist the leaves near the window to keep them perky.
11. Use string lights intertwined with vines for a magical, enchanted forest look at night
You’d be surprised how string lights can turn a pothos into a fairy tale.
Wrap soft, warm LED strings around the vines and along a trellis or rod.
Don’t pull tight—let the loops fall where they may so your plant can breathe and grow.
Mix up fairy lights and chunkier bistro strands for a layered effect.
Go battery or solar if outlets are scarce.
Give your plant a break at night—turn off the lights for a few hours so it can rest.
Check the cords and batteries now and then, and skip any hot bulbs near leaves.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Stick with warm white LEDs for a gentle glow that won’t bother your pothos. Turn them off in the daytime to save power and keep your plant happy.
12. Attach small planters to a vertical pallet board and encourage pothos trails down each level
Let’s get this out of the way: small spaces absolutely can have big style. I love grabbing an old pallet, standing it up, and popping some shallow pots or fabric pockets onto each slat.
Suddenly, you’ve got a green wall that actually fits in a corner instead of taking over your whole living room.
Leave a gap between each level so your pothos vines have room to tumble and crisscross. If you stagger the pots, those leafy trails overlap and everything looks extra lush—without roots fighting for space.
Go for lightweight planters and fasten them tight with zip ties or screws. Water with care, or you’ll end up with puddles; a saucer or plastic liner underneath keeps things tidy.
I like to rotate the pallet every so often, so all the vines get their fair share of sunlight. This setup doesn’t cost much, you can repaint it whenever you feel like it, and adding labels or doodles makes it feel totally yours.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Start with small plants and upsize pots only if the roots get crowded. Give your pallet board a light mist every now and then—pothos aerial roots love it.“
13. Make a DIY wireframe shaped like your favorite animal or object and let vines fill in the gaps
Ever look at your pothos and think it’s ready for a costume party? Yeah, me too.
Grab some sturdy garden wire and sketch out a simple shape—a cat, a whale, maybe even a heart. Bend the wire to match your outline, add mesh if you want more coverage, and stick it in a pot or anchor it outside.
Gently tie your pothos vines to the wireframe with soft twine or plant clips every few inches. Place your creation in bright, indirect light so the leaves fill out and really show off the shape.
Give the frame a slow turn from time to time so all sides grow evenly. Snip off any wild shoots to keep your sculpture looking sharp. It’s a living piece of art, and honestly, it’s kind of hard not to smile at it.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Start with a small, easy shape until you get the hang of it. Check your ties every month and loosen them if the stems start to bulk up.
14. Clip small plant ties around the vines and supports to gently encourage climbing without damage
Here’s a secret: pothos don’t mind a little nudge. They just need a gentle hand.
Use soft ties or little clips to guide your vines onto a stake, trellis, or even a curtain rod. These hold the stems without squeezing, so your plant can climb up without looking like it’s in plant jail.
Clip close to the support, but leave a smidge of space so the stem can still grow. Every few weeks, check your ties and move or loosen them if the vine starts to get chunky.
Pick reusable plastic or soft fabric clips—way better than tying knots that might dig into your plant. They’re cheap, simple, and way more forgiving if you’re forgetful like me.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick clips that snap open and closed so you can adjust them as your plant gets bigger. Swap out any clips that start to pinch or get brittle in the sun.
15. Put up a lattice panel on an empty wall and turn it into a pothos-festooned statement piece
So, you want a big, leafy eye-catcher but you’re not in the mood to build shelves or drill a ton of holes everywhere? Honestly, a lattice panel is your new best friend.
It gives your pothos something fun to climb, and suddenly that boring wall feels like it’s breathing fresh air.
Just grab a sturdy lattice and get it up there nice and snug. After that, you can hang a few little pots or use clips—whatever feels right.
Start training those pothos vines up and across the pattern. You’ll be surprised how quickly they snake through the openings and fill up the space, especially if you give them a little nudge now and then.
Try mixing a few pothos varieties if you’re into colors or want a bit of texture.
If you’re feeling extra, toss on a string of cozy lights or maybe hang a picture or two to make it feel more like you.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Use lightweight pots and anchor points at first, so you can move the plants around as they get bigger. Oh, and check those lattice connections every few months—nobody wants a surprise plant avalanche in the living room.
