How Do I Keep My Global Green Pothos From Growing Sideways?

Does your Global Green Pothos have a mind of its own, growing sideways instead of reaching upwards like a good houseplant should? You're not alone. This quirky growth habit can make it tricky to keep your pothos looking neat and tidy. But don't worry—I've got some practical tips and tricks to help you guide your plant in the right direction.

In this article, we'll cover several ways to train your Global Green Pothos to grow upwards instead of sideways. From proper lighting and support structures to pruning and repotting, you'll find all the advice you need to transform your wayward pothos into a stunning vertical display. Let's get started!

Understanding the Growth Habit of Pothos

Before we jump into the solutions, it's helpful to understand why pothos tend to grow sideways. These plants are natural climbers. In the wild, they often spread across the forest floor or climb trees to reach light. Indoors, without a tree to climb, they may spread out horizontally. This isn't a bad thing—it's just how they're wired!

Interestingly enough, pothos plants have aerial roots that help them grip onto surfaces. If you give them a structure to climb, like a trellis or a moss pole, they'll happily oblige. Their natural growth habit can be redirected with the right tools and environment. But if left to their own devices in a pot with no support, they might end up looking more like a sprawling vine than the vertical showpiece you might be envisioning.

Providing Proper Lighting

One of the simplest ways to encourage upward growth is to ensure your pothos is getting enough light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If your pothos is growing sideways, it might be stretching towards the nearest light source. Consider moving it closer to a window or another bright spot in your home.

If natural light is limited, you can supplement with grow lights. Position the lights above the plant to encourage vertical growth. Just be careful not to place them too close, as this can scorch the leaves. You want to mimic the gentle, filtered light that pothos would get under a forest canopy, not direct sunlight. Aim for about 12-14 hours of light per day if you're using artificial lights.

Using Support Structures

Once your pothos has the light it needs, it's time to give it something to climb. This is where support structures come in. A moss pole or a trellis can work wonders in training your plant to grow upwards. These supports mimic the trees and other surfaces pothos would naturally climb in their native habitats.

Here are some popular support options:

• Moss poles: These are poles covered in moss that provide a natural surface for aerial roots to latch onto. They can be placed directly in the pot, and as the pothos grows, you can tie the vines to the pole using plant ties or twine.
• Trellises: These are great for larger pots or for creating a decorative display. Guide the vines through the trellis as they grow, gently securing them with ties.
• Coir poles: Similar to moss poles but made with coconut fiber, these offer a different aesthetic and are equally effective.

As your pothos grows, keep an eye on how it's attaching itself to the support. You might need to adjust ties or reposition vines to maintain a tidy appearance.

Pruning for Shape

Pruning is another effective method to keep your pothos from growing sideways. By trimming back some of the longer, more unruly vines, you can encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from sprawling.

Here's how to prune your pothos:

• Identify the vines that need trimming: Look for ones that are growing too long or in the wrong direction.
• Use clean, sharp scissors: Make sure your tools are sanitized to prevent disease.
• Cut just above a leaf node: This is where new growth will emerge, helping the plant become fuller.

Regular pruning not only helps with shaping but also keeps the plant healthy by removing any dead or damaged leaves. Plus, you can propagate the cuttings to grow new plants!

Repotting Considerations

If your pothos is still refusing to grow upwards despite your best efforts, it might be time to consider repotting. Plants can sometimes become root-bound, meaning their roots have outgrown the pot. This can stunt their growth and cause them to spread out instead of growing up.

When repotting your pothos, choose a pot that's one size larger than the current one. This gives the roots more room to grow and can encourage upward growth. Make sure the pot has drainage holes, as pothos don't like to sit in water.

Use a well-draining potting mix, and consider adding some perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly and place it back in its ideal spot with plenty of light.

Watering Wisely

Proper watering is crucial for keeping your pothos healthy and encouraging it to grow in the right direction. These plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, so it's important not to overwater.

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Be sure to water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots are getting enough moisture without sitting in excess water.

On the flip side, underwatering can also cause problems. If your pothos isn't getting enough water, it might start to droop or wilt. Keep an eye on the leaves for signs of stress, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Fertilizing for Growth

Feeding your pothos can give it the extra boost it needs to grow upwards. During the growing season (spring and summer), use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil. If you notice any white crust on the soil surface, this might be a sign that it's time to flush the soil with water to remove excess salts.

In the fall and winter, you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether, as the plant's growth naturally slows down during these months.

Creating the Right Environment

Finally, consider the overall environment where your pothos is living. Temperature and humidity can play a role in how your plant grows. Pothos prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and moderate humidity.

If your home is particularly dry, especially in the winter, you might want to increase humidity around your plant. A humidifier can help, or you can place a pebble tray with water near the plant to increase moisture in the air.

Keep your pothos away from drafts or sudden temperature changes, as these can stress the plant and affect its growth pattern.

Patience and Observation

Like any living thing, plants take time to adapt and change. Be patient as you implement these strategies. It might take several weeks or even months for your pothos to start growing upwards instead of sideways.

Observe your plant regularly. Notice how it responds to changes in light, support, and care. Sometimes small tweaks can make a big difference. And remember, each pothos is unique, so what works for one might not work for another.

Final Thoughts

In summary, keeping your Global Green Pothos from growing sideways involves providing proper lighting, using support structures, pruning, repotting, and adjusting your care routine. With a little patience and attention, you can encourage your pothos to grow upwards and become the stunning houseplant you desire.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to support you on your plant journey. Whether you're looking for unique houseplants, plant care accessories, or just some friendly advice, we've got you covered. Feel free to email us or send a message on our Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to bring people together and connect us to nature. Let's grow together!