Trailing pothos are a popular house plant because they are quite easy to care for and can thrive in various environments. If you love trailing vines, hanging plants, or air purifying plants, you will love the trailing pothos.
In the guide below, we will bring everything from plant care tips, to suggestions on where to place your plants for best experience, keep reading to learn all about these gorgeous plants.
Contents
Encouraging Trailing Pothos to Vine
Pothos plants are known for their vining, and trailing habit. If you want your pothos to grow well and look beautiful, you can do a few things to encourage healthy growth and stunning growth. Here is our advice that can assist you:
– Bending and Twisting
You can train your pothos to trail by gently bending and twisting the stems. Be careful not to break them; therefore, you can also use a string or fishing line to secure the stems in the desired position. Pothos are vine plants, so they are naturally inclined to trail. However, you can encourage your pothos to follow even more by giving them something to cling to.
You can move the pot on a raised surface, such as a table or shelf, or by hanging the pot from a hook. Pothos thrive in moist soil, so water your plant regularly. Let the top of the soil get completely dried out between watering.
– Tie Them to a Stake or Trellis
If you don’t have the space to let your pothos vines trail, you can tie them to a stake or trellis. This is a good option if you want to add some vertical interest to your garden without over taking too much ground space.
Simply choose a spot where you want your plant to grow and insert a stake or trellis. Then, tie the vines to the support using plant ties or soft twine. As the vine grows, continue to tie it to the support. You can let the vine grow freely or train it to grow in a particular shape.
– Use a Trellis
If you want your pothos to trail up a wall or other surface, you can use a trellis. To do this, simply tie the stems of your pothos to the trellis using soft ties or string. Ensure you don’t tie the plant too tight, as this can damage the stems.
You should also check the ties periodically to ensure they haven’t become too tight or loose. Pothos are fast growers, so you may need to adjust the ties every few weeks. You can also train your pothos to grow in a certain direction by gently bending the stems and tying them.
These plants can take some time to develop their trailing habit. If you are patient, your plant will eventually start to trail on their own. In the meantime, you can encourage your plant to trail by giving it the sufficient care that it needs as some vine when thy adjust to their planted environment.
– Let Them Trail on Ground
If you have the space, you can let your plant’s vines trail along the ground. This is an excellent option for creating a dense ground cover. Be aware that the vines will root wherever they touch the ground, so you’ll need to be vigilant about keeping them within bounds. Also, remember that any leaves touching the ground will likely die.
– Climbing Support
Second, the main reason why a lot of people invest their time into this plant is that it is a climber, so this means that they will need something to climb on. You can purchase a support structure for a beautiful plant.
In addition, you may even get creative and use something else around your home, like a ladder if you have placed it as a decor. Make sure that the trellis is rigid enough to support the plant’s growth. You can also plant it in a hanging basket and let it grow downwards in a natural flow.
Caring for the Trailing Pothos
Pothos plants are famous for indoor growers because of their easy care requirements and versatility, you must give them their sufficient needs and see them trail with a healthy growth.
– Pruning Needs
Pruning pothos encourages new growth, which will help your plant to vine out. To begin the pruning process, you must first cut back the stems of your pothos plant to the length you desire. You can cut them back to the potting mix or just a few inches above it, and new growth will quickly emerge from the cuts you make.
Pruning also helps to keep your vining plant’s healthy by removing any yellow or dying leaves. These leaves can drain energy and nutrients away from the rest of the plant, so removing them is essential.
You may prune your plant any time of year; However, if you look for new growth, it’s best to do so in the summer or spring seasons. During these months, the plant is actively growing and can rapidly produce new growth.
However, remember that depending on the plant’s growing conditions and how fast it grows, it can take some weeks to a few months for a plant to start trailing.
– Bright and Indirect Light
First, pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light in order to trail. They can tolerate lower light levels, but growth will be slower. If you want your plant to proliferate, place them in a lit spot where they will receive bright and indirect light during the day.
As they receive proper bright light, they will grow faster and healthier. What you can do is place it in a location that will get the perfect light coming from your window, but make sure that it doesn’t burn, hence if the light comes from a translucent curtain, it would do so well and vine perfectly.
– Water Pothos Regularly
Finally, keep in mind that pothos plants are moisture-loving plants. This means they will need to be watered regularly, but you should allow the soil to dry out on its own before the next waterings. If you overwatered your plant, it will cause, so it’s essential to strike a balance.
By remembering these things, finding the perfect spot for your pothos plant should be a breeze especially if it’s a Jade Pothos. These plants are not picky about their pot’s depth, but they prefer a pot at least six inches deep, so if you water them, make sure you reach out the whole pot.
Trellis Types for Trailing Pothos
Trellis type is an essential factor to consider when growing trailing pothos. The type of trellis that you choose will determine how your plants grow and spread no matter the type, whether it’s a golden Pothos, Marble queen pothos, Silver satin pothos, or a Neon pothos.
The three main types of trellises can be used for trailing pothos: horizontal, vertical, and lattice. You can encourage your pothos to trail by giving them something to cling to, like a trellis or moss pole, or you can let it trail down from a high place, like a bookshelf.
– Horizontal Trellis
A horizontHorizontalal trellis is the most common trellis used for trailing pothos. It is easy to construct and can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. trellises support plants to grow horizontally along the ground or up walls. They are typically used in gardens or landscapes where space is limited.
These trellis types are ideal for training Any variegated pothos vines to grow horizontally. When using a horizontal trellis, place it at least two to three feet away from other structures or plants. This will provide enough space to spread your plant and prevent it from overcrowding other plants.
– Vertical Trellis
A vertical trellis is another type of trellis used for trailing golden pothos plants. Vertical trellises are taller than horizontal trellises and support plants to grow vertically up walls or fences. In addition, they are often used in gardens or landscapes where space is limited or where there is a desire to create a more dramatic effect.
Additionally, you can use vertical trellises to create privacy screens or decorative features in gardens and landscapes. These trellis types are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. These trellises are narrower than horizontal trellises and are typically used in gardens or landscapes where insufficient space is available.
– Pyramid Trellis
A pyramid trellis is a type of trellis that is shaped like a pyramid. Pyramid trellises are typically used as a support to climbing plants such as vines. You can also use them in gardens or landscapes to add interest and height.
This trellis type is easy to build and may even be made out of various types of materials, including wood, metal, or PVC.
– Lattice Trellis
A lattice trellis is a type of trellis that consists of a series of crisscrossing wires or rods. Lattice trellises are often used as decorative elements in gardens or landscapes. You can also use them to support climbing plants. Lattice trellises are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic.
In addition, a lattice trellis can also support other plants such as grapevines, ivy, and clematis. You can use a living lattice trellis to create a more natural look. This is created by training climbing plants to grow around a metal or wood frame. Trellis netting is a type of trellis that consists of a network of cords or strings.
Trellis netting is typically used to support climbing plants such as grapevines, ivies, and clematis. This netting is typically made from nylon, polyester, or plastic. You can also use trellis netting to create a privacy screen or windbreak.
Reasons Pothos Not Trailing as Vines
Many people wait for their pothos to turn into a vine and trail. The main beauty of this plant is how it vines and shows a trail, however a couple of reasons such as lack of water, or not enough sun or maybe aphids or white flies would leave it harmed and not vining.
– Insufficient Water
One reason why pothos plants stop trailing is that they are not receiving enough water. If the soil is arid, the plant will start to droop, and the leaves will turn yellow. This is a symptom that your plant needs more water. Make sure to water your pothos plant regularly, especially during the summer when the plant is actively growing.
To do this, you can water your plant from the bottom by submerging the pot in a sink or tub of water. Or, you can water your plant from the top using a watering can or hose to direct the water onto the soil. Whichever method you choose, ensure the soil is evenly moistened but not soggy.
– Too Much Sun
If your pothos is not trailing, it could be because it’s getting too much sun. Pothos prefer bright, indirect light, so if you’re placing them in a spot that gets direct sunlight, they may start to turn yellow and become stunted.
Too much sun can also cause the leaves to scorch or turn brown. If you think your plant is getting too much sun, try moving it to a spot that gets less light throughout the day.
To move your plant, find an area in your home that gets bright, indirect light. You may even try placing it near a window with a sheer curtain or blind.
If you don’t have any windows that get indirect light, you can buy a grow light from a gardening store or online. Once you have found the perfect spot for your pothos, water it regularly and fertilize it every few weeks to help it recover from the move.
– Cold Damage
One of the main reasons that pothos plants fail to trail is due to cold damage. When the temperature drops somewhere below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, pothos leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. This signifies that the plant is not getting enough warmth and protection from the elements.
If you are located in an area with cold winters, bringing your pothos indoors or protecting it with a frost-proof covering is essential. Drafts from doors and windows can also damage Pothos, so make sure to keep them away from any sources of cold air.
– Fertilizer Burn
Pothos are not typically trailing plants; they are known for their climbing ability. However, if you fertilize your pothos too much, it can cause the leaves to burn. This is because the fertilizer contains high nitrogen levels, which can be toxic to the plant if it’s not diluted properly. If you see the leaves of your pothos turning brown or black, you’ve likely applied too much fertilizer.
To prevent this, always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and be sure to dilute it properly before applying it to your plant. You can also try using a slow-release fertilizer, which will help to prevent burns.
If you see that your pothos is already starting to burn, you can try removing some of the affected leaves and then cut back on fertilization. With proper care, your pothos should recover and continue to thrive.
– Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, brown, or yellow. They suck the sap out of plants, which may cause the leaves to become yellow and wilt.
Aphids can also spread disease from one plant to another.
– Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, and white-colored insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can make the leaves turn yellow and wilt. Mealybugs can also spread disease from one plant to another.
– Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, and white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause the green leaves to turn yellow and wilt. Whiteflies can also spread disease from one plant to another.
To remove pests from your pothos, you can handpick them off and dispose of them. Use an insecticide or fungicide. Introduce beneficial insects to your garden, ones that won’t harm them, such as ladybugs and lacewings, that will eat the pests.
Diseases That Can Affect Trailing Process
Several diseases can affect pothos, including botrytis, cucumber mosaic virus, and Rhizoctonia root rot. If you suspect your plant is diseased, it’s best to see a professional for diagnosis and treatment. These diseases would be fatal to your plant so what you must do is make sure to stop them at their very start.
– Botrytis
This disease, also called gray mold, is caused by a fungus that thrives in humid conditions. Infected leaves will develop gray or brown spots, and the plant may drop leaves.
You must be very cautious with this disease because it would harm it on the long run, as it would trigger the greenness of the leaves slowly but surely the vines will be harmed.
When the vines are harmed, they will have a harder time growing taller. The best way to keep botrytis out is to provide good air circulation and keep the leaves dry, don’t mist the top of the leaves if you are doing so to adjust the high moisture level.
– Cucumber Mosaic Virus
This virus is transmitted by cucumber beetles and results in mottled leaves. Infected plants will eventually die.
There is no cure for cucumber mosaic virus, so the best way to stop it is to keep cucumber beetles away from your plants.
– Rhizoctonia Root Rot
This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the plant’s roots. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. The best way to prevent Rhizoctonia root rot is to plant pothos in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering.
Several diseases can affect pothos, and the best way to prevent them is to provide good air circulation and keep the leaves dry.
There are several reasons why your pothos might not be trailing. Ensure to water the plant regularly, keep it out of the direct sun, and check for pests or diseases. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong, it’s best to see a professional for help.
Conclusion
Trailing pothos is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
However, there are a few things that you need to know to have a trailing pothos in your home:
- They tolerate low light conditions and can even thrive in indirect sunlight; too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
- Trailing pothos can be placed in different types of trellis, including horizontal, vertical, pyramid, and lattice.
- Pothos are susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause them not to trail.
- You can always encourage the plant as you fertilize it, but make sure you don’t over feed it, as it may be exposed to a burn.
If you are searching for a plant that would help purify the air in your home, trailing pothos is a great choice as they are known for being excellent at removing toxins from the air.
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