When you live in a small apartment or a compact home, floor space is the most valuable currency you have. But being short on square footage shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dreams of an indoor jungle. Enter the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Known as the “gateway plant” for beginners, the Pothos is a vigorous climber and trailer that is practically begging to go vertical.
By taking your Pothos off the floor and onto the walls, you not only clear up walking space but also create a breathtaking “living wallpaper” effect. Here are 13 creative ways to utilize vertical space with the world’s most versatile houseplant.
1. Wire Trellis
The wire trellis is the ultimate choice for those who love a clean, industrial-chic aesthetic. By mounting a thin metal grid—whether it’s a standard garden trellis or a repurposed wire cooling rack—directly onto your wall, you provide a sturdy skeleton for your Pothos to follow. As the vines grow, you can gently guide them through the openings. Over time, the foliage becomes so dense that the wire disappears entirely, leaving behind a geometric masterpiece of greenery. This method is particularly effective for filling large, blank wall spaces without the need for bulky furniture.
2. Macramé Slings
If your style leans more toward Bohemian or “Jungalow,” macramé slings are a timeless solution. These woven hangers allow you to suspend plants from the ceiling or high up on curtain rods, keeping your surfaces completely clear. The beauty of macramé is the layered look; by hanging multiple plants at different heights, you create a sense of depth and volume. For a small space, this draws the eye upward, making the ceilings feel higher than they actually are.
3. Moss Poles
While many people think of Pothos as a trailing plant, it is naturally a climber. In the wild, they use aerial roots to scale trees. By providing a moss pole (a PVC or wood pipe wrapped in sphagnum moss), you mimic this natural environment. When a Pothos climbs upward, its leaves actually grow larger and more fenestrated over time. This vertical pillar of green takes up only a few inches of floor space while providing a massive visual impact.
4. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a small-space dweller’s best friend. By installing a series of staggered shelves, you can create a “staircase” of greenery. Place your Pothos on the highest shelf and let the vines cascade down, brushing against the plants on the lower levels. This creates a waterfall effect that adds movement and life to a room. It’s also a highly functional way to use the space above a desk or a television.
5. Command Hooks
For renters who can’t drill holes into their walls, clear adhesive hooks (like Command hooks) are a game-changer. You can map out a specific path across your wall or even around your ceiling perimeter and use the hooks to “clip” the vines in place. This allows you to “paint” with your plants, creating organic patterns, framing doorways, or tracing the silhouette of a window. It’s lightweight, temporary, and creates a high-end look for just a few dollars.
6. Pegboard Gardens
Pegboards aren’t just for garages and craft rooms anymore. A wall-mounted pegboard provides a modular system for your plants. You can move pots around as they grow, add hooks for trailing vines, and even store your watering can right on the wall. This is a brilliant solution for a home office, where you can surround your workspace with nature without cluttering your desk.
7. Geometric Pockets
Geometric wall pockets act as living art. These small ceramic or plastic containers mount flush against the wall, making them ideal for narrow hallways or entryways where a traditional shelf might be too wide. When arranged in a cluster, they create a modern, sophisticated look. Because Pothos is so resilient, it can handle the slightly smaller root space of these pockets as long as you monitor the moisture levels.
8. Wooden Ladders
If you have an empty corner, a leaning ladder is a fantastic way to add vertical interest without any permanent installation. You can place pots on the rungs and train the vines to wrap around the sides of the ladder. This creates a dense “A-frame” of foliage. It’s an excellent choice for those who like to rearrange their furniture often, as the entire garden can be moved in one go.
