Transform The Look Of Your Staircase With These Stunning Plants

Although the minimalist look is still popular for home décor, plant lovers tend to aim for the opposite. We want vines draped over mirrors and shelves, bushy plants dominating corners, and potted plants crowded on side tables. If you're looking for new ideas for your jungle, consider adding life and color to your staircase by growing a vining plant along the banister, similar to what TikToker Arielle (@curlfriendari) showcased in the video of her stepmother's 9-year-old pothos. The plant has been wound back and forth — like a basket weave — through the banister, filling more than half the height of the staircase posts. 

A pothos makes sense for this project, as it is a fast-growing, vining houseplant. They're incredibly hardy and easy to grow, and the diverse variegations and shades give you many options to choose from. Plus, if your pothos is beginning to look sparse, you can try these tricks to make your pothos plant look fuller. Consider growing heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), mini monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), or English Ivy (Hedera helix) around your banister if pothos aren't your favorite (this list of vining plants that will give your indoor space a fresh look includes some other choices). Not all of the plants on the list will grow as long as a pothos, so choose a plant that will work best with the length of your staircase. Also, if you have children or pets, make sure your plant is not toxic.

Before you commit to growing a vining plant, like pothos, on your staircase, remember that you won't be able to move your plant for watering or repotting once it is settled. One thing to keep in mind to avoid making a mess while watering your houseplants: Put your plant in a plastic pot with drainage and place that inside a larger pot without any holes at the bottom. This way, you can water your plant without worrying about overflow. Find a spot that will be out of the way as people walk up and down the stairs. If you're worried about the pot being disturbed, consider hanging the plant on the handrail using a basket, like these TreeLen 10-inch Railing Planters. With your plant settled in its semi-permanent position, weave its vines through the poles of your railing, winding the vine back and forth across the width of the stairwell, and continue to do so periodically as the plant grows. 

You'll likely find that your plant is content growing this way because they are climbers by nature. In their natural habitat, pothos grow toward the sun and produce large leaves as they are exposed to more sunlight. As a result, vines like pothos, philodendrons, and hoyas can actually grow better indoors when they're positioned to climb rather than hang. One more piece of advice from the tiktoker: Her stepmom talks to her staircase pothos every day, so try giving your plant baby a morning pep talk.