Pothos on a Palm

[Hombre de Palmas]

I have a pothos growing up the trunk of my Foxtail Palm. My wife has asked me not to remove it but I am really concerned about increased chances of insect or disease damage.

How detrimental is this to the health of the palm?

[Frond-friend42]

I would guess you could rip it off with no problems, provided the palm is bigger than it is and that it is clear of the leaves. 

[EPaul]

@Hombre de Palmas - The relationship between the two is most likely an example of commensalism.  No need to remove.  In fact, most people do this on purpose for a "jungle" or natural look, especially with large oak trees.  I, personally, like the look.  

Side note: in the future, I recommend posting a photo - it really helps forum members understand the situation better and provide a better answer/opinion.

Edited June 13, 2022 by EPaul

[-2 brian]

Ive have had had growing outside in planters and up palm tree trunks with now issues whatsoever. Below is a closeup and one in the background where you can see it growing up the trunk of  a Howea. 

[greysrigging]

Pothos ( Epipremnum aureum ) is regarded as a weed in Darwin gardens......it gets away and literally takes over. I have dozens of palms with the devil's Ivy climbing the trunks. If you are looking for the 'jungle' look and vibe its fine, otherwise it can be a real problem.
There is a Top End native species called Epipremnum amplissium which is not as aggressive; it also likes to climb, and looks good on the palm trunks.
 

[Blueman]

Epipremnum aureum ('pothos') is an aggressive grower & not really a good climber for palms.  It branches readily and can cover the host.  I let slower or smaller growing aroids climb my palms (like Monstera deliciosa, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, etc).   Large fast growers (E. aureum & E. pinnatum) are better suited to climbing tall straight pines & other conifers.