Supporting your houseplants correctly can make all the difference in their growth and appearance. While some plants climb vigorously, others naturally trail or cascade by sending out runners. Understanding your plant’s growth habit helps you choose the best way to support your houseplant to be the best it can be.
The most commonly used houseplant supports are moss poles and trellises. Although some plants grow best with proper supports, some people prefer the cascading look that an unsupported plant provides. The choice really comes down to aesthetic preference and the growth habit of the plant.
Here’s a guide to help you select the right support.
Moss Poles: Perfect for Thick Stemmed Vertical Climbers with Aerial Roots
Moss poles replicate the natural environment of climbing plants, providing a surface for roots to attach. This encourages upright growth, larger leaves, and overall healthier plants. It also promotes fenestrations (holes and splits in leaves) in certain species.
Perfect Candidates: Monstera Deliciosa, Philodendron Melanochrysum, Epipremnum Pinnatum
Tips: Gently attach stems with plant tape, pole pins, or soft twine. Mist the pole regularly to maintain moisture for aerial roots. More humidity around the nodes means more aerial roots and more growth.
Trellises: Structured Growth for Elegant Climbers
A trellis provides a structured framework, allowing plants to climb in an organized and decorative manner. This is perfect for plants that naturally twine, send out long runners or have thinner stems.
Perfect Candidates: Hoyas and Ivy
Tips: Train new growth regularly by wrapping stems on the trellis. Twining runners on a trellis encourages new leaves to emerge.
Elevation: Bring Trailing Plants to New Heights
Some plants thrive when allowed to trail freely. This approach works well for plants that naturally cascade or don't have aerial roots. Many look best in hanging planters, elevated shelves, or on a plant stand where they can let their foliage flow. Some are just based on personal preference as they can climb too!
Perfect Candidates: Scindapsus, Philodendron Micans, Pothos, Spider Plants
Tips: Provide enough space for trailing growth and rotate plants occasionally for even exposure to light. Promote fullness by trimming when stems get leggy.
How to Choose the Right Support
• Moss Pole: For upright climbers that benefit from aerial root attachment.
• Trellis: For thinner stemmed climbers needing guidance and shaping.
• No Support: For trailing plants that thrive when draped or climbing plants because you prefer them to trail.
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