Trellises for houseplants are an indispensable tool for helping potted plants thrive and giving them a stable footing. A plant support is therefore an important part of plant accessories. There are a variety of products on the market that are suitable for different types of plants and differ in material and size. A trellis can be a useful tool for climbing plants to control their plant growth, improve their stability and promote an attractive growth habit. Find out here what options there are when choosing the right climbing aids for houseplants and how you can successfully support your plants!
Why do climbing houseplants need a trellis?
Houseplants need climbing aids to control their growth direction and promote an upright growth habit. Without a trellis, the plants can tend to grow uncontrollably in different directions - this often doesn't look nice and can even cause them to tip over.
A trellis provides the plant with a stable and upright support on which it can grow upwards. Most climbing houseplants also have small adhesive roots (aerial roots) or tendrils that can wind around the climbing aids.
This is how you find the right climbing aid for houseplants
But how can you best support your houseplant as it grows and best direct its growth direction? How do you find the most suitable type of climbing aid for your green plants?
The most popular product: coconut stick
A coconut stick is a long, cylindrical stick made of coconut fiber. They are often used for climbing house plants such as Monstera, Philodendron or Ivy. It provides a stable and natural support for the plant to promote natural growth and is also a fairly affordable option. The plant wraps its shoots around the plant stick and can then grow upwards.
To use coconut rods, simply insert them into the pot and press them into the soil so that they are firm and stable. The plants can then be carefully wrapped around the stakes.
Moss stick
A moss stick for houseplants is a special type of climbing aid that consists of a stick wrapped in moss. The moss stick is a natural and environmentally friendly option for climbing houseplants and is often used as an alternative to coconut sticks or plastic sticks.
The moss stick provides a better opportunity for the plant to hold on and climb upwards. The great thing: You can spray this plant stick with water and liquid fertilizer. This means that the plant is well supplied by the adhesive roots.
Another advantage of the moss stick is that it can be easily bent into shape. The rod can be bent, twisted or shortened to suit the needs of the plant.
However, there are also some disadvantages that must be taken into account when using moss sticks. On the one hand, the moss can be susceptible to mold and fungal growth, especially if it is kept too moist. Another disadvantage is that moss sticks are usually not as durable as sticks made of coconut fiber. The material can fall off or degrade over time, meaning the rod needs to be replaced or renewed regularly.
Metal climbing aid - trellis and co.
Metal trellises are a popular option for climbing plants because they are usually very durable and visually appealing. They are very stable and can hold heavy climbing plants without breaking or tipping over. They come in many different shapes and sizes, giving you a decorative choice - for example grids or spirals. But metal trellises can be more expensive compared to other materials. An alternative is a plastic climbing aid. In general, the disadvantage compared to natural materials is that plants cannot adhere to them as well.
Trellis for the Monstera
Most Monstera species require a climbing aid:
Monstera deliciosa: This type of Monstera is one of the most famous species. It can grow very large and usually requires a trellis to grow well. The climbing aid should be offered from the second or third leaf stage at the latest.
Monstera adansonii and Monstera obliqua: These species have smaller leaves than Monstera deliciosa, which is why they grow climbing or hanging.
Build your own Monstera trellis with moss
There are many creative and easy ways to build climbing aids yourself.
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DIY moss stick: Wrap a thin wooden or bamboo stick with moss and secure it with wire or string. The plant can then grow around and along the moss stick. There are also plastic rods, for example from a 3D printer, that can be filled with natural materials.
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Wooden trellis: Use a natural piece of wood and attach it to a pot with string or wire. The plant can then grow around the wood and climb along it.
Climbing houseplants such as Philodendron should be properly secured and allowed to climb
There are different methods for pinning plants. A cord or string is ideal for tying the shoots of the plant to the climbing aid. Cable ties or clips can also be used to tie things down. It is important that the plant is not tied too tightly so as not to damage it.
The right care for your climbing plants: Ivy, Monstera dubia and Co.
Climbing plants can be a little more demanding to care for than other houseplants. Here are some tips to keep your climbing plants healthy and happy:
Light: Climbing plants generally require bright, indirect light to grow well. However, avoid direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves.
Watering: Climbing plants don't like waterlogged soil, but they don't like it too dry either. Water your plant regularly, but allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Many climbing plants come from tropical regions and therefore require higher humidity. Therefore, spray the leaf mass of your plant regularly with water and, if necessary, add a foliar fertilizer to ensure better plant growth.
Fertilization: Climbing plants need regular fertilization to stay healthy and grow.
The FARBIO® Nitrogen Bio-Boost supports your plants with nitrogen, which is not only essential for healthy growth, but also makes your plants shine with intense leaf green!
