Philodendron plants, known for their diverse foliage and vining habits, can greatly benefit from structural support as they grow. A philodendron trellis provides an upright surface for these plants to climb, mimicking their natural growth in tropical environments. This support helps manage their sprawling tendencies and encourages healthier, more robust development.
Why Trellis Your Philodendron
Philodendrons naturally climb in their native habitats, ascending trees and other structures. A trellis allows them to exhibit this behavior, contributing to their health and vigor. When philodendrons climb, they often produce larger leaves and more mature growth forms, as their aerial roots can attach to the support and absorb moisture and nutrients.
This vertical growth habit also offers practical advantages for indoor growers. Trellising helps conserve space, as the plant grows upwards rather than spreading outwards, making it suitable for smaller living areas. Supporting the plant vertically improves air circulation around the foliage, which can reduce the risk of common houseplant issues like pests and fungal diseases. A trellised philodendron creates an appealing visual display, transforming a sprawling plant into a structured, vertical accent in any room.
Selecting the Ideal Trellis
Choosing the appropriate trellis for your philodendron depends on the plant’s size, growth habit, and your aesthetic preferences. Moss poles, wrapped in sphagnum moss, are popular because philodendron aerial roots readily penetrate the moist moss, mimicking natural attachment and promoting larger leaf development. However, they require regular misting to remain damp for root attachment.
Coir poles, made from coconut fiber, offer a similar natural appearance and provide a textured surface for aerial roots to cling to, though they do not retain moisture as well as sphagnum moss. Simple stakes, often made of bamboo or wood, provide basic support and are suitable for smaller, less vigorous climbers or as temporary solutions. For a more integrated design, wall clips or custom-made trellises can train plants directly onto a wall, creating a living green display. When selecting a trellis, consider its durability, how it complements your decor (from natural wood to metal or plastic), and ensure it’s proportionate to the plant’s mature size for adequate support.
Attaching Your Philodendron to a Trellis
To encourage natural climbing, insert the trellis into the pot when repotting, ensuring it’s firmly anchored. This provides stability as the plant grows and prevents it from becoming top-heavy. Position the trellis at the back of the pot, pushing it deep enough to support the plant’s future weight.
Once the trellis is in place, carefully guide the philodendron’s vines towards it. Use soft plant ties (e.g., Velcro straps, garden twine, or soft clips) to gently secure stems at various points. Ensure ties are loose enough to allow for stem expansion and growth, preventing constriction or damage. For philodendrons with established aerial roots, gently press them against the moist surface of a moss or coir pole to encourage attachment. This initial training helps the plant understand its new upward growth direction.
Ongoing Care for Trellised Philodendrons
Maintaining a trellised philodendron requires specific care adjustments. Water requirements may change, especially for moss pole plants, as the moss needs consistent moisture for aerial root attachment. Check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support vigorous growth.
Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fuller growth. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves, and trim overly long or leggy vines to direct energy towards new trellis growth. As the philodendron grows, periodically adjust existing ties and add new ones to secure new growth. Provide bright, indirect light for healthy foliage and vibrant variegation, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.