Growing houseplants on a vertical support, or totem, mimics their natural climbing habits, encouraging healthier, more mature growth. This method provides physical stability for taller plants, leading to a robust and visually appealing display by replicating conditions found in their native environments.
Understanding Totem Plants: Purpose and Benefits
A “totem plant” in indoor gardening refers to a climbing or vining houseplant provided with a vertical support. Many popular houseplants, such as Monstera and Philodendron, are epiphytic or hemiepiphytic in their natural habitats, naturally climbing trees and developing aerial roots for support and nutrient absorption. Totems allow these plants to exhibit this innate climbing behavior indoors.
Using a totem offers several advantages. It promotes the development of larger, more mature leaves, a phenomenon often seen in plants that climb freely. The vertical support provides stability, preventing tall plants from becoming leggy or sprawling. Additionally, totems, especially those made from moisture-retaining materials, encourage aerial root development by providing a surface for roots to cling to and draw moisture from, creating a more natural appearance.
Ideal Plants for Totem Support
Many houseplants benefit from vertical support due to their natural climbing or vining habits and aerial root production. Monstera deliciosa and various Philodendron species are popular choices, as their aerial roots readily attach to the pole, promoting larger, more vibrant foliage and enhanced growth.
Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) is another excellent candidate due to its vigorous vining growth. Training Pothos to climb a pole prevents legginess and encourages a bushier form. Syngonium species also respond well; their stems can be trained to climb, and maintaining humidity around the pole encourages root attachment.
Choosing the Right Totem
Several vertical supports serve as totems, each with distinct properties. Moss poles, typically made from sphagnum moss, excel at retaining moisture, providing a humid environment that encourages aerial root growth. Coir poles, constructed from coconut fibers, offer durability and strong support, providing a textured surface for roots to grip. While they hold less water than moss poles, they are a sustainable option.
Plain stakes, like bamboo or wood, provide structural support but lack moisture retention. Small trellises, often metal or plastic, also offer vertical support, helping plants grow upward and preventing sprawling. When selecting a totem, consider the plant’s current and anticipated growth. Choose a totem that extends sufficiently above the plant to accommodate future growth.
Installing and Attaching Your Plant to a Totem
Proper totem installation ensures stability and encourages plant attachment. Ideally, place the totem in the pot during repotting for secure anchoring. If installing into an already potted plant, carefully insert the totem into the soil, taking care not to damage existing roots. Ensure the totem is positioned securely and vertically, at a distance that allows the plant to easily reach it.
Once the totem is in place, position the plant’s main stem or vine against the support. Guide aerial roots towards the pole, encouraging contact. Secure the plant initially with soft ties such as plant velcro or clips. Avoid tying too tightly, as this can damage the stem and restrict growth. The goal is to hold the plant against the pole until its aerial roots naturally attach. Regularly misting or watering the pole helps encourage roots to bond with the surface.
Ongoing Care for Totem Plants
Maintaining moisture in moss or coir poles encourages aerial root absorption and provides localized humidity. Water the pole by pouring water directly into the top, allowing it to saturate. Some poles use a water reservoir for consistent moisture, reducing the frequency of manual watering. Keeping the pole consistently moist is beneficial for the plant’s health.
Guide new aerial roots onto the pole by gently pressing them against the moist surface to encourage attachment and vertical growth. If the plant outgrows its current totem, stackable extensions can be added to the top, allowing for continuous vertical growth.
Repotting a plant firmly attached to a large totem requires careful handling to avoid damaging the established root system. Remove old soil and ensure the new potting mix provides good aeration and drainage. If the plant and totem are one unit, move the entire assembly to a larger container. If the plant is not attaching, ensure the pole is moist and adjust ties to bring stems and roots closer.