Types of plant supports available for potted plants

Some house plants, such as natural climbers, indoor vine plants and those that are naturally top heavy, require the help of plant supports to grow properly. Plant cages used for tomato plants easy available at garden centers are one of the most common plant supports everyone is familiar with. Fortunately, there are a variety of different options available for indoor potted plants to provide plant stem support including many DIY-friendly methods! Whether you want an elaborate system like this one or just need something simple to support single stem plants (perhaps even made out of things around your house), supporting your favorite indoor climber plants or hanging baskets can be easy with these clever ideas:

1. Bamboo stakes or Wood totem - This is the most basic form of supporting any indoor vine plant. This is a cheap option as all you need is a bamboo stake or a piece of wood pole. A bamboo stake is pushed into the soil of a potted plant and is tied to the plant. It works well for single stemmed plants that are a little top heavy. Be careful at the time of inserting these bamboo stakes into the potting soil of your plant. Otherwise, you will end up piercing the roots beneath the soil. 
2. Moss poles - Moss poles can be a great way to support an indoor climbing plant. DIY moss poles are one of the most common ways plant collectors use to support plants. They are often used for golden pothos vines, monstera and climbing philodendron. A moss pole can be made by filling a narrow wire tube with damp sphagnum moss and tying the plant to the pole until it latches on by itself. Sphagnum moss dries out, so make sure to keep the moss moist otherwise it's going to be shredding dust. Moss poles can be extended if your plant outgrows the existing moss pole. Although the aesthetics are subjective, many people don't like the appearance of moss poles.
3. Coco Coir Poles - Coco coir poles are the perfect plant support for indoor climbing plants and vines. With their natural organic coir fibers, these bamboo poles provide moisture to aerial roots while also providing stability as they can stack on top of each other when needed! The pole will need a misting every few days in order to keep it moist so that your climbers don't lose grip with this sturdy material.
4. Bent metal wires or hangers- This kind of support is DIY friendly. It can be easily accomplished with a piece of wire or wire hanger that can be twisted into a loop. Metal trellises are good for small trailing plants and are not meant for heavy vines.They are made of copper or brass wire so there are high chances of discoloration and tarnishing over time. Some plants like air plants can get poisoned by metal wires, so make sure if these will be safe for your plants before using them. 
5. 3D printed Trellises - With 3d printing you can create some unusual and fashionable shapes of trellizes which could make your indoor plants even more beautiful! 3D printed trellises are made with PLA (Polylactic Acid Polymer) - a type of plastic. It is not very environmentally friendly and needs industrial composting conditions for biodegradation, but it can be recycled so that's the silver lining. 
6. Treleaf trellises- Treleaf trellises are functional plant supports that can double as pieces of art. They are made by laser cutting wood. They are designed considering the type of plant, size of leaves, and their growth pattern. They are functional and very easy to use. This trellis will mimic the natural habitat of your trailing vines as if they are growing on a tree trunk. A natural wood trellis can also be a nice alternative to your moss poles. Anthrulla, Monstrella, Palmella, BARE Monstrella, BARE Palmella and Cactrella are some of our popular designs. 

Want to learn more about which support would be a good fit for your plants? Check out our blog that talks about Moss poles vs wooden planks as plant supports. 

Want to learn how to style the most loved houseplant - Pothos, check out this blog. 

Click here to learn about vines that grow easily indoors.

Just add a little bright light and moist soil with your favorite foliage and create the jungle feel indoors. Check out plant supports and accessories from Treleaf.

 Other plant related blogs:
What is a trellis? 
DIY Houseplant trellis 
Monstera as a houseplant