I’ve recently been experimenting with the growth of my Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, also known as the mini monstera. I don’t know if you’ve seen this, but it’s growing in such a cool way that makes my jungle look even more like a real jungle. The problem I’ve been having recently is trying to train it to stop attaching to my ceiling and potentially damaging itself. I often find myself wondering if I’m doing the right thing, but I must be, because it seems to be loving life!

Plants need support beyond just the regular “Come on, you’ve got this—I’m rooting for you!” Although that encouragement is great too, it’s not quite what I mean when I talk about plant support. There’s more to it than just watering them. Some plants climb, some don’t, and some have enough strength in their stems to stand upright on their own. Others trail happily downwards, and some even crawl along the soil. As a plant parent, the advice I’m giving you is to think about what support really means and how you can help your plants thrive, beyond just cheering them on.

Things to Consider Before Using Physical Support Tools:

Close-up view of a plant arrangement featuring a Phalaenopsis orchid with thick, glossy green leaves and prominent aerial roots extending downward. The orchid is accompanied by a delicate fern with finely divided green fronds.

Not every plant needs support. Some plants naturally have long stems that grow outward without needing help.
Some plants are strong enough to stand on their own and need space to move freely to receive enough light for photosynthesis.
Some plants crawl across the substrate. You can often tell by the way their stems grow sideways rather than upwards.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different plants prefer climbing on different surfaces, so it’s important to match the support to the plant’s natural growth habit.
What works for me might not work for you. Each plant has its own unique needs and growing conditions.
Support doesn’t always have to go upwards. Some plants prefer trailing or crawling, so they don’t need vertical structures.
Not all plants need to be put on poles, even if they’re sold that way in stores. For example, orchids are epiphytes, which means they naturally grow in tree canopies. They absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air and surrounding debris. Try taking the pole away and watch them grow..

Make it stand out

“Plants don't need direct sunlight because they're expertly adapted to living on the dim forest floor. Their remarkable ability to adjust to varying light conditions allows them to thrive without direct sunlight. In fact, some plants, like Alocasia, exhibit phototropism by leaning towards the light, while others, like the prayer plant, actively reposition their leaves throughout the day to capture the optimal amount of light before resting in the darkness of night.”

To ensure that stems are strong and resilient, it's crucial to provide holistic care for the plant and its needs. Plants store water in their stems and can lean towards light as needed. Restricting their movement can adversely affect their growth. However, when supporting a trailing or climbing plant, training the plant is often necessary. Without proper support, indoor plants might damage walls, which is an important consideration for renters. For example, I've seen aerial roots on a Monstera plant growing beneath objects in search of water.

To provide some support and training for plants, here is 5 plant support ideas.

Before I begin, I’ve decided that there’s no "right" or "wrong" way to support your plant, since every plant has its own unique growth habits. Rather than overwhelming you with endless options, I’m going to focus on the plant supports I personally use in my collection. I’ll also mention one type of support that I haven’t tried yet but am excited to experiment with—especially since I love growing orchids and ferns. So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are five methods of growth support I’ve come across as a houseplant lover.

One: cane or the trellis

I have previously used a trellis for my Scindapsus and currently use canes for my begonias, specifically the bamboo cane variety. Over the years, I’ve found both of these methods useful, though I believe bamboo canes are more environmentally friendly, especially knowing that bamboo can be grown in this country. Similar options include coir poles, plastic green poles, thin wooden poles, and the latest introduction to the plant world, the Kratiste:

"Crafted from a blend of potato starch and Elephant Grass, this support plank provides natural-looking support for houseplant climbers and viners. Its rough, textured surface not only adds to its visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose by retaining water and offering a stable structure for plants to grasp onto as they grow.”

I’m sure there are countless other types of poles you could use. I mainly use these for plants with thin stems that generally have one main stem. In the case of my Begonia, I just wanted it to start growing upwards instead of flopping onto the soil. I also have a few climbing plants that would benefit from a cane, like my Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, Cebu Blue, and Philodendron Ghost. The Kratiste could also be great for plants like Monstera Dubia and Monstera deliciosa.

Trellises can be made from strong wire bent into shape, 3D-printed, or even created out of coat hangers. You could also let your plants climb up a shelf! Keep in mind that this works well for plants like Hoya, Cebu Blue, and smaller vining Monstera varieties.

Here’s where I talk about my thoughts on these methods. I suggest reading up on how these types of plants grow naturally, as they may have different climbing habits that don’t adapt well to some supports, like a trellis. For example, orchids are often sold to us on a cane in stores, but after doing research into this genus recently, I discovered they are naturally epiphytes. They grow in the wild on tree canopies, receiving their moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding debris. Based on this, you might find that removing the cane makes them look even prettier.

Both methods—canes and trellises—are great for providing support, but it’s important to consider how aerial roots play a role.

Imagine using bamboo sticks, wooden trellises, or even cool branches you find outside—your plants will climb them like they’re in the wild! These organic supports make it easy for your vines and creepers to latch on and grow strong.

I can recommend Squircle Trellis - 10 cm across, 1 cm thick by Mythos 3D

Two: Trailing or Letting It Climb

Some plants don’t need support and are perfectly happy trailing. For example, string varieties like String of Hearts or String of Turtles naturally trail beautifully. Another reason to let a plant trail could be that it simply prefers this growth habit. Trailing plants look amazing cascading from bookshelves or hanging in macrame hangers, adding a lush touch to any space.

That said, some plants can produce larger leaves when they’re supported as they grow. For instance, I have a Rhaphidophora tetrasperma that I’ve allowed to climb freely along my bedroom wall. It’s vining towards the window and growing across the wall, but it often needs a bit of training to prevent damage—it loves to grow toward the ceiling, resulting in leaves getting bent or torn.

Certain plants don’t require support to thrive. They might trail down naturally, or their leaves will fan out towards the light source. However, if you want to encourage climbing, you can try plant supports like moss poles or even wall-mounted options.

Three: Organic Options

There are countless ways to support climbing plants using organic materials. While some methods have already been mentioned, here are additional organic options you can try:

Kratiste plant poles, planks, and sticks
Coco coir poles
Untreated wooden planks (great for shingling plants)
D-shaped moss poles with live moss (DIY versions are popular!)
Round moss poles with live moss

Each of these methods not only supports plant growth but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space. Organic materials blend beautifully with plants, giving your home or garden a natural, earthy look—far better than a plastic stick or chopstick! Using organic options can feel like bringing a piece of nature indoors.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for a walk and find unique pieces of wood to repurpose as plant supports. This simple addition can be incredibly beneficial for your plant’s growth and create a truly one-of-a-kind display.

Examples of Plants Using Organic Supports

A Monstera with large, green, split leaves climbing a thick, round pole made from coconut husks.
Another Monstera with slightly smaller leaves, also supported by a coco coir pole.
A Rhaphidophora tetrasperma with curvy, split leaves climbing a white wall with the help of a bamboo stick.
A Monstera with large, veined, green, split leaves growing sturdily along a bamboo stake.

Four: 3D Printed Moss Poles.

I believe this is one of the coolest ways to help your plants grow! Of course, there are both pros and cons to using a 3D-printed pole, but there are several different methods to explore.

For plants with aerial roots, like Monstera and Philodendron, using organic climbing supports (as mentioned above) can provide many benefits. The main advantage is that it mimics the plant’s natural environment. Think of organic materials as a natural jungle gym for your climbing plants! Here’s why they’re awesome:

Why Organic Climbing Supports Are Great

1. Moisture Magic:
Using materials like moss poles or coconut fiber (coir) gives your plants an extra bonus—humidity! These materials retain moisture, creating a spa-like environment for climbing plants like Monstera and Philodendron.

2. Healthy Growth, Naturally:
Organic materials are excellent for plants to grip onto, encouraging upward growth. The better they can climb, the more light they access, resulting in larger leaves and more vibrant "jungle vibes."

3. Eco-Friendly:
Organic materials are biodegradable and much kinder to the environment compared to plastic or metal poles.

For a budget-friendly alternative, you can also find 2D net prints that convert into 3D poles, offering a cheaper solution.

Cons of This Method

Cost:
Organic moss poles or 3D-printed options can be expensive, especially if you have many climbing plants. While the 2D net options are cheaper, I haven’t personally tried them to provide detailed feedback.

Honestly, the price is my only downside when it comes to 3D-printed moss poles.

Five: Mounting Plants

Some plants, like epiphytes, naturally grow on trees and take nutrients and moisture from their surroundings. Orchids, certain fern species, and moss are great examples of epiphytes.

Definition:
An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant or object for physical support without harming its host.

To cater to epiphytic plants, there are various mounting methods to choose from:

A wooden chopping board
Any block of untreated wood
3D-printed moss habitats
Driftwood

When mounting, it’s important to consider the plant’s specific care needs and humidity levels to ensure a healthy environment.

I hope you found this blog helpful and inspiring! If you have other creative ideas or methods to support your plants and help them thrive, please share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.