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Training
Climbing Houseplants
You trained your dog
to walk on a leash, your cat to use a litterbox, and your parrot
to swear like a sailor. Need another challenge? Train your houseplants.
Wire Supports and
Trellises
You can buy wire hoops, topiary forms, and trellises ready made.
You can also make your own trellis with bamboo stakes. Or for a
rustic look, take a walk over to your nearest tree and collect some
twigs. Tie them into a trellis shape with jute or cheat and use
glue. After potting the plant, wind the stems around the support.
Use plant ties (or twist ties, if you’re too pressed for time
for another trip to the plant store) to hold the stems in place.
Moss Poles
Plants with aerial roots, like pothos and philodendrons, should
be trained up a moss pole. In addition to adding visual interest,
many varieties of philodendrons grow larger leaves when trained
on a moss pole than in a standard pot. You can buy moss poles ready
made or make your own. To make a moss pole, roll wire mesh into
a tube and secure it together – plant ties work. Cut a pair
of bamboo stakes to the diameter of the pot, and poke them through
the mesh in an X. Wedge the pole upright in the pot. Fill the pot
halfway with soil, and then pack sphagnum moss down the pole. Pot
the plants and attach the vines to the moss pole with wires bent
into a hairpin shape. (No wire? Try paperclips.) Mist the pole daily
and roots will grow into it.
Extra Fun with Climbing
Plants
You can train a plant to climb up a wall, over a mantle, or around
a window. Run string between nails on your wall, and attach plant
stems with plant ties.
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