Support Selection on climbing houseplants
What's Happening
Large-leaved Philodendrons and Monsteras evolved in tropical rainforests where they grow 60+ feet clinging to tree trunks via aerial roots; indoors these roots cannot attach to walls or furniture, causing stems to flop and growth to stall without proper support structure
How to Fix It
- 1
Create moss stick using palm-like tube of rolled plastic netting filled with damp moss or peat
- 2
Insert moss stick firmly into pot center, ensuring 2-3 inches anchor below soil surface
- 3
Guide aerial roots toward moss stick and secure stems loosely with soft ties
- 4
Mist moss stick weekly to maintain humidity for aerial root attachment
- 5
For maximum effect on Philodendron scandens, retain aerial roots and train upward rather than removing them
How to Prevent It
Install moss stick when plant reaches 12 inches height; aerial roots begin active attachment at 6-15 inches of growth under humid conditions