The best tools to help your houseplants climb

Yep, we really love to let our plants climb. They simply look so cool and as a plant parent you really look like you know what you are doing. At least we think so.. By letting your plants climb, you can create a complete green wall or even ceiling. We think this is really awesome, but sometimes it is also a real addition to the room. It can make it really cosy. If your plant is originally a climber, it will also appreciate being able to climb and will therefore grow into the beautiful plant it is supposed to be. In this blog, we would like to show you why you should let your climbing plants climb and what the different and best tools are to help your plants climb. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, right?

What are the benefits of letting (climbing) plants climb?

Climbing plants do not climb because they have nothing better to do (although we do not think they have 😜). They climb trees in their natural habitat to get more light. They literally grow towards the sun.

Many climbing plants are quite flexible. This allows them to climb the trees without snapping, and they wrap themselves around trees to give themselves a firmer base. It is therefore often necessary to give your plant some support so that it can still climb. You will also notice that when the plant is able to climb, it will also get larger leaves or more growth of leaves instead of the leggy growth they can develop when they do not get the right support. So buying or making a tool for your plant to climb is a really good idea!

What are the best tools to help your houseplant climb?

We are happy to help you choose the best climbing aid for your plant. Therefore, we have listed the different tools below and explain, where necessary, why they are so useful.

PLNTStip: whatever type of support you are going to use, it is recommended to place it when the plant is relatively young and still actively seeking support. It is also best to place the support in the pot at the same time as you repot the plant. That way, you avoid root damage.

Moss Pole

The Moss Pole is ideal for plants that like to climb! For example the Monstera or the Syngonium. Moss (or coconut fibre) has the same effect on the plant as moss has on trees in nature: the aerial roots can attach themselves to the coconut fibre and the plant will grow higher and higher. The Moss Pole helps your climbing houseplants to grow faster and higher. The leaves will also tend to get bigger, making them more beautiful and cheerful!

The Moss Pole is not always made of moss (as you would expect!) but can also be made of coconut fibre. It is also often available in different sizes. It is best to repot the Moss Pole together with the plant, so that the roots of the plant remain safe! In the beginning, you often need some rope to tie the stems of the plant to the Moss Pole, but as soon as the plant feels comfortable, it will attach itself to the Moss Pole.

Photos by @mothermoonshine & @berco.sp

Did you know that you can also make a Moss Pole yourself? Check out our video to see how!

Wooden (bamboo) rack

A wooden (bamboo) rack is a popular choice for supporting climbing plants. It is a super solution for supporting your beloved (climbing) plants. This wooden rack works especially well for climbing plants that wrap themselves around it, such as Philodendron Scandens.

It is made of durable bamboo sticks that have been carefully put together. The lightweight structure is sure to please and provides not only support but also a decorative backdrop.

Photo by @chillllbilllly

Bamboo stick

Bamboo sticks are a perfect way to give your plants some support! They are thin so they don't take up too much room in your pot, which also makes them very easy to install. These bamboo sticks are often available in many different heights, so for most plants there is a suitable stick to lean on! The sticks are made of bamboo, which makes them durable in use. The planet will appreciate you for it!

Photos by @sadplanthour

Plantstakes

The plantstake supports your plant in style, almost like a true jewel. They are often available in different (abstract) shapes and colours, which makes them even more stylish. Besides being stylish, it is of course also very pleasant for your plant. Let them follow the abstract shape of the plantstake for the right support and for a nice effect. You can achieve this with a Syngonium Pink Splash, for example.

Plant chain

A nice (plant) chain gives your green friend the climbing support it needs. All you need to add is a nail or a screw to attach the chain to your wall. After that, your rising star will grow happily because of her new beautiful piece of jewellery.

Photos by @my.tinyloft & @botanopia_

Wall clips

The nice thing about these plant clips is the possibility of sticking them to the wall, for example. In this way, you can very easily guide your plants to the right locations. The clips are often suitable for a wide variety of plants. With such clips in the house, your climbing plants, but also hanging plants, will never take unwanted routes again!

Photos by corpseflowerstudio & @vintagestablespics

PLNTStip: very handy accessories not to forget when you want your plant to climb are clips, rings or rope (often special iron wire). They make it possible to attach your plant to the tool. This makes it easier for them to stay supported.

Yeah, you are now ready to let your beautiful plants climb with the tools you like best! We'd love to see the results, so share your rising green stars with us by using #PLNTS and/or #babyPLNTS. Who knows, maybe you'll find your photo on our socials or website in the future! Cool, right?