Lush Philodendrons: The Ultimate Staking Guide

Staking a philodendron isn’t rocket science, but it makes all the difference. These plants naturally climb in the wild, using their aerial roots to grab onto trees. In your home, they need that same support. Without a stake, your philodendron sprawls out, gets messy, and never reaches its full potential.

I’ve seen the difference a good stake makes — it’s like watching a slouching teenager finally stand up straight.

The right stake transforms your plant from a floppy mess into an upright showpiece. Your philodendron will grow taller instead of wider, develop bigger leaves, and actually look like the plant it’s meant to be.

Let’s cut through the fluff and get your plant standing tall.

Key Takeaways

Choose the right support — moss poles work best for climbing philodendrons while simple stakes work for self-heading types
Stake early when plants are young to train growth patterns effectively
Mist moss poles regularly to encourage aerial roots to attach
Secure stems gently with plant ties, never wire or string that can damage the plant
Position stakes centrally in the pot, ensuring they’re stable and deep enough
Gradually train stems upward — don’t force them into unnatural positions

Why Stake Your Philodendron?

Not all plants need a crutch, but philodendrons aren’t meant to sprawl across your floor. In their natural habitat, these plants climb up trees using aerial roots. They’re searching for light, not trying to be ground cover.

Without support, many philodendron varieties get leggy and take up too much space. The plant wastes energy on stringy stems instead of making those stunning leaves you actually want. A lemon lime philodendron without support might look okay for a while, but give it a stake and watch what happens — the leaves get bigger, the color gets better.

Staking helps with:

Growth direction — plants grow up not out
Space management — keeps your plant compact
Leaf development — bigger, healthier foliage
Plant health — better air circulation prevents disease
Aesthetics — plants look more natural and attractive

Types of Philodendron Stakes

Not all stakes are created equal. Your philodendron doesn’t care about design trends — it wants something that mimics its natural environment.

Moss Poles

The gold standard for most philodendrons. These poles covered in sphagnum moss give aerial roots something to grab onto, just like tree bark in the wild. Your philodendron’s aerial roots will actually grow into the moss, securing the plant naturally.

For vining types like Philodendron micans, a moss pole is your best bet. The moist moss mimics tropical tree bark, encouraging those aerial roots to attach and climb.

Bamboo Stakes

Simple, cheap, and they work. These are better for younger plants or smaller varieties. Bamboo doesn’t provide anything for roots to grab, so you’ll need plant ties to secure the stems.

Coir Poles

Made from coconut fiber, these natural-looking poles provide good grip for aerial roots and hold moisture well. They’re a solid alternative to moss poles.

Trellis Supports

For larger philodendrons, especially spreading types, a small trellis gives multiple climbing paths. These work well for plants that branch out a lot.

How to Choose the Right Stake

The type of philodendron you have matters. Vining varieties like Philodendron hederaceum (heartleaf) need different support than self-heading types like Philodendron gloriosum.

For climbers and creepers, go with:

Moss poles
Coir poles
Climbing trellises

For self-heading types with an upright growth habit, use:

Simple bamboo stakes
Metal plant stakes
Support rings for wider varieties

Size matters too. Your stake should be:

At least 2-3 feet tall for most indoor philodendrons
Sturdy enough to support the weight as the plant grows
Wide enough (for poles) to support the stem thickness

Step-by-Step Staking Guide

Let’s get that philodendron standing tall.

1. When to Stake

The best time is yesterday, the second best time is now. Ideally, stake young plants to train their growth from the start. For established plants that are already sprawling, it’s never too late, but you’ll need more patience to train them.

2. Prepare Your Stake

If using a moss pole:

Soak the pole in water for 10-15 minutes
This initial moisture helps aerial roots attach

If using bamboo or other stakes:

Make sure the stake is clean
Sand down any rough edges that could damage the plant

3. Position the Stake

Insert the stake near the center of the pot
Push it down at least 2-3 inches into the soil
Make sure it’s stable and doesn’t wobble
Position it slightly behind the main stems

For larger plants, you might need to stake during repotting to avoid root damage. This is ideal since you can position the stake perfectly without disturbing established roots.

4. Attach Your Philodendron

This is where people get it wrong. Don’t strangle your plant.

Use soft plant ties, velcro plant tape, or strips of pantyhose
Create loose loops around the stem and stake
Leave room for the stem to grow
Never use wire, twist ties, or anything that can cut into the plant

For moss poles:

Position the aerial roots against the moss
Mist the pole regularly to encourage attachment
Over time, reduce the ties as the plant grabs the pole

5. Train Your Plant

You can’t force a philodendron to climb overnight. This is a gradual process.

Guide new growth toward the stake
Add ties as the plant grows taller
For stubborn plants, check that your stake material is suitable
Mist moss poles 2-3 times a week to encourage attachment

Maintenance Tips

A one-and-done approach doesn’t work with climbing plants. They need ongoing attention.

Moss Pole Moisture

The biggest mistake with moss poles? Letting them dry out. Dry moss doesn’t attract aerial roots.

Mist the pole regularly, focusing on where aerial roots contact the moss
In low humidity environments, mist more frequently
Some gardeners use a small reservoir system for constant moisture

Climbing philodendrons like the Philodendron verrucosum particularly benefit from consistent moss pole moisture, as they produce abundant aerial roots.

Adjusting Ties

As your plant grows, those ties need attention:

Check monthly for any ties becoming too tight
Loosen or replace ties that constrain growth
Add new ties to support new growth
Remove ties where the plant has attached naturally to the moss

Pruning and Maintenance

Sometimes you need to trim to encourage better climbing:

Remove lower leaves that yellow or die back
Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier development
For very long vines that won’t climb, consider propagating them instead

Learning the proper pruning techniques for philodendron plants helps maintain an attractive shape while encouraging upward growth.

Different Staking Methods for Various Philodendron Types

Not all philodendrons climb the same way, and their staking needs differ.

Vining Philodendrons

For trailing types like heartleaf philodendron:

Need continuous support as they grow
Benefit most from moss poles
Will climb almost indefinitely with proper support

Self-Heading Philodendrons

For varieties like Philodendron Imperial Red:

Need support mainly for stability
Simple stakes work well
May only need staking when young or if growth becomes top-heavy

Large-Leaf Varieties

For statement plants with massive leaves like Philodendron Splendid:

Need very sturdy support
May benefit from multiple stakes
Often need support to prevent leaf weight from toppling the plant

Troubleshooting Common Staking Issues

Even with the best intentions, problems happen.

Plant Won’t Climb

If your philodendron refuses to climb:

Check if your pole material is appropriate
Ensure the moss pole stays consistently moist
Verify you have a climbing variety (not all philodendrons climb)
Position aerial roots directly against the climbing surface

Leaning or Unstable Stakes

When your support system fails:

Use a wider, heavier pot to prevent tipping
Insert the stake deeper into the soil
For tall plants, consider multiple stakes
During repotting, position the stake close to the center

Damaged Stems

If you see stem damage:

Immediately loosen any tight ties
Replace hard ties with soft, flexible materials
Give damaged areas time to heal before reattaching
Consider a wider pole that requires fewer ties

DIY Stake Options

Don’t want to buy commercial stakes? Make your own:

DIY Moss Pole

Get a PVC pipe or wooden dowel
Wrap with chicken wire, leaving a cylinder shape
Pack with moist sphagnum moss
Secure moss with fishing line or plant wire

Repurposed Supports

Items you can repurpose:

Old bamboo blinds cut to size
Fallen tree branches (baked in oven to kill pests)
Garden trellises cut to fit indoor pots

When to Upgrade Your Stake

Plants outgrow their support. Signs you need a taller or sturdier stake:

Plant has reached the top of the current stake
Support leans or seems unstable
Stakes or ties break under the plant’s weight
Newer leaves are smaller due to inadequate support

When upgrading, do it gradually. Complete replacement can shock the plant.

Best Philodendron Varieties for Staking

Some philodendrons are staking superstars that transform dramatically with support:

Philodendron Micans — Velvety leaves show off better when climbing
Philodendron Brasil — Variegation becomes more pronounced with proper light exposure when staked
Philodendron Birkin — Though more upright naturally, staking helps maintain its compact form
Philodendron Melanochrysum — Needs support to show off its massive velvety leaves
Philodendron Squamiferum — The unusual red stems and lobed leaves display better when climbing

Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond function, stakes affect how your plant looks.

Decorative Options

Make the stake part of your decor:

Paint lower portions of bamboo stakes
Use decorative trellises that complement your home style
Consider copper or brass plant supports for modern aesthetics

Positioning for Display

How you stake affects the plant’s silhouette:

Central stake for a symmetrical look
Offset stake for a cascading effect on one side
Multiple stakes for a fuller, bushier appearance