Have you ever wondered why your hoyas or pothos sometimes send out those long and wild tendrils that seem to have a mind of their own? I certainly have a windowsill full of hoyas doing this right now. There really isn’t a super “secret” technique. Most of our houseplants are just natural climbers that grow up trees in search of light and use those tendrils for support. So I invited over my new plant friend, Ara from Propagation Diaries, to share her best tips about everything you need to know about indoor houseplant trellises, whether it be choosing the right style and material or getting it secure in your pot and training those vines without breaking a leaf! Let's tidy up!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:56] How Ara’s love for rhinestones and color led to her plant accessory business
• [02:45] Ara’s plant care journey
• [03:35] How Ara fell in love with Hoyas!
• [05:33] What cute and clever plant accessories does Ara create? (like houseplant support & moss poles)
• [06:59] What trellising really does for your houseplants
• [08:22] What are the benefits of trellising a houseplant?
• [09:44] Spotting tendrils: your sign it’s time to add a trellis
• [10:34] Getting even light exposure by growing vertically
• [11:30] How (and when) to attach your plants to the trellis
• [12:06] Creative trellis hacks (Forks, twist ties, and clips)
• [13:05] What are the different types of trellis?
• [15:03] Give your plants the best with Espoma Organic’s premium chemical-free soils, fertilizers, and plant foods!
• [16:49] Choosing the right material and shape for your plant’s needs
• [18:10] What are the best practices for establishing a plant with a trellis?
• [20:34] When to add a trellis: before or after your plant starts vining?
• [21:34] How can you secure a trellis for long-term stability?
• [23:20] How do you upgrade to a bigger trellis without hurting your plant?
• [24:35] What’s the #1 mistake people make when trellising Hoyas?
• [26:44] What’s the mysterious “counterclockwise rule” for trellising Hoyas?
• [27:46] How to gently guide delicate Hoya tendrils
• [28:25] Tips to get a hoya to bloom (light, humidity, and airflow)
• [30:54] What type of hoyas should you get?
• [31:54] Broad mites, flat mites, and pest prevention tips for your hoya
• [34:10] Where can you find Ara’s aesthetic trellises and accessories?

 

 

 

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Why Houseplants Need Trellises

Most of our indoor climbing plants, like pothos, philodendrons, and hoyas, are technically epiphytes, which means they grow on other things for support. Even inside your living room, they still have that instinct to climb.

Trellises help plants feel stable so they can grow evenly and receive light on all sides. Without support, vines can tangle or sprawl across surfaces, and parts of the plant can end up hidden from light.

 

 

Choosing the Right Type of Trellis

There are many materials and styles to choose from, but there’s no one “right” type. It really all boils down to your plant, your pot, and your aesthetic.

 

Here are the most common materials you’ll find:

• Bamboo: most common because they are affordable and natural (but they can feel heavy for smaller pots)
• Wood or Metal: sturdy and classic
• Acrylic or Plastic: it’s clear, lightweight, and Ara’s favorite because it blends in with the plant

 

As for shapes, hoop trellises are the most universal is one of the most universal because plants can keep growing around it endlessly. Some people like heart shapes or geometric styles for aesthetics. Moss poles are another choice, but they require consistent moisture to benefit the plant.

 

 

How to Install a Trellis Correctly

Choosing the right trellis is one thing, but Ara says that installing it properly is just as important.

• Start early. You can add your trellis when you're repotting or even before the vines start running wild. The earlier you insert it, the less likely you are to cause damage to the roots.
• Go deep. Insert the trellis all the way to the bottom of the pot, not just an inch deep, because that is what keeps it stable.
• Match width to pot size.  If the trellis is too heavy/wide, the pot can easily tip over.
• Secure your vines gently. I love Ara’s functional and adorable plant clips! But you can also use soft Velcro ties or plant tape.

And if your plant outgrows its first trellis, please don’t try to unravel it. Ara recommends just adding a larger trellis so that the plant can climb from one to the next to avoid damaging leaves and stems that have already wrapped around the old one.

 

 

How to Train Those Vines

When you start to see long bare stems or tendrils reaching out, that is the plant searching for something to climb. That is the best time to add your trellis. So gently guide the tendrils around the trellis and secure them with clips or ties.

If you are trellising Hoyas, Ara says to always make sure the growth tip is facing upward because it can confuse the plant’s growth direction and cause the tip to dry out.

Some Hoya plant parents also like to wrap vines counterclockwise around the trellis. Well, whether there’s science or not behind it, many still follow this pattern because it seems to support natural growth.

 

 

Hoya Care Tips from a Hoya Head

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that my Hoya shelf is one of my favorite corners of the house. And Ara’s a Hoya head, so that already says something!

• Light: They love bright, indirect light and do well under grow lights
• Soil: Use a chunky, airy mix (similar to aroid mix) to prevent root rot
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry between watering. If the leaves fold like a “taco,” it’s time to water
• Pot size: Keep Hoyas slightly root-bound (they bloom best in smaller pots)
• Pests: Hoyas can attract broad or flat mites so Ara recommends to use horticultural oil on the stems even if you do not see pests

Be patient when waiting for blooms. Once Hoyas settle into their environment, they produce beautiful star-shaped flowers with a sweet scent. Ara recommends Hoya carnosa, especially the variegated ‘Krimson Queen' or ‘Krimson Princess' for beginners.

 

 

Final Trellis Tips (and a Little Aesthetic Joy)

After this conversation, I'm approaching my windowsill situation with fresh eyes. And I’m definitely going to go grab one of Ara's trellises and a couple of other trellises that I have in my collection and tie down those vines to free up the walking space in my dining room.

Trellising, in my opinion, is your chance to get creative! And if you have hoyas or pothos, go ahead and get started. And if you want to explore Ara's collection, check out Propagation Diaries for her beautiful trellis designs!

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 299: Houseplant Trends, Tips & Hot Takes: Live from the Southeast Plant Show
• Growing Joy Episode 272: Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management with Jamie of DMV Beneficials
• Make Your Own Moss Pole for Indoor Climbing Plants
• Houseplant SOS Mini Course

 

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Espoma Organic

What happens under the soil is just as important as what happens above it – so set yourself up for success by using organic gardening products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

 

 

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