Support Your Indoor Plants With Plant Stakes

Staking up outdoor garden plants for support is a common activity, but staking is also a good idea for many indoor houseplants. In the confined space and rich potting mix of an indoor pot, houseplants often grow very quickly and develop weak, leggy stems. In these cases, it may be necessary to stake up your plants.

Rapid growth isnt the only reason for staking up indoor houseplants. Some plants are naturally top-heavy and require staking—bougainvillea is one such plant. Other plants are natural climbers and need to be supported to grow properly. Many of the most beautiful species of philodendron are included in this group, as well as ivy, jasmine, and tropical plants such as monstera.

How you should stake your plants depends on the type of plant youre growing. Here are four basic staking methods that should work for most houseplants.

Indoor plants can often become leggy, leaning, or unstable as they grow taller. Using plant stakes provides important support to keep your indoor plants looking their best. This comprehensive guide will teach you all about using plant stakes for your indoor plants.

What Are Plant Stakes?

Plant stakes are structures used to support the stems and leaves of indoor houseplants. They provide stability and structure, preventing floppy or weak growth.

Plant stakes come in many different materials, shapes, and sizes. The most common are:

Bamboo stakes – Simple, natural sticks made of bamboo These are inexpensive but may not last more than one season
Wooden dowels – Sturdier and longer-lasting than bamboo The thicker wood provides more support
Metal stakes – Very strong and durable supports made of steel or wrought iron. Often decorative and sculptural.
Moss poles – Humid, moss-covered poles that allow climbing plants to attach their aerial roots. Great for philodendrons and monsteras.

The shape of the stake can be simple, like a straight rod, or more complex. Curly, twisted, and curlicue shapes add visual interest.

When To Use Plant Stakes

There are a few instances when your indoor plants would benefit from the support of stakes:

Leggy growth – When a plant grows quickly upward but neglects to thicken its stem, the top-heavy growth can make it unstable and cause leaning or flopping over. Stakes support the weak stems.
Natural leaners – Some plants like bougainvillea have branches that naturally tend to flop over unless supported. Stakes keep them growing upright.
Climbing plants – Vining houseplants like philodendrons, monsteras, and ivy naturally climb upward. They need the support of stakes as they grow to mimic their natural habitat.
Flowers/fruit – When a plant produces heavy flowers, like orchids, or fruit, such as melons or tomatoes, the weight can make branches sag. Stakes prevent this.
New transplants – Staking right after repotting helps support the plant while the roots reestablish in their new soil environment.

How To Stake Indoor Plants

Choosing the right stakes and staking method for your plant is key to success. Follow these tips:

Select a stake that is proportional to the size and weight of your plant. Long, thick, heavy plants need more support.
Place the stake in the pot about 1 inch from the plant stem to avoid damaging the roots.
Drive the stake deep into the potting mix, all the way to the bottom of the pot for stability.
Use soft, stretchy plant ties to secure the plant stem to the stake. Ties prevent abrasion damage.
As the plant grows, loosely tie it to the stake at intervals along its length. Don’t tie too tightly.
For climbing plants, attach them loosely to moss poles or trellises so they can freely climb upward.

Types of Stakes for Indoor Plants

There are many creative ways to stake your indoor plants. Some options are:

Single Stakes

A simple bamboo or wooden dowel placed next to the plant stem and tied on with soft plant ties or twist ties. Best for smaller, single-stemmed plants.

Wire Cages

An open wire cage is placed around the plant to support overall shape and weight. The plant grows freely within the cage perimeter. Great for bushy or wide plants.

Moss Poles

Humid, moss-covered poles allow climbing plants like philodendrons to cling on with their aerial roots and climb upwards. Provide moisture to keep the moss alive.

Trellises

Free-standing crossed wood or metal bars allow vining plants to weave through the gaps and be supported as they grow. Tie young plants to get them started.

Wire Hoops

Bend heavy gauge wire into a hoop shape and place at the base of a plant with the ends pushed into the soil. Tie plant stems loosely to the hoop as needed.

Caring For Staked Plants

Once your plant is staked, be sure to provide ongoing care:

Monitor tied plants and loosen ties if they start to cut into the stems as growth expands.
Keep moss poles moist by misting regularly so aerial roots stay healthy.
Inspect stakes and trellises for stability, and re-secure any loose parts in the soil.
Prune or trim climbing plants periodically so they don’t outgrow their support.
Remove any leaves or stems that are rubbing against the stakes.
Re-position ties and stakes as plants grow. Higher ties support new growth.

Ready To Stake Your Plants?

Now that you know all about using stakes to support your indoor plants, it’s time to put your knowledge into action!

Pay attention to plants that are becoming unstable or leggy, and give them the gift of support by staking them properly.

You’ll be amazed at how stakes can showcase the natural shape and beauty of your indoor houseplants. Happy staking!

plant stakes for indoor plants

How to Support Plants With Simple Stakes

The most basic form of staking, ideal for single-stemmed plants that are a little top-heavy, is to use simple straight stakes. Examples include flowering plants or those that have outgrown their stems quickly.

Drive the Stake

Drive a stake deep into the soil alongside the plant you are staking. Commercial stakes made of bamboo or vinyl-coated metal work well for this purpose, but almost any material will work. When staking a potted plant, make sure to drive the stake all the way to the bottom of the container, since potting mix is a loose medium that will not support stakes as effectively as garden soil. Credit: The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Tie the Plant

When youre tying the plant off, be careful not to tie it too tight. This can cause injury as the plant grows and the tie cuts into the plants stem. To prevent this, use a stretchy tie, such as strips of nylon or special plant ties. Taller plants may require several ties at different points along the stems. Credit: The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Before Getting Started

Instead of placing the stake in the center of the pot, its a good idea to position the stake near one edge. This will give the plant more room to grow and make it easier to display the plant with a “good” side, instead of letting the plant grow unrestrained.

Keep in mind that most climbing or vining staked plants will require occasional trimming. Examine individual plant profiles to see if your plant requires pruning.

plant stakes for indoor plants

Unboxing and Review: Large Moss Pole Plant Support Stakes for Thriving Indoor Plants!

FAQ

How to keep tall indoor plants from falling over?

Put plant into large paper bag, place bag into a box leaving top open, pad around paper bag to keep from falling over… this is my best suggestion. I am rooting for you all! Hope it’s a smooth transition.

How to use plant stakes for indoor plants?

I gently placed the stake next to the plant and arched it into the soil with minimal force. You may need to apply some pressure, but use a gentle touch when inserting. After the stake is in place, wind the plant around it lightly, allowing it to follow the stake’s support.

Do watering stakes work for indoor plants?

For indoors or outside use, the Waterpot spikes are ideal for indoor plants that need a consistent water supply. Simply insert, fill, invert.

Do indoor plant food spikes work?

An essential for household plants

I love that miracle grow house plant spikes are easy to use and do such a great job at fertilizing plants. They are also super small which also makes them easy to store away for future use. 5 out of 5 stars.

What are the best indoor plant stake ideas?

Here are Indoor Plant Stake Ideas to give your houseplants all the support they need with a dash of style and class. These Indoor Plant Stake Ideas are what you need to give your plants the support they require to grow straight and keep exhibiting their beauty in your home. 1. Moss Pole Stake 2. Plastic and Coconut Coir Stake 3. Butterfly Stake 4.

Should you stake up indoor houseplants?

Do you need a stake for indoor plants?

In the confined space and rich potting mix of an indoor pot, houseplants often grow very quickly and develop weak, leggy stems. In these cases, it may be necessary to stake up your plants. What are the best stakes for indoor plants?

What kind of stakes do you use for a potted plant?

Commercial stakes made of bamboo or vinyl-coated metal work well for this purpose, but almost any material will work. When staking a potted plant, make sure to drive the stake all the way to the bottom of the container, since potting mix is a loose medium that will not support stakes as effectively as garden soil.

Should you staking up indoor houseplants?

Rapid growth isn’t the only reason for staking up indoor houseplants. Some plants are naturally top-heavy and require staking—bougainvillea is one such plant. Other plants are natural climbers and need to be supported to grow properly.

How do you stake a potted plant?

When staking a potted plant, make sure to drive the stake all the way to the bottom of the container, since potting mix is a loose medium that will not support stakes as effectively as garden soil. When you’re tying the plant off, be careful not to tie it too tight.

What Are Plant Stakes?

When To Use Plant Stakes

How To Stake Indoor Plants