An indoor plant trellis is like giving your climbing houseplants their own scaffolding to grow upward – saving floor space and boosting lush green growth. Installing a trellis can transform a scraggly vine into a living wall. A trellis “supports climbing plants, allowing them to grow upwards rather than spreading out horizontally”. This is perfect for small apartments or rooms where floor space is limited.
By training a pothos, philodendron, or Monstera to climb, you create a vertical garden that draws the eye up. I like to think of a trellis as giving my plant a mini tree trunk or ladder – it organizes growth so vines don’t flop over or tangle. In fact, experts note that without support “vining plants can’t support their shape on their own and will either spill out of their pot or trail onto the floor”. A trellis prevents that by stabilizing the plant and preventing damage or tangling.
Boosts health and growth
Elevating foliage on a trellis improves air circulation around stems, which can reduce fungal problems and discourage pests. A stable support also encourages vines to grow more vigorously – even producing bigger, mature leaves. (For example, many Monstera owners report larger split leaves once the vine can climb.)
Saves space and adds style
Trellises let you go vertical, which is great in a small room or corner. They double as decor – a wrought-iron trellis or bamboo lattice can be a striking focal point or living wall element. I often use a trellis with fairy lights or hanging planters for extra flair.
Keeps vines neat
By giving vines a clear structure to follow, a trellis keeps stems from sprawling. This is handy for busy plant lovers: no more untangling vines before watering!
Types of Indoor Trellises
Trellises come in many forms, sized for everything from small tabletop vines to big floor plants. Here are some common options to consider:
Freestanding trellises (small & large)
These are stakes or grids you insert into a pot. For example, indoor trellises sized for 2–6 inch pots are great for small philodendrons or ivy. A small round or hoop trellis fits inside a 4″ pot and helps a pothos climb. For larger plants, look for tall freestanding trellises (often made of wood or bamboo) that rise over a foot high – think lattice obelisks or pyramid shapes. A tall trellis gives big vines (like monsteras) something solid to grab.
Wall-mounted trellises
These attach to the wall and are ideal for creating a vertical garden. A simple grid of wire, wood slats, or even a reclaimed ladder can become a climbing wall for your plants. Wall trellises save floor space and let plants cascade down or climb up a sunny wall. They’re perfect for kitchen herb walls or a living room ivy feature.
Material variety
Indoor trellises can be wood, metal, plastic, or natural materials. Wooden dowels and bamboo are popular for a natural look, while metal or coated wire trellises have a modern vibe. Choose something sturdy – a flimsy trellis might bend as vines grow heavier.
I personally love a decorative wooden trellis [Amazon] that slides into my medium pot. It’s made for a 6″ planter and perfectly supports my climbing Philodendron. When shopping, think about your plant’s potential size. It’s OK if the trellis is a bit larger than needed (you can always secure extra support with plant ties).
DIY Indoor Plant Trellis Ideas
You don’t have to buy a fancy trellis – many creative DIY options work great. I am here are some entertaining concepts I’ve tried and seen:
Moss or coco coir pole
Wrap a PVC or bamboo stick with damp sphagnum moss or coco coir liner (a bit like giving the vine a mini tree trunk).Use twine or zip ties to secure the moss/coir to the pole. This pole retains moisture, which is awesome for aerial-rooted plants like monsteras and pothos. As the plant climbs and its roots stick into the moss, you’ll see new leaves emerge. (Just remember: after soaking your moss, wring out excess water so it’s damp but not dripping.)
Wire hoop trellis:
Bend a tough wire (even an old hanger or coat hanger) into a round hoop shape, then construct two prongs at the base to resemble legs. A good rule: make the hoop’s diameter about twice your pot size. For example, a 10″ hoop works well for a 5″ pot. Push the prongs into the soil so the hoop stands upright. I did this with a copper wire hanger once – now my money plant vines spiral up the circle each week!
Minimalist wire trellis
For a modern touch, use strong steel wire to form a geometric shape (like a triangle or diamond) as shown in some DIY guides. Cut and shape the wire, then stick its ends into the soil. This type is unobtrusive and perfect for tiny pots – think of it like a plant sculpture.
Recycled materials
Get creative with things you have. An old metal hanger, coat rack, or wine rack can become a trellis. I’ve seen people turn an unused wooden window shutter or a rolled-up chicken wire segment into indoor supports. Anything sturdy enough for a vine to latch onto works in a pinch.
Whether store-bought or homemade, the key is to insert the trellis before the plant gets too tangled. Gently guide the vines onto the new support and loosely tie them if needed. Tip: Use soft plant ties, twist-ties or even fabric strips to attach delicate stems to the trellis. This prevents cutting into the vine as it grows.
Best Plants for a Trellis
In my experience, vining houseplants absolutely love a trellis. Here are some top candidates:
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
A classic for beginners. Pothos have long, fast-growing vines and latch onto anything. They grow quickly and can be easily trained to climb a trellis. I started my pothos on a small trellis, and now it has a cascading vine look.
Philodendron (heartleaf or variegated types)
Similar to pothos, climbing philodendrons (like the heartleaf philodendron) have trailing vines that thrive with support. They tolerate low light and reward you with fuller, bushier growth when on a trellis.
Monstera (esp. Monstera deliciosa and adansonii)
These famous foliage plants naturally climb in the wild. “Delights in climbing and will flourish on a sturdy trellis,” says Monstera adansonii. After I attached a bamboo obelisk to my Monstera deliciosa, its stems spread upwards and its fenestrations (leaf holes) widened. In fact, mounting a Monstera on a moss pole or trellis often leads to bigger, healthier leaves.
English Ivy and Hoya
Lush ivy can wrap any structure and looks great trailing down. Hoyas (wax plants) also appreciate something to coil around. Both can be gently guided onto a trellis for a fuller appearance.
Others
Begonias (like string of hearts), Alocasias, and String of Hearts (Hoya) also do well. In short, if it’s naturally a climber or has aerial roots, it will likely love a trellis. As one expert notes, vines “in their natural habitat… need support,” so indoors a trellis is often the solution.
Even plants that start life as compact can benefit from a trellis over time. If you see stems getting long and floppy, it’s a sign they’re ready to climb.
Tips for Using a Trellis
Install early
Put the trellis in when potting or early in growth. It’s much harder to add it later when roots fill the pot.
Anchor securely
Make sure the base of the trellis is buried well in the soil. You can use an extra layer of potting mix to firm it in place if needed.
Guide the vines
When shoots appear, gently wrap them onto the nearest rung or wire of the trellis. Use soft ties loosely so you don’t pinch the stem. Every week or two, check and re-tie new growth.
Mind the lighting
Since trellises make plants grow up, place them near a good light source. A south or east-facing window is ideal for most climbers. This way, the plant won’t lean or stretch too much off the trellis.
Upgrade when needed
As your plant grows, it might outgrow a short trellis. Homes & Gardens magazine advises that if a plant gets bigger, you should “cut the ties to remove the trellis and then replace it with a new one”. It’s a sign your plant is healthy!
Choosing the Best Indoor Plant Trellis
With so many options, how do you pick the right trellis? The idea is uncomplicated but still impactful.
Size matters
Find a trellis that complements your planter and container. A rule of thumb from DIY guides is to aim for the trellis’s height or diameter to be about double that of the pot. A 5″ pot might use a 10″ trellis, for example.
Material and style
Think about your room’s look. Wooden trellises blend with natural decor; black metal or copper adds a modern edge. Bamboo is both timeless and environmentally conscious; in fact, it “offers the classic lattice shape” when formed into obelisks or hoops.
Durability
Indoor trellises don’t face weather, but they do hold moisture sometimes (especially moss poles). Cedar or treated wood will last longer than cheap pine. If you go DIY, seal wood or use plastic/wire that won’t rust.
Adjustability
Some trellises are modular (you can add levels) or come in bundles of multiple sizes. These let you adapt as the plant grows. For example, bundles of circular trellises (single, double, triple hoops) are sold so you can pick the one that fits your growth stage.
Plant type
Certain plants need sturdier support. A thin pothos vine is fine with a wire hoop, but a heavy Monstera needs a thick pole or ladder. Check plant tags or descriptions (like in one collection, customers love using indoor trellises with pothos, philodendrons, hoyas, begonias, ivy, monstera, etc).
Once you’ve chosen a trellis, it becomes part of your plant’s home. I often tuck in a small tag or charm on the trellis for a personal touch. Remember, a trellis isn’t just functional – it’s a chance to get creative with your green space!
FAQ
1: What are some creative indoor plant trellis ideas?
Use wire hoops, bamboo ladders, moss poles, or even repurposed items like picture frames, coat racks, or old wine racks as stylish supports.
2: Can I use a wall-mounted trellis indoors?
Yes! Wall trellises are perfect for small spaces, turning any sunny wall into a vertical garden.
3: How tall should my indoor plant trellis be?
Pick a trellis about twice the height of your plant’s pot, and size up for bigger climbers like Monstera.
4: What is the best indoor plant trellis?
The best trellis is sturdy, matches your plant’s size, and fits your décor—bamboo, wood, or metal are all great options.
5: Do I need a trellis if I already use a moss pole?
Not usually—moss poles act as a trellis, though you can combine them with a frame for extra support if needed.