How to stake plants in pots is one key lesson for every plant lover to learn to keep indoor plants in perfect shape throughout their growing period. Some potted plants need you to stake them.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to evaluate the plant, choose, attach and finish off your staking. So stay tuned to learn how to properly stake a plant and save it from drooping!
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How To Stake Plants in Pots Using Some Simple Methods?
To stake plants in pots using simple methods, you can evaluate the plant to see if it needs staking, to begin with. You should then choose the perfect plant support, place the stakes carefully, attach the plant to the support and tidy it.
1. Evaluate Your Plant To See if It Needs Staking
The first critical thing to do is to evaluate your plant and see if it needs staking. If only a few weak branches exist, you better prune them than stake them. Pruning is one plant care technique that allows you to shape the plant, causing it to look more attractive in its pot. It also eliminates weak, damaged, or sickly branches burdening the plant.
One important thing to note is that not every plant needs staking; some do well when pruned. This is why you should evaluate your plant before staking.
2. Choose the Perfect Plant Support
There are several methods you can choose to support your plants. Knowing what strategy fits your plant is important to avoid using the wrong one. Here are the common techniques that you can use for different plants.
Using a single stake or moss pole is the most common method used in staking. You simply use plant stakes along the main plant stem. You can use bamboo or any other garden stakes in this case. It is also the same as using moss poles that support a single plant.
However, using these poles is complicated and will need some know-how. These poles are found in garden centers or craft stores made from fern bark or moss. These poles are often used for climbing plants that are not too heavy. These poles require extra moisture to keep them moist, thus encouraging the plant to latch on them because they use sphagnum moss that dries out quickly.
Using cage support – this support is great for a multi-stemmed plant with heavy foliage or flowers. You can get your metallic support from several sources – buying the ready-made wire cage that surrounds the plant or using several stakes bound together with a wire to form the support you need.
You can also use wires to create intersecting loops that form an informal cage that works for your plant – no matter the type of cage you decide to use, it will support the plant’s weight without needing to tie it.
Using wire loops – An effective and less visible support is using wire loops. This can be a simple wire coat hanger bent into a loop with the ends attached to the container’s potting mix.
If you make your own loop DIY plant stakes, use wire cutters and pliers to bend a rigid wire to the desired shape. In nearby garden centers, you can also buy prefabricated loops with single or double legs.
3. Place the Stakes Carefully
Now it’s time to place the stakes on your plant. Whether you choose to use a central stake or cage, you will need to push it firmly into the dirt around the inner rim of the pot. Be firm but gentle not to injure or damage the stem or tear the roots.
Drive the support deep into the soil next to the plant to keep the support firm enough throughout the growing season. You may notice potted plants do not give the stakes enough firmness to hold the plant throughout since the potting soil has a loose medium at the bottom that does not support the stakes effectively. In such cases, adjust the stakes from time to time as needed.
4. Attach the Plant to the Support
Once you have your stake choice, it’s time to tie your plant. Tie the plant loosely so that you don’t cause any injury to the plant’s stem. Use stretch ties like special plant ties and strips of nylon to prevent any damage to the plant.
Taller plants may need to be secured at different points along the stems. You can also attach florist wire, jute, bag ties, or yarn to the stake.
5. Brush It off To Make it Look Neat
Finally, just because your plant is staked does not mean it has to look ugly and bundled up. Natural materials like bamboo or tree branches can make your plant look more neat and attractive. Ensure your stake is a little shorter than the height of your plant so that it remains behind the scenes. If you use a cage, get a creative one that embraces the plant’s structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What Is the Easiest Way To Keep Your Indoor Garden Plants Upright?
The easiest way to keep your indoor plants upright is to use wire loops attached to the potting soil. It is the most effective and least visible way to support your houseplants. These wires are mostly invisible, making them ideal while keeping your plant supported and attractive.
– When Is the Best Time To Stake Your Plants?
The best time to stake plants is spring, when they will experience robust growth. Ensure the stakes are already up before the plant overgrows and threatens to fall over. Staking an overgrown plant may cause damage to the foliage and stems while trying to put it back straight.
– Is Tape Effective To Use for Potted Plant Stakes?
Yes, tape is effective to use for potted plant stakes and it is best to use one-inch green plastic garden tape on a one-by-one-inch wood stake. The plant must be growing in a protected area or indoors where it won’t face strong winds.
Conclusion
The guide above on how to stake plants in pots will help you work on your houseplants that threaten to fall apart. Proper support for your indoor plants is as critical as sunlight, soil, and moisture. Here are a few important points to remember before staking your plant.
- Smaller plants do not necessarily need staking, but large ones with heavy blooms and foliage will benefit from this staking.
- Remember to be gentle on your plants when staking to ensure you don’t injure the leaves, stems, or roots.
- Do not tie the stems too tight, as this will stop the plant from growing and may cause it to die.
- If you plan on growing a large plant, place the stake during planting time so that the soil firms it up as the plant grows to make it more secure.
- Examples of plants you can stake are the devil’s ivy and the rubber fig.
How about sharing your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below – enjoy your gardening journey!
