Staking houseplants is necessary to keep plants growing upright and healthy. Staking houseplants also gives climbing and vining plants somewhere to grow. This video shows you how to stake a houseplant. The houseplant being staked in this video is a moonflower plant grown indoors (as seen on a prior video). Learn how to secure houseplants to stakes and about the best size of stakes to use. Use caution when inserting stakes, so that you don’t harm houseplant roots.
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Hello and welcome to Healthy Houseplants, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link below and also by our Rene’s Garden Seeds affiliate link as well. Now, my key information is below.
These are some of the plants that I did a video on a couple of weeks ago. These are moonflowers, which I’ve been growing indoors under artificial lighting. I’ve had several questions, not only about the moonflowers but also about staking plants. One viewer was very concerned about staking plants, and I thought this was a great opportunity to discuss staking with these moonflowers because they definitely need it.
Staking is important a lot of the time. These moonflowers need to be staked because they grow on something, and they would spread out all over the place or on the ground if not staked. While this might work if you’re using a hanging basket, generally speaking, moonflowers are better off growing upwards where you can enjoy the flowers fully. Upside-down flowers don’t showcase as well.
As an example, you can see this plant here with a wooden skewer as a stake. This stake has long outgrown its usefulness because it’s way too short, so I’m going to remove it and replace it with a longer wooden skewer. Knowing this plant will get a lot taller, the stake I’m using is longer than the plant, which is beneficial. For any fast-growing plant like this, you’ll want to choose a stake that will be tall enough for the plant’s mature height.
When inserting stakes into a plant’s soil, it’s essential to be careful not to harm the roots by randomly poking around. It’s like hanging pictures on a wall – you wouldn’t make holes all over. Similarly, to avoid damaging the roots, first find an ideal placement for the stake and gently insert it without moving it around too much.
When I inserted the stake here, I carefully chose a spot right next to the plant. You’ll want to position the stake close to the plant, especially for plants you want to keep upright. If the stake is too far away, the plant may lean over, which is particularly problematic when staking something you wish to stay upright.
For this vine-type plant, placing the stake close also allows the plant to wind around it. 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.
To help the plant stay secure, I like to use green garden tie tape. This tape is stretchy, so it won’t restrict the plant’s growth or damage the stem by suffocating it. Tie the plant to the stake at a few strategic points, which will help keep it upright and stable. You can tie it in a bow or make a simple knot for an annual plant. Since this moonflower is an annual and will finish in a few weeks, I’m opting for a single tie. For a longer-term, more permanent setup, you’d want to secure it with a stronger knot.
Up top, you can see that the plant has already developed some curvature, which means it’s starting to wind around the stake naturally. It will likely bloom before it winds back down, as it will flower along the stem.
There are various types of stakes available, including bamboo stakes, which come in green for a natural look. Stakes also come in different lengths, and it’s crucial to choose a length slightly taller than the plant’s mature height. Using a stake that’s too short will be ineffective, and one that’s too long may look awkward.
Another consideration is the diameter of the stake. You don’t need a thick stake unless the plant is heavy. For something lightweight like a moonflower, a thin stake works perfectly to support the plant upright.
That’s about it on staking. Please leave comments if you’d like to see other indoor gardening tutorials. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video!
FAQ: Staking Indoor Moonflowers and Other Plants
Why do moonflowers need to be staked?
Moonflowers need to be staked because they grow by climbing on a support. Without staking, they tend to sprawl on the ground, which can lead to less visible flowers and a messier appearance. Growing upwards on a stake allows the flowers to display beautifully and makes it easier to care for the plant.
What type of stake should I use for moonflowers?
You can use various types of stakes, including bamboo stakes or wooden skewers. Choose a stake that’s slightly taller than the plant’s mature height, as moonflowers are fast-growing. For lightweight plants like moonflowers, a thin stake will work well.
How do I stake a moonflower plant without damaging the roots?
When inserting a stake, carefully choose a spot close to the plant and avoid moving the stake around too much to prevent root damage. Insert the stake gently but firmly to secure it without disrupting the roots.
How should I secure a moonflower plant to the stake?
Use stretchy green garden tie tape to secure the plant to the stake at a few strategic points. The tape will hold the plant upright without restricting its growth. For an annual plant, a single tie is usually sufficient, while a more permanent setup may require a stronger knot.
What is the best way to wind a moonflower around the stake?
Once the stake is in place, gently wind the plant around it, allowing the plant to follow the support. This will help the plant grow upright, and the plant will naturally begin to curve around the stake.
What should I consider when choosing the length of a stake?
Choose a stake that is slightly taller than the plant’s mature height. A stake that is too short won’t provide adequate support, while an overly long stake may look out of place. Ensure it fits the plant’s final size.
Do I need a thick stake for moonflowers?
No, moonflowers are lightweight plants, so a thin stake will be sufficient. Larger, heavier plants may require a thicker stake for proper support.
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