How to Make a Trellis for a Houseplant

Measure the depth of the selected plant container and record the finding. Determine the height of the tepee trellis, and add to it the depth of the plant container to calculate the height of the bamboo poles. Generally, the trellis should equal twice the height of the container, or its weight may cause the pot to topple over. For instance, if the container is 12-inches deep and you want a 24-inch-tall trellis, use bamboo canes 36 inches tall.

Cut four 1-inch-wide bamboo poles or canes to the desired length using a saw. Form the cut on each pole directly above a node to keep excess water from pooling in and rotting the structure.

Measure the rim of the plant pot and mark four equally-spaced points along it with a marker. Insert a pole into the soil along the edge of the pot, flush against a mark. Push the pole all the way through so its end touches the base of the pot. Angle the pole slightly inward, so is upper end falls over the middle of the pot. Firm the soil around its base so it stands on its own.

Insert another pole into the pot at the marked point, pushing it all the way through so it rests on the base of the container. Angle this cane and the remaining two canes you will insert over the marks at the edge of the container so the upper ends of the poles meet at the center of the pot.

Grasp the upper ends of the poles at the center of the pot so the trellis resembles a tepee. If required, increase or decrease the angle on a pole, so it meets the remaining poles above the middle of the pot. Wrap a length of garden wire or rope around the upper ends of the poles, 2 to 4 inches from the tips, to join them together.

Weave garden wire or rope above and below the poles, 5 inches from the upper joint, to form a horizontal support that anchors the growing tendrils of the houseplant. Also weave a horizontal support around the center of the poles, and another several inches above the lower ends. Pull each horizontal support taut while weaving it over and under the poles.

Secure the growing tendrils of the houseplant to the lower horizontal support with ties to train it to climb upward.