How to Trellis Your Hoya Plants: Our Expert Guide
Table of Contents
- Why trellising is important for Hoyas
- When to trellis your Hoya plants
- How to trellis your Hoya plants
- Best Materials for Your Hoya Trellis
- Maintenance and Care of Trellised Hoya Plants
- Conclusion
If you want your Hoya plant to thrive and produce the most abundant and beautiful leaves and flowers, there is one critical element you can't overlook: trellising.
Trellising is the practice of providing support for your Hoya plant as it grows, whether that be through a traditional trellis, stakes, or another form of support. In this blog post, we'll explore why trellised Hoya plants are happier plants, and provide some tips on how to do it effectively.
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting, understanding the importance of trellising for your Hoya can make all the difference in the health and vitality of your plant.
Want to hear my unsolicited trellis rambling instead? I made a whole video on it:
Why trellising is important for Hoyas
Hoyas are climbing plants that are often grown for their beautiful foliage and unique flowers. As with other climbing plants, Hoyas require some kind of support to help them grow properly. This is where trellising comes in.
Trellising is the practice of providing support for climbing plants, usually in the form of a structure or framework. While trellising can be done for aesthetic reasons, it is primarily important for the health of the plant.
Hoya Trellis Benefits
One of the key benefits of trellising is that it allows the Hoya plant to grow in a more natural way.
When left to grow on its own, a Hoya plant will often become tangled and messy, with leaves and vines growing in all directions. This can be harmful to the plant's health, as it may not be able to get enough sunlight or nutrients.
Trellising helps to keep the plant organized and structured, allowing it to grow more efficiently. This means that the plant can put more energy into producing new leaves and flowers, rather than trying to navigate a messy tangle of vines. In fact, it is not uncommon to see Hoyas that have more leaves in supported areas, as the plant is better able to focus its energy on growth.
When to trellis your Hoya plants
Trellising your Hoya plant should be done early on to train the leaves to face upwards. Leaves that don't fully adjust end up looking like this guy above me.
As mentioned earlier, Hoyas are climbing plants, and their leaves tend to orient themselves towards the source of light. By trellising your plant, you are helping it to grow in a more controlled manner, and training the leaves to grow upward, which will create a more attractive plant.
However, even if your plant has already grown a bit, it is never too late to use a trellis. Although it may be more challenging to train a plant with downward-facing leaves, it is still possible to do so with patience and care. For particularly stubborn plants, just know that hanging hoyas are also very beautiful and brighten up any space! ;)
How to trellis your Hoya plants
Trellising your Hoya plants can seem daunting, but it is essential for healthy growth. Here are some steps to trellis your Hoya plants:
1.) Loop the vine:
Start by looping the Hoya vine around your trellis, and fasten with plant clips. Be careful not to loop too tightly, as this can damage the plant. Place clips slightly away from leaves and nodes, to allow them room for growth.
2.) Pin the node:
Once the vine is looped back to the bottom of your pot, find a node where the leaf joins the stem and pin it down to the substrate (such as these coco chips) in your pot. This will keep the vine in place and allow it to grow upwards again.
3.) Provide support:
If you have short vines that are not yet long enough to reach the trellis, you can provide support by using stakes or sticks to hold the vines up.
If that written guide wasn't clear, you can also watch me trellis plants here:
It is important to be patient when trellising your Hoya plants. Don't force the plant to grow in a certain direction, but rather encourage it to grow towards the trellis by providing support.
How to Trellis Hoyas with Thick Stems
If you have a Hoya plant with a thick stem, you may need to use larger plant clips or hooks to fasten the plant to the trellis. Be sure to check on the plant regularly to ensure that it is growing in the right direction and that the trellis is not causing any damage to the stem.
With a little patience and care, your Hoya plants will thrive with the support of a trellis.
Best Materials for Your Hoya Trellis
There are different types of trellises available, and the choice will depend on the size of your plant, the pot it is in, and your personal preference. You can choose from a range of materials such as wood, bamboo, or metal, and also choose from different lengths and widths to suit your plant's size.
It is best to choose a sturdy trellis that can support the weight of your plant and allow it to climb and grow comfortably. We personally sell a lot of bamboo trellis options here at UPT, since they provide a cost-effective solution that is also eco-friendly.
A Note About Copper Trellising
Copper is an excellent material for trellises because it is sturdy, durable, and rust-resistant. Additionally, copper develops a beautiful patina over time, which can add character and visual interest to your trellis.
While there are pre-made copper trellises available for purchase, making your own DIY copper trellis can be a fun and rewarding project.
When selecting copper for your trellis, it is important to choose a coated copper to avoid direct contact with your plants. Copper can be toxic to some plants, and while Hoya plants are generally not affected by copper, it is better to be safe than sorry. A coated copper wire or pipe will prevent any potential negative effects of copper on your plants.
Some gardeners may be concerned that a copper trellis is not strong enough to support their Hoya plant, but this is not the case. Copper is a sturdy material, and a properly constructed copper trellis will be more than strong enough to hold your Hoya's vines. Additionally, the lightweight nature of copper makes it easy to work with, allowing you to create intricate designs and shapes for your trellis.
Maintenance and Care of Trellised Hoya Plants
1.) Ensure good air circulation around the leaves and stems.
Poor air circulation can lead to the growth of mold and fungus, which can damage the plant and even cause health problems for you and your family. It's essential to keep your Hoya plant in an area with plenty of ventilation and avoid placing it in humid, stuffy locations like a bathroom or basement.
2.) Consider the way you train your Hoya vines onto the trellis.
Avoid forcing the vines too tightly against the trellis, as this can cause downward-facing leaves, which may eventually die off. Instead, guide the vines gently and encourage the leaves to grow upwards towards the light.
3.) Watch for Signs of Overcrowding
When it comes to assessing whether your Hoya plant is overcrowded on its trellis, there are a few telltale signs to look for:
- If you notice that the vines are starting to sag or lean heavily to one side, it may be time to add additional support to the trellis or move the plant to a larger one.
- Another sign of overcrowding is if you see yellowing or browning leaves, which may be an indication that the plant isn't getting enough light or nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, trellising your Hoya plants is an excellent way to promote healthy growth and create a beautiful display in your home or garden. The benefits of using different types of trellises are numerous, including improved air circulation, more efficient use of space, and an enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Whether you choose to trellis your Hoya plant is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some gardeners prefer to let their Hoyas grow naturally, while others enjoy shaping the vines around a trellis to create unique shapes and patterns. Either way, it's important to ensure that your Hoya plant has enough space to grow and that the trellis provides adequate support.
When selecting a trellis, there are many options available, including bamboo, metal, wire, and wood. Each type of trellis has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose one that fits your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Ultimately, trellising your Hoya plants can be a fun and rewarding experience. It not only promotes healthy growth and a lush appearance but also allows you to express your creativity and style. So, whether you prefer a simple, minimalist trellis or a more elaborate and ornate design, trellising your Hoya plant is an excellent way to enhance your home or garden's beauty and natural appeal.
