Finding the Perfect Tall Trellis for Your Potted Plants

Do you have some vining or climbing potted plants that need a helping hand reaching for the skies? Enter the tall trellis – an essential tool for supporting and showcasing trailing houseplants in your home or patio containers.

With the right trellis paired with your plant, you can achieve stunning vertical gardens and living walls that make a statement in any space. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose and use taller trellises to get those potted plants growing happily upward.

Benefits of Using a Tall Trellis

Adding a trellis to your potted plants provides some great benefits:

• Promotes upward growth – Vining plants naturally want to climb, but need support to do so. A tall trellis gives them something to latch onto and grow straight up.

• ** Maximizes space** – Directing growth vertically allows you to make the most of limited floor space Plants on trellises take up less horizontal room

• ** Creates focal points** – The height and visual impact of a plant on a trellis makes it a natural design focal point. Perfect for drawing attention!

• Adds visual interest – Twisting vines and tendrils weaving over a trellis create living works of art. The textures and colors are always unique and changing.

• Makes plant care easier – Keeping vines off the floor and furniture with a trellis eliminates messy sprawl and makes it easier to water and care for the plant.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trellis

To pick the right trellis for your potted plants, keep these factors in mind:

• Plant variety – Consider growth rate, vine thickness, and climbing needs. Delicate vines need small grid trellises vs. robust climbers that need heavy-duty supports.

• Mature plant size – Size the trellis to match the plant’s potential mature size so it can grow into (not outgrow) the trellis over time.

• Pot dimensions – Pick a trellis that fits the pot without tipping or feeling unstable when the plant gets very large and heavy.

• Your decor style – Choose trellis materials and designs that complement your overall aesthetic – modern, boho, classic, rustic and more.

• Indoor vs. outdoor use – Outdoor trellises need to be durable and moisture/UV resistant. Indoor versions can use more delicate materials.

Top Materials for Tall Potted Plant Trellises

You can find trellises made from metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, fabric and more. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Wood trellises – Versatile, affordable option available in many stain colors and designs. Best for indoor use unless the wood is pressure treated.

• Wrought iron & metal – Very durable for outdoor use, often with pretty scrolling designs. Can feel heavy or bulky indoors.

• Bamboo – Naturally moisture-resistant, lightweight option often used for Asian-inspired decor. Available in panels or full cylinders.

• Plastic – Inexpensive, weather-resistant, and easy to find. Works well for temporary or short term use.

• Fabric & netting – Super lightweight and excellent for delicate vines. Usually need to be paired with a frame or pole for support.

No matter which material you choose, look for tall trellises at least 4-5 feet high to give your potted plants plenty of vertical growing space. The tallest trellises can reach up to 10 feet high!

Stylish Ways to Use Tall Trellises in Container Gardens

Looking for inspiration on how to incorporate tall trellises into your container gardening? Here are some gorgeous ways to put those vertical supports to work:

• Grow climbing roses or hyacinth bean vines up a classic obelisk trellis in a large pot for a romantic focal point.

• Let ivy or creeping jenny spill down all sides of a cylinder trellis or wire tomato cage.

• Pair slim rectangle trellises with pots of thymes, oregano, or trailing petunias on a patio or balcony.

• Use sectional trellis panels to build a “living wall” of trailing succulents planted in a series of stacked pots or crates.

• Surround a pillar trellis with pots of finicky orchids so they can cling to the moist moss covering the pole.

• Maximize small wall space by hanging wall pots with built-in trellises for hoya or philodendrons to climb.

With the right tall trellis paired creatively with pots, even the smallest garden can grow big!

Installing and Caring for Your Potted Plant Trellis

To help your potted trellis thrive, follow these tips for setup and care:

• Place the trellis stake or pole ends firmly into potting soil, or use trellis feet to stand it next to the pot.

• Use plant ties or clips when needed to gently guide new vines onto the trellis until they attach themselves.

• Check ties/clips regularly as the plant grows to loosen or remove before they become too tight.

• Rotate pots seasonal or as needed to evenly distribute vines and growth on the trellis.

• Prune back wayward or leggy growth to keep plant focused on climbing up not out.

• Use compost/slow release fertilizer to nourish active climbers and frequent re-potting for root room.

• Move potted trellis combos indoors or into shade if outdoor conditions get too hot/windy.

With routine care and maintenance, a tall trellis can support healthy, growing vines for many seasons to come.

Ideal Plants for Pairing with Tall Trellises

Many common houseplants and outdoor container plants can be trellised with stunning results. Here are some top choices for tall trellis companions:

Indoor plants: Pothos, philodendrons, jasmine, wax plant, grape ivy, english ivy, spider plant, passionflower

Outdoor plants: Mandevilla, clematis vine, scarlet runner beans, morning glory, nasturtium, moonflower, climbing roses, honeysuckle

The possibilities are nearly endless! Just steer clear of plants with dense foliage or very heavy vines that could potentially overwhelm more delicate trellises. Sturdy support structures are a must.

Where to Find Quality Tall Plant Trellises

Ready to hunt down the perfect tall trellis for your potted plants? Here are some sources to explore:

• Local nurseries and garden centers – Look for trellises sized for large pots.

• Hardware/home stores – Affordable basic metal, wood and plastic trellis options.

• Online shops like Amazon, Hayneedle, Wayfair – Extensive trellis selections with hundreds of styles.

• Etsy – Unique handmade trellises offered by artists and craftspeople.

• Specialty plant shops like Leaf & Node – Gorgeous high end trellises designed specifically for houseplants.

Finding pretty yet functional supports for vertical gardening is now easier than ever. Bring your pots to towering new heights with tall trellises!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tall Potted Plant Trellises

What size trellis should I get for my potted plants?

Choose a trellis that is significantly taller than your plant’s current height to accommodate future vertical growth. Prioritize height over width.

How do I secure climbing plants onto a trellis?

Use soft plant ties, twist ties, or clip-style trellis attachments to gently guide plant tendrils onto the trellis until they attach themselves.

Should I prune back potted vines on trellises?

Light pruning helps direct growth upwards and maintains a tidy look. But avoid overpruning, which can limit cover on the trellis.

Can trellises be moved between indoor and outdoor pots?

Certain materials like metal, bamboo, and weather-treated wood can transition between indoor and outdoor use. Avoid flimsy trellises.

Do I need to fertilize potted plants on trellises more often?

Active climbers on trellises benefit from a bit more feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season.

With a properly sized and styled trellis, your potted plants can grow to impressive heights in any space, indoors and out. Get your vertical garden going this season!