I have been trying to purchase an old square stake that was very common a few years ago. I have been unsuccessful to date.

They used to sell those climbing Philos with stakes made out of tree fern, but the tree ferns are getting scarce and expensive. Here's a link but the tree fern pole he sells is only 18in. tall so won't last long for a Philo. http://www.jimssupplies.com/st...

You can make a stake for your Philo to climb - use a piece of 2 x 2 or even 2 x 4, pad it out with spaghnum moss or coco fiber (the stuff they make basket liners out of) and wrap it with burlap.

If you're not keen on this type of task, you can just try a tree branch with rough bark. Got any trees that need trimming?

This is an idea from three gardeners that I really liked...I haven't done one myself...yet...But I'm planning to. I have a Pothos that's going to be in need soon!
http://garden.org/ideas/view/t...

Just an idea, if you have no luck finding a pole for sale.

I agree, Tara. It isn't terribly difficult to make your own.

What kind of Philo do you have? I've seen vine types 'stick' their roots to various surfaces, painted metal, painted wood, naked board wood, aluminum siding, painted interior wall, big stick our oak tree threw off of itself.

I made my own 20" pole using plastic mesh, spagnum moss and inserted a pole with holes for deeper watering. The mesh was secured with simple rubber coated wire. The roots of my philo love it! Now I wish I made a taller pole for it as it towers 6" over the top!

tdemicco said:I have been trying to purchase an old square stake that was very common a few years ago. I have been unsuccessful to date.

http://www.mosserlee.com/produ...

I found these at the local garden center today. I have a big pothos that was a housewarming gift and has to be managed somehow! It has aerial roots that are 4-5" long. The 36" stakes were $8.49 at the store. I will post pics tomorrow if anyone is interested.

I soaked the moss totem pole in water and placed it into one side of the 10" pot of the giant plant we lovingly call "Big Mama." I would say she weighs 12-15 lbs?

This is my first attempt at staking and training a plant. I would say this task was the equivalent to trying brush and style hair on a 5 yr old little girl who is cranky and won't sit still. I'm a perfectionist.

The moss pole came with some metal pins. There were so many vines that it wasn't hard to start tacking them up on the pole. I just need to be okay with pruning and thinning out Big Mama.

Oh, and I disturbed a little community of gnats, too. Overall, experience....Not horticulturally therapeutic. But I feel better that Big Mama has some sort of organization in her life now!

Before:


After:


New spot in the house:

That looks awesome! I think big Mama is a Pothos (Epipremnum.) If the new leaves don't have a cataphyll that turns brown after the leaf unrolls, that would be a clue that it's not Philodendron.