Before you even think about a trellis, you must provide me with the right home. I am a tropical plant, so I crave bright, direct sunlight. A south-facing window is my paradise; an east or west-facing one is acceptable, but I will not thrive in dim conditions. My roots despise being waterlogged, so plant me in a pot with excellent drainage and a rich, well-draining potting mix. Keep the room warm, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). I enjoy humidity, so a light misting or a nearby pebble tray will keep my leaves from crisping in dry, indoor air. Getting these basics right is the most important training you can give me.
From my perspective, I am not climbing in the traditional sense. I do not have sticky pads or aerial roots that cling to walls. Instead, I produce delicate, curly tendrils. These tendrils are my hands; they reach out, searching for something thin (under ¼ inch) to latch onto. When they find a suitable support, they quickly coil around it, anchoring me and allowing me to hoist my vines upward. My natural instinct is to seek the light, and I will grow rapidly towards it, but I need your help to guide my tendrils in the right direction.
The trellis you choose is my entire world. It must be installed in my pot *before* you plant me, to avoid damaging my delicate root system later. I prefer a trellis made of thin materials like bamboo, wire, wood, or even a simple string system. The key is that the supports are slender enough for my tendrils to easily grasp. A fan-shaped, obelisk, or arched trellis works beautifully and allows for good air circulation around my leaves, preventing disease. Secure it firmly in the pot; the last thing I want is for my support to topple over once I am heavy with growth.
As my new, soft vines begin to grow, gently guide them towards the trellis. Do not force them or tie them tightly with rough string, as this can damage and constrict me. Instead, use soft plant ties or even twist-ties looped loosely to provide initial direction. The real work is done by my tendrils. Once the main vine is near the trellis, my tendrils will naturally explore. You can help by carefully wrapping these tendrils around the thin wires or bars of the trellis. They will do the rest, securing themselves within hours. Regularly check on my progress and redirect any adventurous vines that are straying from their support.
To keep me looking my best and to encourage more of those spectacular blooms you love, you must prune me. The best time for a major trim is in early spring before my growth surge. From my point of view, this is simply a signal to channel my energy into strong, new growth. Remove any dead, weak, or overcrowded vines. You can also cut back side shoots to maintain the desired shape on the trellis. This process prevents me from becoming a tangled mess and directs my vitality towards producing flowers on the new season's growth. Remember to feed me with a balanced fertilizer during my growing season to support this energetic effort.
