First, you must understand my fundamental nature. I am not a terrestrial cactus anchored in desert soil. I am an epiphytic vine, meaning in my natural habitat, I would grow upon trees in dappled sunlight, using my aerial roots to cling to bark for support, not to draw nutrients from the host. My stems are long, flattened, and leaf-like (they are actually modified stems called cladodes) and they are designed to trail and climb. Without support, my heavy, mature growth will cascade downwards, which can put immense strain on my base, potentially leading to breakage and making me look unkempt. Providing support mimics the vertical structure of a tree trunk, allowing me to grow upwards and display my magnificent form and blooms more effectively.
The key is to select a support that accommodates my size and weight. For a large specimen, a sturdy moss pole or a robust trellis is ideal. A moss pole is excellent because its rough, moist surface encourages my aerial roots to attach and anchor themselves, just as they would to a tree. You can also use a wooden or metal trellis, ensuring it is firmly seated in the potting mix and possibly even tied to the pot for extra stability. The goal is to insert the support deep into the pot without severely damaging my root system. It is best to do this during repotting, but if I am already established, gently work the support into the medium, avoiding major roots.
Do not use tight, abrasive materials like wire or string that can cut into my fleshy stems as I grow and gain weight. Instead, use soft, flexible ties such as stretchy plant tape, velcro strips, or even cut-up strips of old nylon stockings. The tie should be firm enough to hold the stem against the support but loose enough to allow for stem thickening and natural movement; think of a supportive loop, not a constricting knot. Gently guide my stems towards and around the support, training them to grow upwards. Do not force a sharp bend, as this can cause a crease or break. This process is not a one-time event; you will need to periodically check the ties and adjust them as I continue to produce new growth.
As I climb and mature, I will produce more aerial roots along my stems. You can gently encourage these roots to grow into the moss pole by directing them towards it. If the pole is kept slightly moist (not wet), the roots will readily penetrate it, creating a incredibly strong, natural anchor that reduces the reliance on artificial ties. Regularly inspect my ties to ensure they are not becoming too tight and cutting off my vascular flow. Pruning can also be a form of support. If I become excessively large and heavy, you can prune back some of the older, woodier stems. This not only reduces the weight load on the support structure but also encourages me to produce new, vigorous growth that is easier to train.
