I want to let my Philodendrons climb. What do I use?

I have some Phillies coming in next week, and I've read that the particular ones I'm getting like to climb ( The leaves get larger ). I don't like the idea of a pole in the middle of the pot, because what do I do when I need a longer pole? It would be tacky to start out with a huge pole... in my opinion. Also, the thought of hurting the roots...eh. So, I was thinking about using a sheet of egg crate ( The grid kind, not the stuff they put eggs in ;) ) And getting some sort of moss or or something and wrapping it around the egg crate, and holding it there with clear string... The sheet would go against my wall, and I'd mist the moss so that the roots would get a benefit. I'd put something against the wall before the messy egg crate of course, so that the wall wouldn't be affected by the moisture.

How does this idea sound?
Am I being clear enough?
Would the Phillies climb straight up and hold on well?
What kind of moss?
And could I let the Philodendrons climb in between each other?
Any help would be appreciated! And pics.

Hi Treeroots, I'm afraid that none of the Phillies self cling to the frames / poles etc, so the norm is That you build a framework, trellis or Moss pole and then as the stems grow taller, you need to use soft horticultural string to tie the stems to whatever type of frame you have decided to use, you have the right idea in that these plants all kinds like to have the moss / stems and foliage misted, also if grown indoors, in winter don't have them sit too close to heating radiators or boilers as the fumes are not liked by the plants. also Indoors winter time you need to give them good light and water only when required, stick your finger into the soil and if dry give water if damp leave for a few more days before you add water. Come Springtime begin feeding and use half strength for the first few weeks, don't go overboard though and I would feed no more than every week to start with.
There are many, many different poles, frames and trellises that you can buy or look at for ideas, but the poles that are covered in moss are hollow so that as the plant grow-up, all you do is add another moss pole to fit inside the top few inches of the one already in use, I don't have a lot of those plants now except the cheese plant and to be honest once they reach 8 feet tall, I cut the tops off so they are about 3 feet and re-pot the tops as there are plenty Aeriel roots that help support the tops as they are set into new pots, misted and the original plants grow tall again or IF lacking foliage, get rid and you always have new plants ready to fill a corner etc.
Hope this is some help to get you started, there are books in the library for most indoor plants, soil types and what kind of light they need as some need different treatment from other types. Good luck, WeeNel.

Thanks for the long reply! I think I'm going to go with making a trellis. I'm not sure what I'll do about the moss.... I found out that we're allergic to it around here... Hm.. The wood will be made out of wood. WIll the wood mold or rot with all the misting?

I bought a small metal trellis and trained my philodendron to it. They grow fast so I didn't have to look at a bare trellis for long. Also, I put the plant off in a little used area so we wouldn't have to look at it while it was filling in the trellis. I used twist ties (temporarily) to train it. Now it has the entire trellis covered. As the philodendron began to grow over the top of the trellis, I gently directed it back down for an extra full look. When I got the trellis nicely covered, I began to clip off any extra, root it in water, and share it with friends and family. If you get one done I think you'll love the look--I do!

That sounds awesome! Do you have a picture? I'd love to see it!

Learn something new every day eh, never heard of anyone being allergic to Moss but hey like I say, leaning. The Moss we use for trellises is Sphagnum moss that you buy from garden stores as it has already been sterilized therefore cant bring bugs or disease to the plants as they get tied to the mossy frame and are there for many years.
As regards wood for framework etc, all you need to do is buy wood that has already been treated to be used close to water indoors or treated for outdoor use, there is nothing complicated about growing plants on a trellis or frame and it is a method that has been used for centuries, just every so often there are more ways to do it and new materials available for the purpose too, the reason I mentioned moss was to help you prevent misting so often as the moss helps hold some moisture around the areas where you want new roots to grow. It is always best to select the way that suit's your and plants needs and most people here will just offer you ideas to help you either understand a plants care or methods of growing them that is tried and tested over the years.
So go for it Treeroots, the main thing is that you get enjoyment for your work and plant. Good luck, WeeNel.

Hi TreeRoots,
I will try to get a picture tomorrow and post it for you. My trellis was a short one to begin with but hubby cut part of it off to make it fit my pot better.

WeeNel, it's asthma issues. I do wish I could use it... but we like to breathe around here. Is there nothing else we can use?

Hi again Treeroots, sorry about the Asthma problems you have, my son has this problem but as you already know, different things affect different people regarding Asthma.
Off the top of my head I cant think of a substitute for the moss, but maybe someone else will help you out but, as you have stated you will have to be careful what you use.
There is nothing to prevent you using wood, metal etc, just make sure when you tie the plant to the framework of choice, you tie loosely so you allow the stems to fatten / grow.

I have to grow these as indoor plants so because indoors can have a very drying effect on some plants due to the heating system etc, I stick the plants in the shower cubical and with warm water give the plants a spray and do under-leafs also, I put the plant pots into polly bags so the soil cant go into the drains once I spray I leave the plants sitting in the cubical for a while before I place them back, so with time and your own precises you will find a way that suits your own needs and that of your plants.
there are very few plants that die instantly so you will always notice a plant going into decline, AND normally you have time to alter the problem that causes the decline, like lack of or over watering, too much feeding, too dry atmosphere, soil too wet/cold, etc, so try relax about it and just try enjoy, hope you find the fun you have supposed to have when learning about plants new to us.
Take care and good luck. WeeNel.