Horizontal branches

[Bschucher]

Was wondering if there is anything wrong with using Dowels as the cross branches in cage. I've got plenty of live plants I intend to put in. Have pothos, money tree, ficus.. Bromiliads..

 

[kinyonga]

They would be okay as long as they aren't so smooth that they are slippery. Don't you have any branches/trees/bushes around outside that you could cut some pieces off of?

 

[Bschucher]

Yeah, that was my plan actually. I was just curious. Thanks for the reply

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

IME, dowels are fine. I use dowels, vinyl-sheathed garden poles, bamboo, and pvc pipe in addition to the live plant trunks & branches.

I seal the dowels with water-based urethane—haven't had any problems with being too slippery.
If that's an issue, I'd (I forget the term... scuff, dent, gouge 'em up good to produce a rougher surface) the dowels, and then seal them.

 

[Flick boy]

I use them and no problems just get proper diameter