How big is the plant? Does it even need a stake at this point?

I used a red broomstick that you could unscrew for years and recently wrapped it with jute but left about 1.5-1 inch above the soil unwrapped. Not sure if the jute would rot but the broomstick was fine.

Calli - I ordered a larger one and if it’s the size it’s supposed to be it will need staked. My ficus burgundy doesn’t need staked yet but will soon.

I’m most interested in the types and how they hold up overtime.

KB thanks for the info!

Stakes come and go. Get one that is tall enough for your needs and sturdy enough to support your plant. The only mold I ever experienced with bamboo is when the plant was put in a terrarium (bamboo skewers in this case). Wood eventually will rot as metal will rust. The vinyl coated aluminum hollow poles at nurseries (Home Depot, Walmart) will bend and snap if too much force is put on them but are good for a lot of plants. Bamboo poles can at least be cut to the length you need and you can go from very thin to thick enough for most houseplants. The only one that won't break or bed is rebar but will rust (paint it if you object to rust). They may be wobbly if you got a really tall one but it's hard to break solid steel.