Keep Growing: Moss Poles
As plant hobbyists and plant doctors, we often discuss and recommend using moss poles as a practical and aesthetic method to support the growth of house plants. Like trellises, these poles provide essential support for vining plants that have a tendency to grow in a climbing or trailing manner. Unlike trellises, the moss naturally retains moisture, attracting aerial roots to attach - promoting healthy root systems and encouraging vertical growth. By attaching the plant's stems to the pole, we can guide their growth and prevent tangling or crowding. Additionally, there are even more benefits to using moss poles for houseplants:
Support: Moss poles provide support for climbing plants, which helps them to grow taller and stronger. This can be especially beneficial for plants that have heavy foliage or that tend to grow leggy.
Training: Moss poles can be used to train climbing plants to grow in a specific direction or shape. This can be useful for creating topiaries or for training plants to grow around doorways or other obstacles.
Humidity: Moss poles help to create a humid environment, which is beneficial for many tropical plants. Moss also absorbs and retains moisture, which can help to keep plants hydrated.
Nutrients: Moss can contain a variety of nutrients that can be beneficial for plants. When moss is watered, these nutrients are captured by roots attached to the moss pole, or released into the soil, where they can be absorbed.
This Monstera Adansonii has grown roots onto it’s moss pole for support as it grows vertically
This addition of a moss pole not only enhances the overall appearance of houseplants, but also creates an environment that mimics the plant's natural habitat, allowing them to thrive. Whether it's a lush Monstera or a delicate Philodendron, using moss poles is a simple yet effective way to promote healthy plant growth and elevate the beauty of any space.
With a pole for support, many plants will begin to produce larger leaves & more fenestrations, as seen on this Monstera Adansonii
Which plants benefit from moss poles?
Using a moss pole for house plants is a great way to support the growth of climbing or vining species while adding a touch of natural beauty to your indoor jungle. Many different types of houseplants can benefit from moss poles, including:
Monstera
Philodendron
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum (Golden pothos)
Scindapsus pictus (Silver pothos)
Syngonium podophyllum (Arrowhead vine)
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini monstera)
Dischidia nummularia (String of pearls)
Senecio rowleyanus (String of dolphins)
Ceropegia woodii (String of hearts)
Hoya carnosa (Wax plant)
Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe cactus)
Ready to add a moss pole to your toolbox?
There are two main ways to add a moss pole to your plants:
Use a pre-made moss pole: Pre-made moss poles are available at many garden centers, plant shops and online stores. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose one that is the right size for your plant and that fits your budget. The Plant Lab makes moss poles in a multiple sizes, and can even custom make a pole to order - be sure to visit and ask us!
Make your own moss pole: Making your own moss pole is a relatively easy and inexpensive project. To do this, you will need a sturdy stick or pole, some moss, and some string or twine. See our process in the next section.
Making a Moss Pole
If you're looking to give your climbing houseplants some extra support and encourage healthy growth, making a moss pole is a fantastic solution. Start by gathering the necessary materials:
A sturdy bamboo pole, post, or stake, cut to an appropriate length
Sphagnum moss, or similar material
Twine or a similar length of material to wrap the pole
Scissors
Begin by moistening the sphagnum moss, ensuring it becomes thoroughly damp. Wrap the moss around the bamboo pole, securing it with twine at regular intervals. As you wrap, gently press the moss to create a compact layer. Bundle the excess twine loosely along the pole, enabling your plant to latch onto it as it grows.
How to use a moss pole
To start, choose a moss pole that suits the size and weight of your plant. When ready, simply insert it into the pot of your plant by positioning the moss pole so that it is close to the plant's main stem, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the pot to provide stability. As your plant grows, gently secure its stems or tendrils to the moss pole using twine, plant clips, or soft plant ties.
As your plant grows, gently tie the aerial roots to the moss pole using soft string or twine. Be careful not to tie the roots too tightly, as this can damage them. You will need to adjust the position of ties periodically.
Water + mist the moss pole regularly to keep it moist. Moss poles provide an ideal environment for aerial roots to develop. As time goes on, the plant will naturally latch onto the pole, allowing it to climb and achieve its full potential. Remember to monitor the moisture levels in the potting mix and adjust the watering accordingly.
