3 Best Moss Pole For Plants: Things You Didn’t Know – Ultimate Guide
This Best Moss Pole For Plants is one the best ways gardeners can help plants develop upwards rather than towards the outside (or upwards). It’s an excellent idea for pothos plants as well as a Swiss Cheese plant, most philodendrons or any other plant in your home that grows upwards.
We’ll discuss the ways to use the moss pole to support your houseplants, how to purchase one, moss pole alternatives, and how to construct one, and lastly, some basics on how to care for climbers.
This entire guide will leave you confident with your knowledge of the best moss pole growth methods.
What is a Moss Pole?
The moss pole is known by numerous names: bamboo stakes, moss stick plants, climber’s support, plant poles, moss totems and more. It’s a structure that is vertically placed with moss or coco coir fibre that covers it. The goal of a moss pole is to replicate the natural habitat for a climber and give it micronutrients as well as water through the aerial roots.
In essence, the moss rod is an artificial tree that your plants can adhere to. It’s an ideal choice to choose from a range of houseplants, such as Monstera Deliciciosa and a myriad of pothos choices. The moss pole provides an amazing aesthetic and supplies your plants with stability and nutrition.
Why do you require a Moss Pole For Your Houseplants?
A lot of houseplants that vine are epiphytes, which is a type of plant which grows on top of another plant (usually the tree). In tropical regions, epiphytes are plants that tend to grow on tree trunks that reach the highest point of the canopy.
A moss pole’s function is to mimic the plant’s natural habitat by giving an anchor point plants will stick to just like an actual tree host in nature. It’s the closest thing to providing the plants that have long vines natural habitat.
Water, Nutrients, and Water
For plants that develop roots that are not established The moss pole can provide water and (some) micronutrients through Coir fibre or sphagnum moss. Although these mediums for growing won’t be as efficient as real trees with moss in the tropical regions, however, they’re much better for plants than a conventional container or pot.
Mature Leaves
Moss poles encourage mature foliage by allowing the plant to feel the pole’s support. This results in larger leaves when it ascends. Particularly for Monstera deliciosa, the larger leaves means more typical fenestrations (leaf gaps or holes) appear.
A moss pole is ideal for plants that weigh more because it offers support that makes them stronger and provides them with an ideal environment to flourish.
Vertical Appeal
Aside from that the pothos the moss pole can also give the indoor plant a vertical design. Many indoor growers make use of moss poles to enhance their aesthetic. The idea of having a plant grow upwards can help you make the most of tiny spaces. Additionally, it lets you have the flexibility to form your plant as you want to.
I enjoy the way it adds dimension to the indoor plants within a room. Certain plants can be small and cascade. The indoor climbing plants pop stunningly. This is an excellent option for creating an image of a skyline using your plants.
Where Can I Purchase A Pothos Moss Pole?
Although moss poles were once thought to be a special item, they’re becoming increasingly widely used and popular. The pandemic made a lot of us into gardeners who live indoors and the demand for pothos moss poles has increased.
But, the traditional moss pole might not be in stock at your local garden store. It’s easier to purchase an easy alternative on the internet. Moss totems are cheap and range from $10 to $30 depending on their dimension and amount.
In deciding which one to purchase what is the “best climbing pole made of moss” really boils down to preference. It’s typical for a climbing pole to be equipped with inner support – usually, a PVC pipe, or a wood slab, covered with a sturdy bamboo, then covered with the coir fibre or sphagnum the moss.
Should You Purchase A Moss Pole?
From my point of view, buying a moss pole is the best option in the majority of cases. However, if you’re looking to create a truly unique work of art using your pole, you can find several beautiful DIY projects on the web. It all depends on your goals. If you’re looking for an option that can give you shape, however, you don’t have to need to make it an art piece – I’d choose a more affordable alternative available on Amazon.
How to Make Use Of Moss Poles?
The use of a moss stick is extremely easy. Choose a stake that you have purchased and place it in the soil of the pot. Set it a little away from the root of the plant, so as not to disturb the roots in any way. The moss pole needs to be sturdy by this point.
Once you have it in place once it’s in place, you can secure plants to poles using any material. Here are a few basic alternatives for anchoring your plant:
- Hairpins
- String
- Fishing line
- Twist ties
- Plant ties
Usually, a grower circles the moss pole using the plants’ vines. It is more an artistic option and it is possible to alter the shape of the plant as you want.
It is recommended to place your support each time you go to the store or at least. Most of the time it is a temporary thing because the roots of your aerial plants will begin to adhere to the moss pole in some weeks. The reason for this is to be part of the learning of your plant.
It’s necessary to continue tying your plants to the pole until it develops. Continue to guide the plant to the moss pole for however long as you want. Your houseplant will eventually be able to develop against the moss pole all on its own, especially when it has air roots.
To establish yourself with a purchased moss pole just require four elements:
- Your moss pole
- An adherent (velcro strips, twist ties, string, etc.)
- The climbing plant you prefer
- water
How to Water Your Moss Pole?
One of the major advantages of the moss stick is the way that the moss (also known as coco coir) (made out of coconut fibre) retains water. This helps your plants in many ways. For starters, it provides them with access to water whenever they require it, via its aerial roots.
The main reason lies in the fact that you also get humid air at the pole which is a huge benefit to the tropical plants.
If you want to water your moss pole, begin by following the instructions that came in the packaging. If you don’t own them or if you’ve created your moss you can just sprinkle water on the pole’s top with a watering container. Repeat this process until the water runs down into the container below.
In the summer it is recommended to be sure to water your plants at least twice a week. For other times, only once per week is fine, but you must adjust if you observe the opposite reaction to your plant.
How Long Do You Want An Moss Pole to Be?
The size of the pole will depend on several factors: the kind of plant and the plant’s weight and the height that you would like the plant to grow. Plants that are smaller and less imposing such as most varieties of philodendron may be able to use a smaller and thinner pole. A small amount of space is acceptable. However, a larger plant such as the Monstera deliciosa, with its large leaves could require an extended and more robust option.
However, a lot of it is dependent on the way you want your plant to appear. A shorter plant will make it appear bushier, while a longer gives it an energised and more vinous look.
The types of plants that work well on a Moss Pole
Certain genera can thrive using a moss pole. Philodendron, Pothos, and Monstera.
Here are a few of the most beloved houseplants that belong to the genera mentioned above.
Philodendron Moss Pole (Araceae)
Philodendrons of all kinds generate aerial roots which makes them ideal for a moss pole. The roots originate from the stems of the plant above the soil and are designed to assist in the stability of the plant as it grows into trees or on the floor of the forest.
- Here are a few of the philodendrons that we love.
- Philipodendron Birkin
- Philodendron hederaceum (heartleaf; sweetheart)
- Philodendron Hastatum
- Philodendron Brasil
- Philodendron Moonlight
- Philodendron Rugosum
Pothos Moss Pole (Arums)
The plants in the genus Pothos make use of their aerial roots to affix to trees, aerate the plant, and then hydrate themselves. With their stunning flowing vines and their capacity to grow, they’re an ideal option for the moss pole.
Take a look at these Pothos alternatives to use in your house!
- Neon Pothos
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Golden Pothos (money plant and Devil’s Ivy)
- Silver Pothos (satin pothos)
- Manjula Pothos
- Jessenia Pothos
Does Pothos Need A Moss Pole?
Although the genus pothos does not require a moss pole, however, it can be helpful to support it, the ability to access water as well as larger leaves. Without a moss-totem, the vining plants can cascade horizontally and also have smaller leaves. Both options are equally good and are based more on individual aesthetics.
How Do Join A Pothos to a Moss Pole?
Similar to other vining plants start by putting the pole in the soil from the stem. It should be at least 3 inches from the stem to shield the most important roots. Wrap your pothos vines in the moss pole, tying them to the pole with tie-ups for the plants as you move.
Moss Pole For Monstera
If there’s ever any reason to make use of the moss pole, it’s to support the Monstera plant. The beautiful monsters struggle to keep their leaves. Utilizing a moss rod not only helps strengthen the plant and leaves, but it also helps to form nicely into the Monstera creating it appear like the plant has a larger stem. The contrast of the green and brown is gorgeous and enhances the tropical appearance.
Here are a few of our top Monstera alternatives:
- Monstera deliciosa
- Monstera variegata
- Monstera adansonii
- Monstera borsigiana
Repotting Monstera with Moss Pole
Repotting your Monstera with a moss rod gives it the strength to climb when it expands. If you’re dealing with a plant that is expanding beyond control or wish to stimulate your Monstera to form leaf splits and fenestrations offering support can assist!
Do Monsteras require a Moss pole?
Although Monsteras can be grown without a moss pole using a pole replicates their natural habitat in the wild. They can be described as epiphytes meaning they grow on trees to provide support. Their aerial roots develop into support and aid in helping them to stick. A moss pole could assist you in creating a more natural and natural-looking environment for your Monstera at home. Go to Amazon for the latest price by clicking the image or the link.
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Moss poles provide these advantages:
- Helping to support the plant
- Training growth direction
- Instigating growth and branching aerial roots
- It is a great source of nutrients and water
- Encouragement older, larger leaves
Any Monstera variety that has climber’s habits such as Monstera Deliciosa or Monstera Adansonii could benefit from a moss rod. Additionally, numerous philodendrons and species can benefit from moss poles in the same manner.
Monstera expanding sideways
If you find that your Monstera is already excessively large or chaotic, it’s too late to help train it using a moss pole. For plants that are large and growing across any direction, a moss stake can serve as an anchor to hold leaves flowing out from the pot. In contrast, if your Monstera grows in a lateral direction and is not growing vertically, a moss rod can help the stem change direction and develop in a vertical direction.
Moss pole alternatives
While moss poles tend to be the most popular, various climbing poles are compatible together with Monstera.
- Traditional Moss pole The pole has an extremely stiff core from plastic or wood and is surrounded by sphagnum-moss Strands. The moss is contained with a twine, plastic as well as a mesh wrapper.
- Coco pole The pole is like a sphagnum moss pole, but it is made of coco fibre or coco coir instead of moss.
- Trellis Available in a range of types of material, a Trellis gives more space for plants to develop. They are most often used for vining plants with small leaves. They don’t contain an absorbing medium for moisture like coco poles or the moss poles.
- The stake is made from metal, plastic or rot-resistant wood such as driftwood or bamboo, stakes are the most basic way to support.
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Repotting Monstera using the help of a Moss pole
The best method of adding the moss pole into your Monstera is to do it during your refill of the pot. This allows you to place the pole into the pot without damaging roots when you insert it.
Selecting your moss pole
The first step in repotting with a moss rod is to choose your pole and the pot.
Moss poles are available in a variety of lengths, so pick the one with enough height to support the size of your plant. The best length is the height of the pot and the tallness of the stem that is above the pot, and some space left to develop. Certain moss poles can be extended which means you can place an additional piece if your plant grows out of the previous pole.
Choose your favourite kind that you want to use from the guide for pots. Your pot must be large enough to accommodate the pole and the Monstera’s root systems and have a little space left. Choose a pot that has 1/2 – 1 inch (1 2.5 – 2.5 centimetres) of space around the roots that extend to the edges that the container is on either side.
When your Monstera was recently repotted, and still has plenty of room in the pot, you could take it out, put it in a moss pole, then put it back in the same pot.
When deciding the spot in the pot where you will place the pole, you should keep some points in your mind. The first is to try placing it near the top of your Monstera so that it is simple to tie. Next, you should position it toward the rear of the pot, so that it’s concealed in the leaves.
How do you repot Monstera? Monstera using the help of a Moss pole
After you’ve determined the place and orientation of your plants and the poles, now it’s time to change the pot! Keep the pole at the exact location within the pot, all up to the top. Add your soil mix between one and two inches (2.5 5 – 5 cm) in-depth, and pour it over the pole. Place your plant in the pot and ensure it is placed in the middle. Fill with the remainder of the empty area with soil mix, covering the pot to its top.
Your pole may be shifting a little however, you should don’t compact the soil to secure it. If you water the newly repotted Monstera It will assist in helping the soil to settle and keep the pole. The pole will be more secure with time, as the roots expand around it.
How do you add a moss pole on Monstera without having to report
Support that is not repotted is typically less secure than putting up a moss pole using your Monstera However, it may still be effective.
To add a support stake to the already potted Monstera pick a design that will not cause damage to the root. It could be a narrow moss pole or trellis having a pointed stake on the base or a bamboo stick.
Introduce the support gently to an area where you’d expect the most root growth to occur. If you experience resistance, it could be that you are contacting roots, therefore don’t go any further. If the support isn’t enough deep, select another spot and try again. If you find that your Monstera isn’t rootbound enough to place support in any spot it is best to reposition it!
Training Monstera to expand with the help of a moss pole
After your moss pole is placed, it’s time to tie the plant. Carefully gather the stems and leaves, then place them where you want the plant to go. Place the stems in a way the aerial roots have contact with coco fibre or moss.
In time, as the aerial roots expand into the pole eventually, the plant will join itself. In this case, then you do not need to maintain the ties.
Attaching your Monstera to a moss pole
It is possible to use any fastener to attach the Monstera on the pole such as twine, string, zip ties, twisty tie or Velcro. I prefer to use velcro garden ties. They blend green in with the plants, and they’re also large and soft to prevent harming the stem. Cut them to any length, place them on with one hand, and then remove or reuse them at any point. You can check Amazon for the latest price by clicking the image or the link.
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The tie should be wrapped around the stem and the pole of the Monstera. Make sure to place the tie in a way that it runs over the internode (the portion of the stem that is between nodes). This will ensure that the tie is clear of interfering with growing points or aerial roots.
Do you need to ensure that your moss pole stays hydrated?
The moss pole’s moisture helps aerial roots attach to it. In time, they’ll develop into the pole, changing into normal roots that absorb moisture and nutrients. This extra supply could aid your Monstera to grow faster and produce larger leaves.
If you’re using a coco or moss base, make sure to soak it before inserting it to make sure it is wet for the first time. Then you can sprinkle the poles with water each couple of weeks to ensure it remains wet. The moss that absorbs water or coco fibre should hold in the water. You can check Amazon for current prices by clicking the image or the link.
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A few people tend to water their moss poles with water over them, however, this method has not proved productive for me. Most of the water simply flows onto the ground.
You can also design or purchase a self-watering moss pole. Some come with hollow cores which you can fill with water and allow to soak in the moss. Some have a wick made of cloth which you can place inside the pot to move soil moisture to the pole.
A word of caution regarding moss poles and their propagation
It isn’t easy to take the Monstera from the moss pole once the roots are attached. If you attempt to remove them it is possible to end up damaging both the pole and the roots.
If you would like to harvest cut pieces from the plant within the next few years, then I suggest air-layering the aerial roots within the sections, rather than hanging them on the pole. You can also slice the pole of moss after you are ready to let the roots remain within the pole.
If you’re using coca or moss supports, let it soak before inserting it to ensure it is damp. It is also possible to build or purchase moss support with a wick made of cloth that can bring soil moisture to the pole.
How to Make A Moss Pole?
While traditional moss poles are reasonably priced online, however, high-end ones are very difficult to find and are often costly. If you want to create your moss pillar, there are many choices with different price specifications. Let’s begin with the most cost-effective alternatives and then discuss the options for materials.
PVC Piping (or an alternative base) Coated In Chicken Wire
Although it might not be the most appealing option the use of a pipe made from PCV for your base is a reasonable base for moss that will provide the space you require for your vining home plant.
Cut the PVC Pipe You Have Or Another Base Material
The first thing you’ll need to do will be to trim the PVC pipe into a length that’s appropriate for the plant you’re using it in. Go through our article above for certain considerations.
It is important to remember the fact that PVC pipe is only one base that you can utilize for a moss stake. Alternatives include wooden slabs, logs or a stake made from wood. The only requirement is that it be durable and will give your plants additional support.
The advantage of using a wood slab or branch is that the edges can be cut down to the size of spears. This makes them more convenient than PCV pipes to drive through the earth.
Get ready Moss
Soak your sheet moss or sphagnum moss in water for one time of about a minute. How much moss you require is largely dependent on the dimensions of your pole. You can always soak in more it later, so begin with a tiny amount.
Cover The Base Moss
Cover your PVC pipe or wood slab with moistened moss. You should aim for 1 1/2 ” up to a” layer of sphagnum moss. Any more moss that is not managed will become impossible to control and may cause plants to struggle to stick well on the bottom.
Make The Moss Covered Chicken Wire
I suggest wearing gloves when handling this area. Chicken wire is capable of slashing you at the time you don’t even. Because the wire of the chicken is in the form of a roll, it will be wrapped around the pole of moss. You should make use of sufficient chicken wire so that you can wrap around the base as well as the moss completely.
You’ll have to cut the wire of your chicken using wire cutters for the best results.
The goal of this process is to keep the moss on its own
Secure the Chicken Wire
You can make use of a variety of products to tie the chicken wire. These include twists of wire Velcro strips, general wires, plant tie fishing line, twist ties and more.
The most important thing to remember is to conceal the ties as much as you can. You don’t want them to detract from the final product which is your moss pole.
There you go! Now you have your moss pole DIY!
Metal Hardware Cloth Moss Pole
If you’re trying to construct an upscale DIY moss pole that’s more appealing as well as lasts for longer utilize a more robust hardware cloth. This will provide your plants with the protection they require and prevent the fabric from rusting under humid conditions.
In this case, the cloth used for hardware functions in both the role of the foundation material and as a fabric that holds the moss.
Regarding thickness, you’ll need an item that’s at minimum 1 ” thick.
These are steps for making use of this fabric for hardware.
Cut your Hardware Mesh
You’ll likely need hardware mesh that’s at a minimum of two feet in height for smaller plants, and 5-foot or higher for taller plants (or plants that are aspiring to be bigger! ).
In terms of size, eight inches or more will provide the strength you require.
Cut the hardware mesh with wire cutters or cutting tools.
Soak Your Moss
Soak your sheet or sphagnum moss for about a minute in the water. What amount that you’ll need is determined by the size of the pole you’re working with. Begin with a small amount of moss, and then add more when needed.
Install Moss inside Your Hardware Mesh
The mesh you are filling with sphagnum moss. The moss needs to fit tightly within the mesh, therefore you’ll need to increase it some. The firmness can help secure the moss pole as the sphagnum moss is likely to degrade in time and loosen.
The moss shouldn’t be packed in such a way that it makes it feel like a solid piece, however. You want a comfortable sensation that is slightly pressing the edges of the mesh.
Secure the Hardware Mesh
With almost any sturdy metal tie, you can then secure the two edges of the mesh to create an ideal cylindrical.
For securing the mesh to keep it in place, utilize wire twist ties, or any other metal wire. Make sure your hands are protected with gloves in this area Make sure that you have the wires ends wire face towards the mesh pole (so you don’t hurt the fingers later).
Install Your Moss Pole
Now, you’re ready to set your moss rod inside the pot alongside your plant of choice. This sphagnum moss handmade stackable pole is likely to be easier to make than the cheaper model above, however, its materials are a lot more expensive.
While a less expensive chicken wire or PVC pipe pole can cost about $20, the mesh itself could cost upwards of $60. Indeed, you’ll typically find a roll that is 25 or more feet for this amount, which means you could create several Moss totems for your home or even your family members!
Trellis Versus. Moss Pole
You may be wondering whether you can utilize a trellis as a base for the plants you want to climb. You absolutely can. But, the majority of Monsteras or Philodendrons Pothos are drawn to mossy poles since their aerial roots can stick to them the same way as they would to a mossy tree in wild.
Moss poles keep the sprawling plant focused on growing upwards.
A Trellis can look attractive on its own and can encourage the plant to develop a new form If you want to.
Care Tips for Moss Stick-loving Plants
Moss totems are gorgeous ornaments for your plants, which can aid in the growth of your plants and encourage leaf development and all while creating a stunning vertical design. But, you have to take care of the plants. Here are some easy guidelines for caring for your plants. three popular houseplants.
How Do I Maintain Pothos In A Moss Pole
Pothos is a tough indoor plant that is native to French Polynesia and Southeast Asia and is part of the Arum family (Araceae family). The beautiful plant is akin to the common philodendron. It is often confused with.
We have a couple of Blog posts on the care of pothos that you must take a look at, including:
A few basic Pothos Care Tips
- Care Level Care Level: Easy
- Lighting Requirements The sun should be bright and indirect Avoid direct light which could cause discoloration of the foliage.
- The rate of growth: This rate is based on a particular type of HTML0 – however, the growing season runs between the months of spring and fall
- The requirements for water The top inch of the soil should be free of moisture between each watering. Too much watering can cause root rot.
- The Humidity 50-70 percent
- plant pot The pot must be approximately 2″ larger than the roots ball. It should have drainage holes at least.
- Fertilizer A houseplant that is a liquid fertilizer once every 3 months, however, it is more often in this growing time.
How Do I Take Care Of Philodendron on a Moss Pole
Philodendron is one of the genera with over 450 species of stout stemmed climbing plants that are native to tropical America. Similar to Pothos it is part of the Araceae family.
Young philodendrons make attractive potted plants suitable for gardens and offices as they are familiar with the low sunlight levels in rainforests.
Some basic tips for caring for the Philodendron
- Care Level Level: Moderate to Easy
- Lighting Requirements Like philodendrons can tolerate low light, however, they prefer bright to medium indirect lighting conditions. Direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves.
- Growing Rate Medium to rapid (1-2 feet per annum)
- The requirement for water 50% of the soil must be dry between irrigations. Proper drainage of the soil will aid in protecting the plants from root rot.
- Humidity Prefers 60-80% but can live with less in some situations.
- plant pot It should measure approximately 2″ larger in comparison to the size of the root ball. If the pot isn’t large, the growth of the monstera might slow.
- Fertilizer Feed your Monstera once per month during the months of spring and summer using organic fertilizer for your houseplants. It’s not necessary to feed them during winter.
How Do You Care For Monstera on a Moss Pole
Monstera is a genus that includes evergreen tropical vines that are natively found throughout Central America. They’re renowned for the natural leaf fenestrations that they produce, that’s why they are often referred to them as Swiss-cheese plants.
These holes in the leaves are believed to improve sun absorption on forest floors (where sunlight is scarce) by extending the leaf’s reach while reducing the number of leaf cells.
A Few Essential Monstera Care Tips
- Care Level Care Level: Easy
- Specifications for Light Accept low light conditions but prefer medium-to high-intensity indirect lights. A light source that is artificial works great for philodendrons.
- The ratio of Growth: Moderate to rapid
- The requirements for water The top inch of the soil should not be wet between waterings. Too much watering leads to root rot.
- The Humidity is 70-90 percent
- The Plant Pot The pot must be about 2″ bigger over the roots ball. It must have at at-least one drain hole. The yellow leaves may suggest that the pot is too small.
- Fertilizer Between spring and fall you can fertilize your plants every month by using a liquid fertilizer for your houseplants
Conclusion On Best Moss Pole For Plants
Moss totems are an ideal solution for indoor vines and are an excellent DIY project. They can help them to develop stronger, replicate their natural habitat, produce larger leaves, and give an appealing design that people who grow them appreciate.
Have you recently cultivated houseplants with a moss stick? We’d love to see pictures. Send any pictures you have two support@goldengooseusastore.com, and we might highlight them in this article!
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