How to Make, Use, and Care for a Moss Pole

A moss pole is a support structure for indoor climbing plants, made from a stake wrapped in a moisture-retentive material like sphagnum moss. It provides a surface for vining plants to climb, mimicking their natural environment. Many tropical houseplants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants to reach the light in a dense forest canopy. A moss pole offers this vertical support inside the home, encouraging more natural and vigorous growth.

Benefits of Using a Moss Pole

A moss pole provides a sturdy, textured surface for a plant to anchor itself, preventing the stems from drooping or sprawling horizontally. This vertical support is not just for aesthetics; it allows the plant to dedicate more energy to upward growth, which can lead to healthier development overall.

A primary benefit is the development of larger, more mature foliage. When a climbing plant attaches its aerial roots to a surface, it can trigger the growth of bigger leaves, sometimes with more fenestrations, like those on a Monstera deliciosa. Aerial roots are small nubs on the stem that grip surfaces and absorb moisture and nutrients.

The moss itself provides the perfect texture for aerial roots to grip. It also retains moisture, creating a humid microclimate around the plant that is beneficial for tropical species. Keeping the moss damp provides an additional water source for the aerial roots, supplementing the main root system in the pot.

Best Plants for a Moss Pole

Many common houseplants, particularly those in the aroid family, are excellent candidates for a moss pole. These plants have a natural vining tendency and will readily attach to a support structure. Giving them a pole to climb can result in larger, more impressive foliage. Popular choices include:

• Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): A classic choice whose natural inclination is to climb. Providing a moss pole encourages the development of its iconic split leaves. Other varieties like Monstera adansonii also benefit greatly.
• Philodendrons: Vining types such as the Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) and Philodendron micans will happily climb. The support helps them develop larger, more lush foliage than if they were left to trail.
• Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) and Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos): While often grown as hanging plants, giving them a moss pole to climb can result in surprisingly large leaves.
• Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera): This is another fast-growing climber that takes well to a moss pole, allowing it to grow tall and full.

How to Make a Moss Pole

You can create a moss pole customized to your plant’s size. The basic materials include a support stake, such as a bamboo cane or PVC pipe, sphagnum moss, and something to secure it like twine or plastic netting. For larger plants, a sturdier stake like a 1×2 piece of wood is recommended to handle the weight.

The first step is to prepare the moss. Submerge the sphagnum moss in a bucket of water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes until it is fully hydrated. Once soaked, squeeze out the excess water. The moss should be damp but not dripping wet to encourage the plant’s aerial roots to grow towards it.

Next, attach the moss to the support. Lay the stake down and begin packing the damp moss around it, aiming for a layer about one-half to one inch thick. Leave the bottom third of the stake bare, as this portion will be inserted into the soil. Secure the moss by tying twine tightly at the top and wrapping it downwards in a spiral or crisscross pattern.

An alternative method involves using plastic netting. Cut a piece of netting to your desired pole height and about six inches wide, then form it into a cylinder with zip ties. If you are using a stake for extra stability, place it inside the cylinder now. Then, stuff the cylinder tightly with the soaked sphagnum moss before fully tightening the zip ties.

Using and Maintaining Your Moss Pole

The easiest time to add a moss pole is during repotting. Place the bare end of the pole into the new pot, positioning it near the center or just behind where the plant will sit. Add some potting soil to the bottom of the pot to help hold the pole upright before placing the plant in and filling the rest of the pot with soil.

Once the pole and plant are in place, gently guide the main stem towards the pole. Use soft plant ties, twine, or velcro strips to loosely secure the stem to the support. Be careful not to tie it too tightly, as this can damage the stem. Position any aerial roots so they are making direct contact with the damp moss to encourage attachment.

Maintaining the pole primarily involves keeping the moss moist. Regularly misting the pole with a spray bottle every few days is a common method. For a more thorough watering, you can slowly pour water down from the top of the pole, allowing it to soak into the moss. This consistent moisture encourages aerial roots to grow into the pole.

As your plant grows and attaches itself, you may need to add more ties to guide new growth upwards. If a plant outgrows its pole, you can often add an extension to the top rather than replacing the entire structure. This avoids disturbing the roots that have already grown into the lower portion of the moss.