Monstera Moss Pole: Why and How to Use One

A moss pole is a support structure for climbing houseplants, giving them a surface to attach to and grow upwards. For vining plants like Monsteras, a pole replicates their natural tendency to climb trees. This encourages vertical growth for a fuller, healthier appearance and prevents the plant from sprawling outwards.

Why Monsteras Benefit from Moss Poles

In their natural habitat, many Monstera species are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants. They use their aerial roots to cling to tree bark and climb toward the forest canopy. A moss pole mimics this natural support, giving the plant’s aerial roots a surface to grow into.

This encouragement to climb can trigger developmental changes, leading to larger, more mature leaves with the characteristic splits, or fenestrations. Vertical support also helps the plant grow in an organized way, preventing heavy stems from drooping or breaking. The moss itself can be a source of moisture and micronutrients for the aerial roots, creating a humid microenvironment around the stem.

Selecting or Creating the Right Moss Pole

Common moss pole options include those made from sphagnum moss and others from coco coir. Sphagnum moss poles are excellent at retaining moisture, while coco coir poles are quite durable. The best choice depends on your plant’s needs, as a Monstera deliciosa thrives with a pole that remains consistently moist.

The size of the pole is also a factor. It should be tall enough for future growth and sturdy enough to support the plant’s weight. Select a pole that stands taller than the highest leaf once inserted into the pot. Many commercial poles are extendable, allowing you to add height as your Monstera grows.

You can also construct one yourself by wrapping moist sphagnum moss around a support like a bamboo stake or PVC pipe. Secure the moss with twine or plastic netting to customize the pole’s height and thickness.

Attaching Your Monstera to the Moss Pole

The best time to introduce a moss pole is during repotting to minimize root disturbance, but you can add one to an established plant if needed. You will need the pole and soft plant ties like velcro strips or garden twine. Avoid using thin wire or string that could cut into the plant’s stems.

Carefully insert the pole’s base into the potting mix near the back of the pot, close to the main stem, trying not to damage the root ball. Once the pole is secure, gently position the Monstera’s main stem against it. Identify the back of the plant where aerial roots emerge and place this side facing the pole.

Use your ties to loosely secure the stem to the pole in a few locations. The ties should be snug enough for support but not so tight that they restrict growth. Attach the thicker, main stem rather than the delicate petioles, which are the stalks connecting the leaves to the stem.

Maintaining Your Moss Pole and Monstera

Keep the moss pole consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage aerial roots to attach. You can do this by misting the pole with a spray bottle or by slowly pouring water down from the top.

As your Monstera grows, periodically add new ties to secure new growth further up the pole. If you are using an extendable pole, you can add a new section to the top once the plant reaches the end of the current one.

Continue with your standard Monstera care routine, including proper light, soil watering, and occasional fertilization. Observing the aerial roots anchoring themselves into the pole is a good sign that your plant is adapting to its new support.