Create a moss totem pole of your own for your climbing plants! You’ll wonder why you haven’t done it already because it’s so simple.
Materials
- 1/2″ 19 gauge hardware mesh with PVC coating (either 2 ft x 5 ft, 3 ft x 5 ft, or any other size that you can find.)
- Plastic-coated Wire Twist with Cutter, 100 feet, Vigoro
- Phragmites Moss
- Vigoro Plastic Coated Stakes are optional (4 ft or 6 ft)
STEP 1: SOAK YOUR SPHAGNUM MOSS IN WATER
- Go cautiously so that you don’t wind up with a ton of wet sphagnum moss leftover since the quantity of sphagnum moss you need obviously relies on how big your moss pole is! Only a few minutes of soaking are required, but you can leave it in the water until you are ready to use it.
- While working, if you run out of soaked moss, you can quickly and conveniently soak more.
- I merely added warm water to a plastic tray. Set this aside while you work on the following stages and swish the moss around to make sure it is all soaked. To soak the moss, you can either use a bucket or a sink.
STEP 2: BEND THE HARDWARE MESH INTO A CYLINDER
- I applied 1/2 “19 gauge PVC-coated hardware mesh, 2 feet by 5 feet. A 2 foot tall moss post will result from this. The roll is 5 feet long, so you’ll have plenty to create 6 or 7 posts with it.
- It’s okay if you locate hardware mesh in different sizes. Simply make sure that the wire mesh is PVC coated so that it is more resilient and won’t corrode. I located one that is half “x 4 ft x 25 ft, giving you moss poles that are 4 feet tall. If you think you’ll be making a lot, you can get this one since the roll is 25 feet long.
- As seen in the image below, gently bend the hardware mesh into a cylinder. The diameter can be as large or small as you like, although it gets more difficult to construct ones with really small diameters. The one I produced for this how-to has a circle of around 8 1/2 inches, and it was quite easy for me to shape with my hands.
STEP 5: FILL THE CYLINDER WITH PRE-MOISTENED SPHAGNUM MOSS
- Sphagnum moss should be squeezed to remove any extra water before you begin to fill your cylinder with it.
- You should add enough so that the moss is tightly packed when you seal the cylinder. Make sure the moss completely fills the cylinder and gently packs it down because over time it will start to disintegrate and become looser.
STEP 6: STITCH UP THE CYLINDER WITH PLASTIC COATED WIRE TWIST
- It’s now time to “stitch” your cylinder together and complete your creation. Start at one end of the cylinder after grabbing your roll of wire twist that has been plastic coated.
- After you’ve tied a few knots together to seal the cylinder, wait to cut the wire twist. My hand is seen clutching the wire roll’s long end in the image below. Tightening will be aided by this.
- You can cut the wire once you’ve finished adding a few knots and sealing the cylinder, but you should leave at least 3 inches of wire hanging from each end of the knot.
- Up until your cylinder is finished, add these stitches every 6 inches or so.
In case you need to reinforce your moss pole for a heavier plant in the future, you are keeping longer twists linked to the pole. This will be covered briefly later.
STEP 7: REPOT YOUR PLANT OF CHOICE AND ADD THE MOSS POLE
- The moss pole should then be positioned at the base of an empty pot. Next, insert the plant and secure it to the moss pole. Fill up with your potting mix lastly!
- To attach the stems of your plant to the moss pole, next, cut more plastic coated wire twists. The aerial root that was growing on my Monstera (circled in the photo below) was fastened just below so that it could swell into the moss.
- To fasten a square of the mesh grid, you tuck a portion of the wire twist under the square and twist it around the stem.
REINFORCING THE MOSS POLE FOR HEAVY PLANTS
- Although it is not required, you can strengthen your moss pole if you have a heavier plant. Use a spike with a plastic coating to reinforce the moss pole, and then knot the stake as shown in the photo below using the ties you left on the moss pole when you first stitched it together.
- You can choose a 6 foot stake or a 4 foot stake with plastic coating. Even though there may be other sizes available, pick one that is the same length as the moss pole you want to strengthen.
- The plastic coated stake can either be added at the beginning or later, in which case you just need to twist the plastic coated twists that are already on the moss pole.
- If you are extending your moss pole, it is also beneficial to reinforce it with a stake. Your plant will eventually grow to the top of your moss pole. When this occurs, you have two options: either kill the plant if it grows higher than the pole, or extend your moss pole. Here are the steps; after I repeat them, I’ll soon post pictures. The process is essentially the same as when you constructed your first moss pole, with the exception that this time you’ll be working vertically on top of the first moss pole.
EXTENDING YOUR MOSS POLE
- The existing moss pole that you want to extend? Measure its circumference.
- On your roll of hardware mesh, take an exact measurement and cut it out.
- Similar like before, form it into a loose cylinder.
- The top of the current moss pole should be encircled by the cylinder. You should overlap by around three squares. To completely fasten the new cylinder, twist your plastic-coated wire.
- Start filling the new cylinder with wet sphagnum moss. At the bottom, where the new cylinder joins the old moss pole, make sure it is firmly packed down.
- Use your plastic coated wire twist to stitch the cylinder together approximately every 6 inches as you fill it until you reach the top.
- When you’re finished, return to the intersection of the newly joined pole and the old moss pole. If extra reinforcement is required, add more twists of plastic-coated wire.
- If more support is required, add one of the plastic-coated stakes and firmly fasten it to the moss pole with the plastic-coated twists.
Bamboo canes
A wonderful moss pole substitute if you don’t want to spend a lot of money is bamboo canes (or stakes). They may be easily trimmed to the right size and are generally accessible. In fact, if you know where to search, you might be able to get some at a gardening supply store for no cost. They do not, however, offer the same nutritional advantages as a moss pole.
Coir poles
In essence, a coir pole is a moss pole composed of coco coir fiber. Its resistance to decay and mold makes it a good substitute for moss poles. But because coir can release salts into the soil, you’ll need to alter your fertilization schedule. You may either purchase coco coir poles or create your own by utilizing the same process as with moss poles.
- suitable for outdoor use
- well-maintains water
- enduring longer than moss
PVC pipe
If you’re looking for something entirely weather-resistant, PVC piping is a good alternative to moss poles. It can also cause the soil to absorb chemicals and has a poor appearance. Instead of being used as a plant stake, it creates a good trellis or frame. Don’t stress out too much about the chemical leaching issue because PVC pipe is frequently used as the core in DIY moss pole instructions. Repotting on a regular basis can avoid the issue.
- straightforward to cut to the necessary length
- outstanding for support frames
Metal pipeor Stake
If you want something weatherproof, another moss pole alternative is metal pipe. Similar in function as PVC pipe, but with a superior aesthetic and no chemical leaching into the soil. The biggest drawbacks, though, are that it’s heavy, tough to cut, and unattractive to plants. For this reason, metal pipes should only be used as a last resort or if they truly complement your architectural preferences.
- more attractive than PVC pipe
- Weather-resistant
- not a chemical leak
- a challenge to work with
- Plants can’t easily scale metal.
Wood stakes
Along with bamboo canes, wood stakes are one of the more common choices. Any type of wood product, including unused or recycled lumber, new wood, tree branches, etc., may be used. Make sure the wood wasn’t painted or chemically treated if it is reclaimed.
- a logical choice
- If you know where to look, they may be free.
- Branching from trees has a nicer mood and might be nourishing.
- Avoid using wood that has been chemically treated.
How are plants attached to a moss pole?
You must first securely fasten your plants to the moss pole in order to teach them to climb it and grow additional foliage and leaves. Because they need to connect to the stake first to encourage upward development and foliage, this phase is crucial for training your plants. Plants are stimulated to directly connect with the pole surface, and tightly binding them will make this possible. You can affix your plants to the moss pole in a variety of ways.
- They can be pinned with metal staples, usually in the form of a U that allows you to press into the pole and catch the stem in the center.
- By making a loop around the outside of the stem and pole together and then tightening it to bond them together, you can wrap them with twine or wire.
- For larger plants and stems, Velcro straps or cable ties provide a more secure attachment than twine.
- Utilize the plant itself by gently wrapping the vine around the pole, ensuring that the aerial roots have something to grip, since some plants only require a tiny amount of assistance to adhere to the moss pole.
Making your own moss pole at a lower cost?
Make a tight knot with the string and tie it tightly around the top of the PVC pipe or dowel.
Put on your gloves when your moss is thoroughly saturated, take a piece, and wring it out until it is damp but not wet. Wring it out once more if the moss is leaking everywhere.
The moss should then be slightly separated so that it resembles a flat sheet rather than a large clump. Just below where you secured the string, wrap the length of flattened moss around a portion of your pole. Don’t apply it too thickly; you want a coating of moss that is between 1/2 and 1 thick.
The moss should now be securely fastened to the pole by taking the tail of the string you attached to the pole and wrapping it tightly around it. It could be simpler to accomplish this with a single long piece of string rather than several shorter ones.
Up until the pole is mostly covered, add more moss and wrap string over it, but leave the bottom foot of the pole exposed. It will be much simpler to stake it in your pot as a result!
Step 3: Stake the moss pole.
If you haven’t yet potted your plant, gently dig a small hole at the edge of the monstera pot so as not to disturb the roots (if you have to do this).
To make the pole stand upright, carefully place the unwrapped portion of the pole into the hole and poke it down as far as you can. To hold the pole in place, you might need to compact the ground or add a little potting soil.
Start by placing the pole upright in the bare pot if you haven’t already potted your monstera. You might require assistance with this. The potting soil and your monstera plant can then be added.
Your monstera will like having something to climb on moss poles because they are inexpensive and easy to create. This will encourage your monstera to develop vertically rather than horizontally, using up less space while yet making a bold impression in your house.
How can PVC pipe be used to create a moss pole?
Start by cutting the pvc pipe to the necessary length to make your DIY moss pole. I chose the 1-inch PVC pipe and chopped it into roughly 16 and 18 sections because my plants were little. I advise using 2 pvc pipe or bigger if you have larger plants in order to improve stability and store more water.
Also take into account the fact that you’ll be stabilizing your sphagnum moss pole in the potting soil, which means you’ll need an additional three to six inches on top of the height you want.
step 3: drop cord into center of pipe
Drop one end of the macrame rope or cord into the bottom of the pvc pipe and push it down until it reaches the bottom.
As water is transferred from the reservoir in the pvc pipe outward toward the sphagnum moss, this cord keeps the moss pole moist.
step 4: pad pipe with moss, securing with cord
The hardest phase is now upon us, which is why so many individuals choose sheet moss. Although I haven’t personally utilized sheet moss, I can understand why it would be well-liked. Even if my sphagnum moss has a slightly untamed appearance, that’s okay.
Holding the cord firmly in place, start wrapping it until you reach the bottom of the pvc pipe. (Note: I didn’t use a wrapping motion; instead, I lowered my cable directly into the pipe. I’m finding that this hasn’t increased the wicking system’s effectiveness as much as candy-cane-wrapping it around the pipe did.)
Fill the pvc pipe with sphagnum moss that has been soaked in filtered water to start cushioning it (squeeze excess water out before placing). To maintain everything in its proper position, some individuals like to use fishing line as they go. I wrapped the moist moss once, then continued to do so repeatedly, working my way up until I reached the top.
When you get to the top, either use a fishing line to hold everything in place or tie a knot with the rope to keep everything there.
step 5: dig 3 hole into soil & place moss pole securely into hole
You should anchor the pole by inserting it a few inches into the potting soil, depending on the size of your climbing plant. Place the capped end into the hole after making it about an inch wider than the moss pole itself.
Add extra sphagnum moss to the moss pole’s base to cushion it. This will aid in the wicking system’s ability to draw water from the soil and direct it toward the roots of the plants.
Add more dirt for indoor plants and press down firmly. Some people choose to support the pole with a wooden dowel.
step 6: wrap your vines around your new moss pole
If the moss pole is heavy, encircle it with plant vines and tie it off with plant ties. My miniature monstera adansonii, which is still pretty young, was curled up on the moss pole. It has already sprung a few new, bigger leaves but hasn’t yet produced any aerial roots.