Although Monsteras can flourish without a moss pole, including one more closely resembles their natural habitat. As epiphytes, monsteras rely on the support of tree trunks to flourish. They cling by inserting their aerial roots into the structure’s framework. You may create a more natural growing environment for your Monstera indoors with the aid of a moss pole. By clicking the image or link, you can check the price on Amazon.
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.
Should I support my Monstera?
Over time, a mature Monstera increasingly generates heavier, bigger leaves. Without assistance, these leaves will start to bend the stems under their weight. The stems typically lay on the floor or another accessible surface as gravity progressively weighs them down.
The pot could break the stem or topple over if the weight of the leaves grows too great. It is therefore advisable to stake an older Monstera and provide it with the support it requires.
Does Monstera require climbing?
What should you do if your Monstera becomes so tall that it begins to topple over? It need a ladder to ascend!
In its native rainforest habitat, monsteras are climbing plants and can be found climbing trees. By use a moss pole or other vertical support, we reproduce this for potted Monsteras. This prevents the large plant from taking over your living room and enables your Monstera to grow upwards toward the light without toppling over and breaking its stem.
Which pole works the best for monstera?
A moss pole is one of the most widely used methods for staking Monsteras, but it’s not the only option. Utilizing a moss pole or a coco coir pole has certain advantages because of their natural texture, which makes them simple for aerial roots to grasp. However, getting a Monstera to grow upright has also been accomplished with success using different kinds of plant support.
The decision largely depends on the type of appearance you value. The stakes will probably be somewhat visible even in a big and lush plant. Since they are covered in organic material, moss poles and coco coir poles appear more natural. Trellises can be obtained in a variety of colors and materials to best complement your interior decor because they are typically composed of wood or metal. If you don’t mind the way it looks, some individuals may also suspend Monstera stems from above using a rope. This is fantastic for vertical growth.
Make sure your trellis, moss pole, or other supports are strong enough to support the growth of your Monstera both now and in the future. A simple moss pole is probably not going to be a long-term option if, for instance, you want your Monstera to grow to the ceiling. Similarly, bamboo stakes are widely accessible and reasonably priced, although the thinner ones won’t support a really heavy Monstera.
Is a moss pole or trellis better for monstera?
Those of you who have a Monstera deliciosa at home may have picked up on a few things since bringing it in. One, aren’t those leaves gorgeous? Two, it’s actually expanding quite swiftly. Third, M. deliciosa doesn’t comprehend the need of having sound personal limits. Give this adorable giant of a houseplant a moss totem to grasp onto if you find yourself outgrowing your home. Here, we’ll walk you through the installation process and show you how to control some of your monster’s adorable excitement.
M. deliciosa uses its powerful aerial roots to cling to and take moisture from the rough bark of large rainforest trees in its natural habitat. It is a natural wanderer. A moss totem is an upright pole that is completely covered in sphagnum moss and is staked into the plant’s pot. Its natural surface provides something for a monstera’s roots to grip onto and take moisture from, acting as a stand-in for a tree. A moss totem allows M. deliciosa to act more like it would in the wild while yet supporting those heavy stems and leaves better than a traditional plant stake or wire trellis.
With just a few basic tools, you can train a monstera to a moss pole:
- Your terra cotta monstera
- a ready-made moss totem
- Soft plant ties, yarn, or cotton string are good options for gentle ties.
- A new container that is 1-2 wider than the old one, together with high-quality potting soil for houseplants, if repotting is required.
We like Mosser Lee’s Totem PoleTM Extendable Plant Supports for moss totems. These realistic-looking, tube-shaped supports come in three lengths plus an additional 12 extensions for when your monstera inevitably becomes even bigger. They are packed with moisture-absorbing, long-fiber sphagnum moss.
Getting Started
Start by putting the moss totem in a shallow water container and letting it soak until it is completely soaked.
Before adding the totem, it’s a good idea to check your plant to see whether it has to be repotted while the moss is soaking. You can install the moss totem without repotting your M. deliciosa if the pot is large enough and the roots aren’t too crowded. However, if your plant needs a new pot anyhow, now is a fantastic time to start working on its new totem.
If your monstera has to be repotted, start by removing it from its current container and looking at the roots. If the roots are tightly packed, you may need to loosen them up a bit. As you normally would, repotter the plant into a new pot with fresh soil; however, instead of placing it exactly in the center, move it slightly toward the front of the pot. With the majority of the foliage facing outward, the moss totem can fit behind the plant in this manner.
Installing the Totem
When the plant and container are prepared, deeply embed the strong metal supports at the bottom of the moistened moss pole. Keep the pole upright and tuck it behind the plant just a bit. The totem can then be stabilized by lightly pressing the earth at the base.
Attaching the Plant to the Pole
It’s time to acquaint your plant with its new totem now. Some of your monstera’s stems may be longer and more strong than others, as you may have noticed. Several huge leaves are supported by these thicker stalks, and they may also be beginning to sprout some knobby aerial roots. The stems could potentially start to spread out from the pot like a vine as they develop horizontally. The more slender leaf stalks and their leaves will be allowed to fill in around the bottom once you attach these stems to the totem.
Bring the stem up against the moistened moss and fasten it gently yet securely with a piece of soft plant tie, twine, or cotton string to help it adhere to the totem. If the stem is long, bind it to the totem by tying it to it several times. Repeat this process with any other substantial stems, then take a step back to ensure the plant’s general form is to your liking. Your M. deliciosa will eventually use its aerial roots to cling to the moss and proceed to climb higher on its new support.
Care Tips
With one extra step, caring for a monster on a totem is just like caring for one without. Misting the moss on occasion is a smart idea to keep your monstera interested in its new support. The roots will continue to spread into the moss if the plant detects moisture there.
For routine maintenance, make sure the container drains effectively, let the top inch or two of soil a little amount of soil dry out between waterings, and set your plant where it receives lots of bright, indirect light. Additionally, take sure to turn your wandering plant every so often to keep things balanced if it tends to lean one way or the other while looking for the best source of light.
Some Plants Just Need a Little Guidance
Not just monsteras are helped by a little patient correction in the home. A moss totem is also helpful with other monster species, such as M. adansonii, as well as some philodendrons, like “Prince of Orange” and “Pink Princess.” Ask if you need help caring for any of your “wandering plant pals.” We are always happy to assist.
How can I keep my Monstera standing straight?
Right now, Monstera Deliciosa is a stylish and well-liked houseplant, and it’s simple to understand why. The room’s broad, glossy, dark-green leaves have a tropical feel to it, and under the correct circumstances, they develop swiftly. In fact, this plant’s potential for growing too large for some homes is one of its only drawbacks. When a Monstera grows large, it often tips over or leans to one side.
How can a Monstera Deliciosa be kept from leaning over? Staking a Monstera Deliciosa with a support like a moss pole, trellis, or garden stakes is the best way to keep it growing upright. These natural climbers can be trained to climb these poles by being connected to them, and they will be supported as they do so.
Although a Monstera won’t be harmed by not growing upright, most people like them to be as straight and tall as possible for aesthetic and spatial reasons. To help you keep your Monstera looking the way you want it to, I’ll go into further depth below why why this occurs in the first place.
How is Monstera taught to moss pole?
Sphagnum moss can be used to create a moss pole by being wrapped around a bamboo stick or PVC pipe. To hold the material in place, twirl a string around. The thickest stem of your Monstera Deliciosa should be tied to the pole many places along the stem using a soft plant tie. To encourage vertical development, prune the stems that are developing more horizontally. The plant will eventually grow vertically as its aerial roots cling to the moss pole over time.
Can I substitute a stick for the moss pole?
Moss poles are straightforward structures that are occasionally challenging to get to. Finding a substitute can be a good idea because they are frequently highly cost-effective and serve the same purpose as a pole made entirely of moss.
There are numerous alternatives to moss that can be used to make moss poles. The ideal substitutes for a moss pole are a piece of natural bamboo or a tree slab. Alternatives include coir poles, wooden sticks, PVC pipes, and contemporary metal trellises from Pinterest.
These poles serve as a support structure to help plants become taller. Additionally, moss poles are necessary for plants like monsteras, pothos, and vines to grow upright and preserve their structure.
Are you looking for moss pole substitutes? Do you wish to select an appropriate one? This post will show you several low-cost moss pole substitutes as well as how to create your own.
If you want a moss pole that is both affordable and effective. Clicking here will take you there!
Which indoor plants require moss pole?
Do you intend to provide your houseplant a moss pole to aid in its ascent? Although some nurseries and online sellers sell moss poles, they are simple to DIY and create at home (and cheaper too!). Additionally, you can alter the height and diameter of your moss pole to fit the plant you need it for.
What Is a Moss Pole?
A robust stick or pole that is covered in moss and used to support plants is known as a “moss pole” (rather than down or sideways).
A moss pole can be useful for a wide variety of plants. Monstera deliciosas, monstera adansoniis, pothos, satin pothos, heartleaf philodendrons, brasil philodendrons, arrowhead plants, and more are examples of common climbing houseplants. Any plant with aerial roots can learn to climb a moss pole, and many plants will develop larger, more lush leaves when given the chance to develop vertically.
With just a few straightforward tools and materials, you can construct a moss pole for your indoor climbing plant in less than an hour.
Should I wait a while before watering my Monstera?
When watering Monstera indoor plants, there are a few issues that might be very problematic. To try to steer you clear of these problems, I’ll discuss a few of the crucial ones.
Not Emptying Drip Trays And Cache Pots
While it may be tempting to simply walk over to your plants wherever they are located in your home and water them, I usually advise against doing this. Excess water will drain into the drip tray or cache pot after watering your Monstera. The roots that are present in the bottom inch or so of soil are left submerged in water as a result.
It is incredibly simple to forget to empty the drip tray or cache pot after watering, which results in the roots of your plant being submerged. This may cause root rot to appear within a few days. It is best to avoid taking the chance because root rot can be so destructive to Monstera houseplants and all houseplants in general.
Watering On A Schedule
On a schedule is the worst way to water a Monstera. Despite how simple it is to form a routine of watering your plants on a particular day, your plants won’t appreciate this treatment if they are receiving too much or too little water.
A sick plant that has been either overwatered or underwatered is almost certain to result from watering according to a timetable.
Every two to three days is how I like to check on my plants. I stroll about examining the leaves, touching the ground, and weighing the pots. I then bring the plants I believe need watering to the kitchen sink.
I make a note of those who could require watering in the coming days and make sure to check back in with them to make sure they receive it.
Your Monstera Is Taking Too Long To Dry Out
Although it’s not a good idea to water your plants on a schedule, I’ve found that Monsteras that require watering every 5–10 days or so are typically content plants. Consider whether there is an issue that is causing the soil to remain moist if it is still wet after two weeks.
Think about the following concerns that might be preventing your Monstera’s soil from drying out:
- Is there not enough light reaching your Monstera? In stronger light, plants develop more quickly and require more water as they do so. Additionally, more water is lost through transpiration and evaporation. Your Monstera plant is at risk of developing root rot if you observe that the soil is taking a while to dry out.
- The pot might be too big. The Monstera plant will take a long time to use the water in the soil if it is housed in a small pot. Your plant should not have a ton of spare space in its pot; it should fit snugly.
- Does the soil not drain efficiently? After watering, if water remains on the soil’s surface for longer than 10 seconds, the soil is probably not draining properly. Change to a better draining potting mix, such as one that contains equal amounts of perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir. To learn more, see my post on creating and selecting potting soil for your plants.
- Does the pot have a lot of holes for drainage? Make sure the container you pick for your Monstera has many of drainage holes so that any extra water can readily drain out. In order to prevent water from pooling, make sure the drainage holes are located directly at the bottom of the pot.
- What kind of pot do you have? The soil dries considerably more quickly when using porous pot materials like terracotta than when using a plastic or metal pot. Consider using a terracotta container if the soil is taking too long to dry out. In this article, I go into more detail on selecting a pot for houseplants.
Using The Wrong Type Of Water
The majority of tap water is suitable for Monsteras, however if your water is heavily mineralized or has high levels of fluoride or chloramines, you may experience problems. Brown leaf tips, edges, or even brown blotches are frequently the outcome of this.
If you are experiencing issues, think about switching to rainwater or distilled water if you are satisfied that all other parts of care are being taken care of. Find out more about the effects of water quality on indoor plant health here.
Using The Wrong Amount Of Water
When watering houseplants like Monstera, many people add too little water. This may cause the soil’s surface to become wet while the majority of the soil deeper in the pot stays dry. Because of this, you might believe your plant is receiving enough water while in fact the roots are begging for a drink.
When watering your Monstera, be sure to wet the soil completely and then let as much of the extra water drain out.