Some nurseries, garden centers, and specialized plant shops sell moss poles, or you can create your own at home. By inserting the moss pole into the soil at the plant’s stem’s base, you can add a moss pole to the container holding your monstera. Put enough downward pressure on it so that the dirt holds it in place. Keep in mind that eventually it will be bearing the weight of the monstera! The monstera stem should be attached to the moss pole using twist ties, string, or zip ties such that the plant’s aerial roots or nodes are in touch with the moss. Monstera needs to be manually fastened to the pole until its aerial roots start to grow into the moss as it matures. Anytime is a good time to add a moss pole to your monstera’s pot, but if you want to start out ahead of the game, do it when the plant is young and has only recently started to develop aerial roots.
When should a Monstera be moss poled?
This is more of a moment for you to evaluate the situation and make decisions about how to direct your Monstera’s growth going ahead than it is a sign from the plant. If you are repotting your Monstera, this is the ideal moment to incorporate a moss pole.
Typically, Monsteras need to be replanted every one to two years into a container that is one size bigger than the one they were in before. But now is the moment to transfer it to a larger pot if you see that you need to water it regularly or that the roots are sprouting out of the drainage holes.
Even if you aren’t presently exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, I would advise you to add a moss pole when you are repotting your Monstera. Because you can see the roots and avoid severing them when securing the pole in the soil, adding a moss pole to a fresh pot is considerably simpler.
Do I need to plant a pole in my Monstera?
The quick response? They don’t need poles because the decision is primarily aesthetic.
The way each Monstera deliciosa plant grows differently is one of my favorite things about them. Some grow up straight, while others sprawl or lean. However, in my experience, it’s best to observe how your particular plant is growing and then choose the support structure that will help prop the plant up and, if you like, guide it to grow to fit your chosen aesthetic. I’ve noticed that many people automatically put a moss pole in with their monsteras thinking this is necessary for optimal growth.
A moss pole in the center of a container won’t cause the plant to shift its growth pattern. It only offers a framework to either change or support its current growth pattern. A wooden stake may be adequate for smaller plants to direct growth upward rather than outward. A trellis with its numerous connection points may be more efficient to corral a sprawler for plants that encroach on a lot of space (or for plants that are grown in various pots).
This large male is spontaneously developing (without the need for support yet), with each leaf stem extending out on either side of the main, thick and sturdy stem. It has a few long aerial roots, which I carefully tuck inside the pot because if I don’t, they could adhere to the wall. I’m going to leave it support-free until something changes because it has been enjoying expanding in this manner for a year and is still going strong.
Does a moss pole need to be damp for my Monstera?
Moss poles not only offer a solid base for the plant but also moisture to the plants.
The plants’ aerial roots will cling to the moss pole and receive water and nutrients from it.
Your plants will be able to take in and release water for their biological activities if your moss pole is consistently damp.
But it is advisable not to constantly moisten the moss pole if plants that dislike excessive humidity are developing in your garden.
Even some plants appreciate extremely low humidity levels. Fungal illnesses can also be caused by excessive dampness.
In general, using a moss pole composed of peat moss is advised so that it can also supply micronutrients to your plant.
How do I get my Monstera to start climbing?
One of the benefits of growing Monstera deliciosa inside for fans is its capacity to develop into a substantial cornerstone for a jungle-themed home. However, that expansion also creates some issues because a Monstera can quickly outgrow its allotted space. Large Monsteras typically grow outward, unlike other common houseplants with an upward, tree-like growth pattern (such the fiddle-leaf fig or rubber plant). Because of this, many people prefer their Monstera deliciosa to climb rather than trail.
How can I encourage Monstera deliciosa to climb? You can encourage your Monstera deliciosa to grow upright by providing a support system, such as a moss pole, coco coir pole, or trellis. This teaches the plant to follow its innate tendency to climb, which may result in a healthier plant with more leaves.
The good news is that Monsteras are designed for ascent. You can get this plant off the ground and out of the way if the correct circumstances and some encouragement are there. I’ll go through some specifics regarding how and why Monsteras are frequently observed climbing on moss poles throughout this article and provide you with advice on teaching this plant to climb.
Do I need to support my Monstera?
Since cheese plants are epiphytes, they are vertically growing plants that rely on the support of surrounding plants. Therefore, growing cheese plants on a moss pole is a great imitation of how they naturally grow. For cheese plants, moss poles provide both the environment it requires to lift its heavy stem upright and an attractive aesthetic.
A sturdy stake that is a little bit taller than the plant is required. Cut a piece of fine mesh wire just big enough to wrap around the stake using wire snips. The wire mesh hoop around the wooden post is securely fastened with wood staples. Use sopped sphagnum moss to complete this cheese plant support. The moss should be pushed into the mesh to fill in the area around the stake.
Without the stake, you may easily create a Monstera moss pole by just filling a mesh tube with the moss and securing the edges, although I believe the stake increases the solidity. Philodendron stems can grow to be quite big and hefty.
How do you maintain Monstera’s balance?
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.
What height is ideal for a moss pole?
Make sure that your workspace is set up and that all of your tools and supplies are ready to use before beginning this project. It is a good idea to finish this activity outside or on a covered surface like a tarp or work mat because it can become a little dirty indoors. Additionally, you should pre-measure and cut to size the wooden dowel, pole, or PVC pipe that will serve as the main support for your moss pole. Given that at least 6 to 12 inches of the finished moss pole will be buried beneath the soil to keep it in place in the container, it should be at least 1-2 feet taller than your plant.
How is a moss pole used?
An epiphyte is a type of plant that develops on the surface of another plant, frequently a tree, and gets its nutrients and hydration from the surrounding air, water, rain, or accumulated detritus. Many of these plants are vines that climb the tree branches up into the canopy of the jungle. By providing a surface that is simple for the plant to attach to and a medium that includes micronutrients, a moss pole serves to simulate a plant’s natural growing environment.
Root connection is made possible by moss poles, which strengthens the plant (and makes for a more attractive growth habit). When lengthy vines have fully attached to the support, keeping your moss pole damp will give them access to another supply of water because the moss is absorbent.
Many people inquire about how they might encourage the growth of larger leaves and the desired fenestrations in their Monstera and other aroid plant species (the natural splits and windows that occur in Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii at maturity). Climbing aroids like Monstera can be found in the wild growing up massive tree trunks. The plant becomes stronger and can sustain more weight as a result of its adventitious roots’ ability to cling to the tree as it climbs. It also receives more light as it gets closer to the jungle canopy, which supports the growth of bigger leaves.
Large leaves will start to develop after the plant adheres to the support with its adventitious roots because moss poles mimic this growth pattern. As long as your plant makes contact with the moist moss pole at each node.
How to Use a Moss Pole
- Determine the height of your moss pole. For your plant to have enough of room to climb, the moss pole needs to be taller than its tallest vine.
- Start by soaking your moss pole in water until it is completely soaked after you have constructed or purchased it. Your plant will cling to the pole easier thanks to the dampness.
- Place the moss pole as close to the center of the pot and the base of the plant as you can by inserting the wood end into the dirt. When setting up the moss pole, be extra careful not to harm your plants’ main roots!
- Start wrapping the pole in the plant’s vines. working your way around the pole, securing with twine. As adventitious roots will form at each node of the plant (where the leaves meet the stem), pay close attention to each one and make sure it has good contact with the moss pole.
- Voila! Observe your plants grow.
ensuring that Raphidophora tetrasperma’s nodes make contact with the support using twine
Moss Pole Maintenance Tips
- To make sure your plants’ adventitious roots receive water, it is beneficial to spray your moss pole frequently or to pour water down the pole when watering. The majority of aroids will enjoy the increased humidity!
- You can cut the rope as your plant firmly attaches to the moss pole. To continue training your plants’ growth, keep adding to the pole.
- You may either allow your plant to vine back down the moss pole to fill out growth when it has outgrown your moss pole, or you can extend it by binding a new one to the old one and repeating the process.
- When your plant outgrows its pot, replace it in a new container with the same moss pole.
- When removing a moss pole, exercise extreme caution to avoid injuring the plant’s adventitious roots, which could lead to problems with its health.
Where to Get a Moss Pole
In terms of plant care, moss poles are still somewhat of a niche item, but more and more nurseries are beginning to stock them! Our shops produce moss poles in lengths of 2′ and 3′, and our online store ships 2′ moss poles!
We advise using a strong bamboo stick or other rot-resistant stake, as well as a lot of sphagnum moss, if you want to attempt creating your own moss pole.
Alternatives to Moss Poles
Using moss poles is by no means the only option for plant support! For instance, using pushpins or nails, you can teach a vining plant to climb a wall. If a plant requires a little more support but isn’t a climber, a large piece of wood for larger plants can serve as a useful support and maintain the plant upright.
Thinner, lighter vines like hoyas, which have creeping vines that naturally wrap around supports like these as they grow, are excellent uses for bamboo stakes and ladders as supports. A small metal rod can support and maintain the upright development of smaller anthuriums that need little training.
With a moss pole to climb, Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ will generate more foliage.
We believe that by providing some assistance to your plants, you will be able to ensure their success for years to come.
What causes my Monstera to topple over?
Due mostly to its spectacular leaves, the Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) is a common houseplant. Although they are simple to care for, these fellas do have one drawback: if they feel neglected, they have a tendency to pout, which may cause your Monstera leaves to droop. Don’t panic too much. They can quickly be persuaded to recover with a little loving attention.
The most frequent cause of drooping monstera leaves is dehydration. They prefer their soil to always be just moist enough. Other contributing factors include overwatering, poor lighting, issues with fertilizer, pests, or transplant stress. The most crucial step in restoring your plant to health is figuring out what the issue is.