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.
Do I need a support pole for my Monstera?
Your Monstera plant will require assistance if you want it to grow higher. The most typical supports are a hardwood slab, a pole covered in jute, or a stake covered in moss. Monstera plants do not, however, have to be grown absolutely erect on a pole or stake.
They can be cultivated as vining plants instead and put in planters or hanging baskets where their lovely vines can hang over the sides. Any office is made more cheerful by Monsteras that are trailing while showcasing their spectacular foliage on top of bookcases, filing cabinets, or room dividers.
It is up to you whether you stake your Monstera or let it grow as a trailing vine; the plant will happily accept either approach.
For my Monstera, what size moss pole should I buy?
Because they are epiphytes, Monstera climbing plants grow vertically with the assistance of other plants. As a result, you must use a moss pole to train your home plant to replicate its natural surroundings.
Making the perfect environment for your houseplant gives it a space to grow those thick stems. But how do you accomplish this? You can either buy a moss pole or build a Monstera pole yourself.
Please remain a little longer to learn how to teach your houseplant so that it develops tall stems.
DIY Moss Pole for Monstera
It’s great that you may spend money on poles for indoor plants or a trellis for growing vining plants outside. Instead, you may make a DIY plant pole by following these simple instructions:
- Purchase a PVC pipe or bamboo stick that is at least a foot taller than your plant and cover it with some sphagnum moss.
- To wet the moss, soak it first.
- To create a base, put your bamboo or PVC pole inside the container.
- To keep the fabric in place, wrap some string around the poles and wrap the moss around it.
- The thickest stem should be tied to the support many times with a soft plant tie.
- You can prune the horizontally growing stems to promote vertical development.
You will see the aerial roots clinging to the moss pole as time goes on and new growth takes place. This simple plant pole is easy to make yourself and doesn’t take long.
What should you do when the time comes to repot your Monstera, though, and what if you still need to plant your Monstera? Fortunately, we have all the information you need to achieve this right here.
Choosing The Correct Moss Poles and Pots
You have a variety of alternatives when it comes to purchasing a moss pole and container for your Monstera deliciosa.
The ideal option is to choose a container that is wide enough to accommodate the root system of your plant and has room for a moss pole.
Therefore, select a pot size that allows for one inch of space around the roots to the edge on each side.
You can also locate substitutes for the one we previously specified for your moss pole:
- Similar to the sphagnum pole, the coco coir pole is constructed of coco fiber or coir. The coco coir poles are excellent for use since they retain moisture similarly to moss poles.
- The trellis comes in a variety of materials to give your indoor plants a larger surface area on which to flourish. They are primarily used with vining plants that have tiny, moisture-unretentive leaves.
- an anchor
- You can find them constructed of rot-resistant wood, metal, bamboo, plastic, and driftwood. It is a simple mount for your plant, however it does not keep moisture.
What Size and Lenght Moss Pole Do You Need For The Aerial Roots?
Moss poles come in a variety of lengths. The best option is to get one that is tall enough to hold your Monstera deliciosa.
The ideal length leaves space for your plant to grow and is equal to the height of the potting material and the stature of the stem above the container.
When your plant outgrows its first pole, you can discover particular moss poles that you can expand by adding a new piece on top.
How do you get a 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.
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!
Should I maintain a damp moss pole?
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.
A moss pole lasts for how long?
A moss pole has a lifespan of four to six years. This is as a result of the sturdy materials used in its construction. Coconut coir’s fibrous structure can withstand a lot of use for a very long time.
For instance, animals like cats can easily climb a moss pole and, using their claws, tear the thread or net holding the fibers to the pole or dislodge the fibers.
If the plant they are supporting grows overwhelmingly too heavy for the pole to support, this is another reason why a moss pole could appear to bend or break.
The wooden stakes that hold them together at their joint will be where the pole breaks if it needs to.
The majority of moss poles should be drenched or maintained damp so that the plant may absorb water. This may shorten the pole’s lifespan by one or two years.
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.
Does your Monstera need to be rotated?
Monsteras are easy to care for and have moderate needs for water, sunshine, and temperature. For information on how to maintain the health of your plant, see their care instructions below.
Light: A monstera’s leaves must receive the proper quantity of sunshine to grow. Put it in a location where it will get filtered, indirect light. A monstera plant can develop yellow or burned leaves from too much direct sunshine. Keep an eye on your plant since you might need to rotate it if you notice that its leaves are reaching for the sun.
Water: When the top few inches of soil are dry, you should water your plant. To determine how dry the earth is, stick your finger into it. Since excessive moisture might cause root rot, monsteras like peaty, well-draining soil. Over time, these plants can also develop aerial roots. These roots can either be placed in the soil or covered with wet sphagnum moss to ensure they receive plenty of water.
Temperature: The monstera plant prefers 68–86°F temperatures in a typical room. This plant will thrive in a similar tropical, humid environment because it is native to tropical rain forests. If you reside in a dry climate, misting your monstera deliciosa once a week will improve the humidity around the plant.
Toxicity: The larger species is not recommended for pet owners due to the poisonous nature of all portions of this plant, with the exception of the ripe fruit. Choose a miniature species, such as the M. deliciosa borsigiana, that you can store high on shelves to keep curious animals away from nibbling. Because of the calcium oxalates in its sap, the plant can cause skin irritation when touched and stomach problems if consumed. As long as you avoid ingesting any plant parts and handle it with extra caution, it is still safe to have in your house. To learn more about what on do if a piece of a monstera is consumed, look at our guide to dangerous plants.
Pests: Mealybugs, scales, aphids, and spider mites are frequently found under the leaves of monstera plants. To maintain them clean and free of dust, wipe their leaves down roughly once each week. Their glossy, dark green leaves remain healthy thanks to this regular upkeep. If you do discover little creatures in your plant, you can get rid of the pests by wiping them off with a mild dishwashing solution or a moderate insecticide.
Problems: As we previously indicated, if your plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, the leaves may not grow properly. Move your monstera to an area with more lighting if you see that the leaves aren’t splitting properly.
If Monstera deliciosa plants are malnourished or overwatered, their leaves may become yellow. If this occurs, wait until you can feel the earth drying before watering your plant again. Replace the soil in your monstera’s pot if the issue continues. If none of those remedies work, you can feed your plant some homemade fertilizer or plant food to restore the health of its leaves. Checking to see if the leaves are “sweating” is one technique to distinguish between the two; this is another indicator of overwatering.
Low humidity and dry air can cause brown leaf tips or edges. To fix this, spritz your plant once each week or have a humidifier close by.
Repotting: Large plants, like monsteras, require repotting every two years to support their expanding root systems. To give your monstera more area to grow, use a pot that is a few inches taller and wider than the one you previously used. To maintain a moderate size, you can regularly trim back its leaves, repot it less frequently, or leave it in the same pot. For more detailed repotting advice, see our guide on repotting a plant.
Air layering is a typical technique of monsteras’ propagation. Continue reading to learn how to achieve this.
Put a layer of moist flowery or sphagnum moss over the notch, root, and node where the leaf meets the stem in this location.
Wrap the moss in plastic loosely enough to allow you to monitor the roots while also keeping it secure. With string or other connections, you can fasten the plastic and moss together.
With simple care instructions, monstera deliciosa plants are a gem to have in your home. Maintaining your monstera will make the plant happy and earn you tons of compliments.