How To Make A DIY Moss Pole

If you want a sphagnum moss pole for your vining plants to climb, making one is your best option (and cheapest)!

Most of the materials you may already have at your house, you can order sphagnum moss online or find it in a local store, and it is a straightforward DIY project.

Tools & Materials Needed

All you will need to make your own moss pole is:

• A pole, wooden dowel, PVC pipe, or wire mesh

• Sphagnum moss

• Twine, fishing line, or zip ties

• A large bowl filled with water

• Wire cutters

Before you start, you will want to have a clean workspace and all your tools out and ready to go. This DIY project should only take between 30 and 40 minutes total, and having everything ready to go will shorten that time.

Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Your Own Moss Pole

1. Soak Your Sphagnum Moss

Before creating your moss pole, you should soak the sphagnum moss in your water bowl for 15-20 minutes. This will encourage your plant’s aerial roots to climb toward the pole as it grows.

As you soak your moss, the water will be absorbed, so you may need to add water to the bowl before the 15-20 minutes are up.

2. Attach Your Moss To The Support Pole

If you are using a pole, wooden dowel, or PVC pipe, you can attach the moss to the support pole. First, squeeze out the excess water from the moss. Then wrap the moss around the pole and secure it with the twine or fishing line. Leave the bottom 6-12 inches of the pole exposed, where it will be planted into the potting soil.

If you are using wire mesh, create a cylinder with the wire, leaving it open enough to place the moss inside. Then, add your sphagnum moss, filling the entire cylinder. You want to add enough so that the moss is snug when you close your cylinder.

After filling the wire mesh with the moss, you will need to “stitch” it closed. You can do this using string, fishing line, or zip ties.

3. Repot Your Climbing Plant With The Moss Pole

Finally, place your moss pole at the bottom of an empty pot. Place the plant in and tie your plant to the pole using a string or fishing line. Then add your potting mix, and there you have it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a moss pole do?

A moss pole mimics the texture of mossy bark on a tree in nature and gives your climbing plants physical support to grow aerial roots and climb upward. These plant supports offer a way to train wildly growing plants to grow upright to fit into smaller spaces.

Moss poles can be great for indoor plants such as Monstera (including Monstera deliciosa - AKA Swiss cheese plant - and Monstera adansonii), Philodendron, Pothos, orchids, ivy, and other indoor climbing plants.

What can I use instead of a moss pole?

Instead of using a moss pole, you can use natural bamboo, coco coir poles, jute poles, wooden sticks, or a modern metal trellis. You can even take your plant care up a notch by making a self-watering moss pole.

How long do you have to wait before you can plant a moss pole?

You don’t have to wait to plant your moss pole at all. The only thing you have to wait for is the moss to soak, and that only takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Once the moss pole is ready, you can plant it along with your vining plant immediately.

How much does a moss pole cost?

If you order a moss pole online, you are looking at spending between $15 and $20. However, if you need a larger pole, it may run you more than $25.

If you are going to make your own moss pole at home and already have most of the materials, you may only spend around $8-$10 on the moss.