How To Use A Moss Pole For Monstera

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant due to its stunning foliage and easy-to-care-for nature. One way to help your Monstera thrive is by providing a moss pole.

What Is The Purpose Of A Moss Pole?

A moss pole supports and encourages the growth of climbing plants.

It’s a long pole covered in moss or another similar material, providing a natural environment for claiming plants, like Monstera and Pothos. The purpose of a moss pole is to mimic the climbing conditions a plant would experience in its natural habitat, allowing it to grow bigger and healthier.

Sphagnum moss poles are a popular option, as they are natural, sustainable, and provide excellent moisture retention. Coco coir poles are another option that are environmentally friendly, durable, and support larger plants.

You can use other support structures like trellises, twine, and plant stakes in combination with the pole.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Moss Pole For Monstera?

Better Growth

Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant that naturally grows on trees and other tall structures. By providing a moss pole, you’re giving your Monstera the support it needs to grow in a vertical direction, which leads to larger leaves and a more robust stem.

Without a support structure to climb on, these plants will often grow outwards rather than upwards, leading to a stunted growth pattern and a less attractive appearance.

Healthier Plant

A moss pole provides a natural environment for your Monstera to climb on, which prevents stress on the plant and reduces the risk of damage or disease. It also encourages the plant to grow more naturally, which can lead to better overall health.

Attractive Appearance

Using a moss pole creates a stunning focal point in your home, with the natural texture and color of the moss adding a unique touch to your decor. Additionally, your Monstera will create an impressive vertical display as it matures and grows.

Easier Maintenance

By training your Monstera to grow up a moss pole, you reduce the need for pruning and trimming. This makes it easier to care for your plant, especially if you have limited space or time for gardening.

How Do You Attach A Monstera To A Moss Pole?

To attach a Monstera deliciosa to a moss pole, gently guide the plant stem towards the pole, using soft plant ties or clips to secure it.

Ensure the pole is the right size for your Monstera and has a sturdy base. Gently guide the stems toward the pole, not damaging any aerial roots. You can use soft plant ties or Velcro to secure the stems to the pole.

Locate the nodes on the plant and place the moss pole next to one. You can then wrap the stem around the pole and secure it using a soft plant tie or Velcro. Be sure to position the ties or Velcro loosely, so as not to restrict the stem’s growth.

Do You Need To Wet The Pole?

No, because wetting the pole may actually make it more difficult to secure the plant in place, as the moss becomes slippery and difficult to work with. Instead, you can attach the plant directly to a dry moss pole, using soft plant ties or clips to hold the stem.

As the plant grows, the moss on the pole will naturally retain moisture, providing a humid environment that benefits the plant. However, it’s important to ensure that the moss on the pole doesn’t become completely dry, as this can lead to cracking and damage.

Keep the moss pole moist, using a spray bottle to mist it regularly, ensuring it remains damp but not soggy. This will help prevent the moss from drying out and provide a humid environment that encourages new growth and the development of fenestrations.

How Much Moss Do You Need?

The amount of moss you need when attaching a Monstera to a moss pole will depend on the size of the pole and plant. As a general rule, you should use enough moss to cover the entire length of the pole, creating a thick layer that your plant can climb on.

When attaching your Monstera to the pole, use enough moss to create a secure and stable base for the stem to climb, but not so much that it becomes difficult to attach the plant or adjust it as necessary.

Can You Use A DIY Moss Pole?

You can purchase a pre-made moss pole or make your own with PVC pipe, tree trunks, and sphagnum moss.

A DIY moss pole can also be made from a totem pole or bendable support structure. This creates a unique and natural-looking plant support and will also suit other tropical plants like Philodendron or Monstera adansonii, which are also epiphytes or climbers.

How Often Should You Water A Moss Pole For Monstera?

Keep the moss on the pole moist but not waterlogged.

Depending on the conditions, this may require watering the pole every few days to once a week. You can check the moisture level of the moss by feeling it with your hand; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. It’s also a good idea to mist the leaves of your Monstera regularly, as this will help to create a humid environment that benefits the plant.

Ultimately, the key is to monitor your plant and the moss pole regularly and adjust your watering routine to ensure that your Monstera is getting the moisture it needs to thrive.