Do monsteras really need a moss pole?
There are several things to keep in mind if you wonder how to support a large Monstera plant. You’ll need a moss pole large enough for the size of your plant and some soft plant ties or string to attach your Monstera to the stake. Without support, as your plant grows, it will naturally fall over. Plan to stake your plant using a moss pole or trellis. You might need to add ties to get it started, but soon it will naturally begin to adapt to its support structure. A monstera plant grows towards the sunlight.Grown as indoor plants, Monstera don’t always develop aerial roots as they do in their natural habitat. Since their leaves and stems are large and heavy, they grow better with a support pole that prevents the plant from collapsing.Monstera plants are climbers. They don’t rotate in nature as they climb upon a fixed structure (tree trunk) which hold its weight, and makes it face in one direction. Indoors, they get extremely heavy so despite rotating it will topple! So just stake it instead!Without support, as your plant grows, it will naturally fall over. Plan to stake your plant using a moss pole or trellis. You might need to add ties to get it started, but soon it will naturally begin to adapt to its support structure. A monstera plant grows towards the sunlight.If you are wondering whether you should get a moss pole for your new monstera plant, the short answer is yes—monsteras are epiphytic plants that need a moss pole for support, just like in nature.
How to properly use a moss pole for monstera?
There is a front side and back side of this plant. The moss pole should go on the back side of the stems. You have the back side of your plant facing the window. Put the moss poles on the same side. Then carefully attach the base of the stems to the moss poles. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the moss. This helps it stay hydrated and encourages your plant’s aerial roots to attach more easily. Gently insert the moss pole into the plant’s pot, close to the base of the plant.In order for a moss pole to be effective for your climbing plants, the moss needs to stay relatively moist rather than drying out. If you have all the time in the world to dedicate to your plants you may be able to mist your moss pole regularly enough to keep it moist.I prefer using moss poles because you can bend them to the unique shape of a monstera’s structure, plus they increase humidity for houseplants when you wet them. However, you can also use a houseplant trellis (from Amazon) for a prettier option, or even bamboo plant stakes (from Amazon).As the monstera grows, its aerial roots will begin to grow into the moss. Until that happens, the plant needs to be manually secured to the pole. You can add a moss pole to your monstera’s pot at any time, but if you want to get a head start, do it when the plant is young and has just begun to grow aerial roots.
What kind of pole is best for monstera?
A moss totem is an upright pole covered in sphagnum moss that stakes directly into the pot with the plant. Its natural surface gives a monstera’s roots something to grab onto and draw moisture from – much like a surrogate tree. Taking care of a monstera on a totem is exactly like caring for one without – but with one additional step. It’s a good idea to mist the moss occasionally to keep your monstera interested in its new support – if the plant finds moisture in the moss, the roots will continue to grow into it.To start, place the moss totem in a shallow container with water and let it soak until it’s thoroughly moistened. While the moss is soaking, it’s a good idea to examine your plant to determine whether it might need to be repotted before you add the totem.
Do plants grow faster with moss poles?
Using moss poles imitate plant’s natural growing environment, perfect for pothos, monstera, philodendrons, and more. When grown on a pole, you’ll see leaves increase in size and grow faster. Aerial root nodes (small brown nubs) help the vines grow upward and help hydrate the plant. Moss poles are always made with a water-retentive material, so watering/spraying the pole will allow it to store some moisture for the plants’ aerial roots to access.The moss will slowly soak up the water. Depending on the size of your pole, you might need more than one bottle. Pro Tip: If the top of your moss pole is dry, drizzle a bit of water on it first. This will help the moss absorb water slowly, preventing it from running through too quickly.In order for a moss pole to be effective for your climbing plants, the moss needs to stay relatively moist rather than drying out. If you have all the time in the world to dedicate to your plants you may be able to mist your moss pole regularly enough to keep it moist.
Is it better to buy or DIY a moss pole?
Whether you want to buy or go the DIY route, your moss pole will help mimic your plant’s natural environment, resulting in a healthier, happier plant overall. Plant Type: If you’re growing tropical climbing plants like Monstera or Philodendron, a moss pole is the better option. The moss pole’s ability to retain moisture supports these plants’ natural growth habits. For smaller, upright plants or those that need general stability, bamboo stakes are a better fit.I prefer using moss poles because you can bend them to the unique shape of a monstera’s structure, plus they increase humidity for houseplants when you wet them. However, you can also use a houseplant trellis (from Amazon) for a prettier option, or even bamboo plant stakes (from Amazon).