Everything you need to know about the moss pole in 2024!

Moss pole, if you never heard about this tool it might sound like a quirky name. But this tool is super handy for all PLNTSparents! A moss pole can be used to give support to our climbing plant. This not only makes sure that they grow the right way, but can also stimulate the plant in growing bigger leaves, and who doesn’t want that?!

Why does my plant need a climbing pole?

All climbing plants can benefit from having a moss pole. Why, you may ask. Well climbing plants have a certain characteristic, called ‘aerial roots’. These roots do not grow inside soil, which makes the placement a bit weird. These aerial roots actually help the plant absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, but that is not their only function! They also anchor the plant onto a stable surface so the plant can reach unknown heights. Cool right?!

Climbing plants have this ability since they have to grow towards the light. Inside tropical rainforests there is a canopy which puts these climbers in the shade. By climbing high into the sky, they get more sunlight, which is something they need and enjoy very much!

Which houseplants need a moss pole to grow higher?

All climbing aroids would benefit from support. Think of houseplants like the Monstera Deliciosa, Syngonium Mottled, Philodendron Melanochrysum or Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight. The climbing plants have a natural desire to grow tall but their stems and leaves are too heavy to grow upwards without help. Without a climbing pole your plant will become a hanging plant, or grow versatile.

Is a moss pole made of moss?

A ‘ready to use’ moss pole, which you can find in our shop, is not made of moss (like you would expect!) but it is made of coconut fiber.

What does the moss pole do?

The coconut fiber has the same effect on the plant as moss on trees in nature: the aerial roots can attach to the coconut fiber and the plant will grow higher and higher.

How to pot and tie up your plant?

First make sure that you repot the plant together with the moss pole. If you add the moss pole at a later moment, the chances are big that you damage the roots of your plant. This will not make your plant happy… Make sure that the roots of the plant are loose so that the moss pole can be added in the middle of the pot with the roots placed slightly around it. Add enough soil for the plant to stand firmly in the pot. Then it’s time to tie up the stems! The plant will not attach immediately so the stems always need to be tied up with rope or fishing line before the plant will attach to the moss pole. When the plant is comfortable with the moss pole, the aerial roots will attach to the pole and it can grow independent without rope from that moment on. Keep an eye on the growing process, sometimes the plant need some help at a later time too. Don’t hesitate to help her a little by tying her up when needed.

Tip: keep the moss pole hydrated!

Give the fiber on the moss pole some daily spraying. When the fiber is hydrated it will stimulate the aerial roots to attach to it!

Tip: Grow your moss pole!

You receive a moss pole in a certain length. At one point your plant will become too tall for your pole, but don't worry, your moss pole can grow together with your plant! You can buy another moss pole and attach it to the pole that is already supporting your green friend.

Alternatives for the ‘ready to use’ moss pole

Bamboo sticks

Bamboo sticks are a simple solution to provide your plant with some support.

Plant Stake

A plant stake is an ornamental looking stick. These are made from iron, which makes them very sturdy. Besides being very sufficient for your plant, they also look like a real accessory!

Plant Chain

If you would like to spoil your plant with a piece of jewelry, you can choose to get her a plant chain. This chain is attached to the wall or ceiling and since you can add chains to the necklace yourself, you can make it as long as you desire.

Climbing Pole

The Casper or Thiccly climbing pole is made from recycled plastic and can be filled with any substrate. Since Casper is made from plastic, your substrate will lose moisture less quickly. Casper can be cut to any desired length and made taller with leftover pieces or a whole new pole.

PLNTS Wall Leaves

The PLNTS wall leaves are a cute way to attach your trailing vines to the walls. These little leaves have a sticky bottom side and can be opened to put your plant stem inside of it.