The Philodendron Pink Princess is a popular vining houseplant known for its distinctive pink and green foliage. In its natural environment, it climbs trees for sunlight. A moss pole mimics this natural climbing habit, encouraging the plant to grow upwards in a home environment.
Benefits of a Moss Pole for Pink Princess
A moss pole provides physical support for the plant’s vining stems, encouraging upright growth and preventing sprawling. This vertical support can lead to larger leaves and more robust growth. Increased light exposure from upright growth also enhances the plant’s vibrant pink variegation. Moss poles enable strong aerial roots to anchor into the pole, absorbing moisture and micronutrients. A well-supported, upright plant also improves its aesthetic appeal.
Selecting the Ideal Moss Pole
Choosing the ideal moss pole involves considering material, height, and stability. Moss poles are typically constructed from sphagnum moss or coco coir wrapped around a sturdy core. Sphagnum moss poles retain moisture well, aiding aerial root attachment, though they may degrade faster. Coco coir poles offer greater durability and sustainability but do not retain moisture as effectively.
Select a pole sturdy and tall enough for both the plant’s current size and future growth. It should be at least 1 to 2 feet taller than your plant, with 6 to 12 inches inserted into the soil for stability. Consider the plant’s growth rate; Pink Princess can reach 3-4 feet indoors, or 4-6 feet with support. Some poles are extendable, allowing you to add height as the plant grows.
Installing and Attaching Your Plant
Installing a moss pole is ideally performed during repotting to minimize root disturbance. Position the pole firmly into the soil at the back of the pot for adequate stability. If your plant is established, carefully insert the pole without damaging existing roots.
Once in place, gently guide the plant’s vining stems towards it. Secure stems to the pole using soft ties, plant clips, or natural twine, avoiding tight ties that could damage them. Position the plant’s nodes and aerial roots close to the moist pole, as these are the points where the plant will attach. Regularly check and re-secure new growth as the plant extends upwards, ensuring continuous support.
Ongoing Moss Pole Care
Consistent moisture is important for the moss pole to encourage aerial roots to grow into it. Methods for maintaining moisture include misting the pole regularly or pouring water directly down the pole. Some self-watering moss poles contain a reservoir or wicking system to provide continuous moisture, which can reduce the frequency of manual watering. Dry moss can become hydrophobic, making it difficult to rehydrate, so maintaining consistent dampness is beneficial. Ensuring the pole remains moist and providing adequate humidity around the plant encourages aerial root attachment.
As the plant matures and outgrows its current pole, you can extend it by adding another section, or consider air layering. Periodically check and adjust ties to accommodate stem thickening and prevent constriction. If the plant has firmly rooted into the pole, lower ties may eventually be removed.