A moss pole provides a Monstera plant with the support structure needed to mimic its natural growth habit. As an epiphyte, the Monstera deliciosa uses aerial roots to climb up trees, a behavior that leads to plant maturation indoors. Providing vertical support encourages the plant to grow upward instead of outward, helping manage a large houseplant. This climbing action is correlated with the production of larger leaves and an increase in fenestrations, the iconic splits and holes that define the Monstera’s mature aesthetic.
Gathering Supplies
A durable, functional moss pole requires a rigid core for stability. A wooden dowel rod, PVC pipe, or bamboo stake serves well as the central support, with its length determining the ultimate height of the pole. Covering this core requires a material that holds moisture and provides a textured surface for aerial roots to grip; long-fiber sphagnum moss is the preferred choice for its superior water retention.
To contain the moss and secure it to the core, you will need a mesh or netting material, such as plastic hardware cloth or a simple wire mesh. Strong, weather-resistant materials like zip ties or flexible nylon twine are necessary for securely fastening the mesh into its cylindrical shape. Finally, a pair of sharp scissors or wire cutters will be needed to precisely cut the mesh and any ties to the correct dimensions.
Building the Moss Pole
Begin by cutting a section of hardware mesh to the desired height and width, making sure to account for a small overlap and leaving the bottom four to six inches bare, as this part will be inserted into the soil. The mesh should be rolled tightly into a cylinder or rectangular column, depending on the material, and the overlapping edges must be secured using zip ties or twine spaced every few inches. Ensuring the overlap is tight prevents the sphagnum moss from pushing out once the pole is packed.
Before packing, the sphagnum moss must be thoroughly soaked in water for approximately 15 minutes, then gently squeezed to remove excess moisture until it is damp but not dripping wet. This pre-moistening is necessary because dry moss is difficult to pack tightly and will not hold water effectively. The moist moss is then firmly packed into the hollow mesh cylinder, pushing it down to eliminate any air pockets and create a dense, uniform structure. The finished pole must be stable and firm to support the weight of a growing plant.
How to Attach the Plant and Maintain Moisture
The moss pole should be installed directly into the Monstera’s pot, ideally during repotting, positioning the bare bottom section deep into the soil for maximum stability. Place the pole slightly behind the plant’s main stem so the weight of the foliage naturally leans toward the support structure. Once placed, the main stem and any existing aerial roots are gently secured to the moss pole using soft plant ties, cotton string, or soft hook-and-loop tape.
The ties should hold the stem close to the moss without cinching or damaging the plant tissue, focusing placement near the nodes where aerial roots emerge. Maintaining the moisture level of the sphagnum moss is essential, as aerial roots will not grow into the pole unless the moss is kept consistently damp, mimicking the plant’s native humid environment. This is achieved by misting the moss daily or slowly pouring water down the top of the pole during regular watering, allowing the roots to absorb supplementary moisture and nutrients.