The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining plant that naturally grows as a hemi-epiphyte in tropical environments. In its native habitat, it uses aerial roots to climb the trunks of trees toward the forest canopy. When Pothos is grown in a hanging basket, it retains its juvenile form, characterized by smaller, trailing leaves. Providing the plant with a vertical support structure like a moss pole mimics the natural tree trunk environment. This upward growth triggers a hormonal change, causing the plant to mature and develop significantly larger leaves as it climbs. A moss pole serves as both physical support and a moist substrate for the specialized aerial roots to anchor into and thrive.
Selecting and Preparing the Pole
The choice of pole material affects its ability to support and encourage growth. Sphagnum moss poles are generally preferred because their fibrous structure retains moisture for longer periods. This constant dampness is necessary for the plant’s aerial roots to adhere. Coir or coconut fiber poles, while more durable, tend to dry out quickly, which can discourage the root attachment needed for the Pothos to climb independently.
The height of the pole should be slightly taller than your current plant, allowing for immediate new growth. Since Pothos is a fast-growing, relatively thinner-stemmed climber, a pole with a moderate diameter, such as four to six centimeters, is typically sufficient. Prior to installation, the pole must be thoroughly soaked in water for at least ten minutes until it is completely saturated. A dry pole will wick moisture away from the soil and fail to encourage the plant’s roots to grow into it.
Installation and Initial Placement
The most secure time to install a moss pole is during the process of repotting the plant. This allows you to place the pole deep into the center or back of the pot without causing unnecessary root damage. If installing the pole into an established plant, exercise caution and gently push the pole down into the soil near the main stem. The pole must be inserted deeply, typically one-quarter to one-third of its length, to ensure maximum stability.
Proper placement prevents the pole from becoming top-heavy and toppling over as the Pothos grows. If the pole is top-heavy, you can place a support stake behind it and use ties to secure the pole to the stake. The main stem of the Pothos should be positioned as close as possible to the pole’s surface. This proximity minimizes the distance the aerial roots must travel to make contact with the moist substrate.
Training the Pothos Vines
Training involves guiding the plant’s vines so that their nodes are pressed directly against the moss pole. The node is the point on the stem where the leaf meets the vine and where the aerial roots emerge. Encouraging contact at these points is the primary purpose of the moss pole. You can begin with the longest vines, gently wrapping them upward around the pole without forcing any sharp bends in the stem.
Temporary securing materials are necessary to hold the vines in place until the roots take hold. Soft plant ties, Velcro tape, or florist pins are excellent choices because they are non-abrasive and will not damage the delicate stems. When securing the vine, ensure the tie is snug enough to hold the stem against the moss but loose enough to prevent girdling the plant. As the pole is maintained with moisture, the aerial roots will naturally penetrate the moss, providing long-term structural support.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
The success of using a moss pole is entirely dependent on keeping the pole damp at all times. The pole needs to remain consistently moist to signal to the Pothos that it is a viable climbing surface. Allowing the pole to dry out causes the aerial roots to stop growing and detach, which stalls the plant’s transition to its mature form.
One effective watering method is pouring water slowly over the top of the pole until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot. This simultaneously waters the soil and ensures deep saturation of the moss. Alternatively, you can use a syringe or spray bottle to dampen the moss two to three times per week, especially in low-humidity environments.
When the Pothos vine reaches the top of the pole, you can manage its vertical growth by adding an extension section. Modular poles are designed to stack, allowing you to secure a new, moss-filled section directly on top of the old one using internal connectors or zip ties.