Monstera deliciosa is a popular houseplant, celebrated for its large, glossy leaves that develop characteristic splits and holes, known as fenestrations. In its native Central American rainforest habitat, this plant grows as a hemiepiphyte, meaning it starts on the forest floor but quickly develops aerial roots to climb large trees toward the light. Since the plant is a natural climber and not a self-supporting shrub, a moss pole mimics the natural support structure of a tree in a home environment. This support encourages the plant to mature vertically, resulting in a healthier, more visually appealing specimen.
Understanding the Purpose of the Moss Pole
The primary function of a moss pole is to encourage the Monstera to adopt its mature climbing habit, which is linked to the development of larger leaves and more pronounced fenestrations. As the plant grows upward, it produces aerial roots along its stem nodes. These roots are designed to anchor the plant to a rough surface, and a moss pole provides this ideal texture.
Unlike simple stakes that offer only physical support, a moss pole serves as a growing medium for these aerial roots. When the aerial roots penetrate the moist moss, the plant receives additional moisture and micronutrients. This signals that the plant has found a stable climbing path. This structural and nutritional support triggers the plant to invest energy into producing mature leaves. Without this upward support, a Monstera tends to sprawl, resulting in smaller leaves and an unruly appearance.
Selecting and Preparing Your Materials
Choosing the correct materials is the first step toward a successful installation. The two most common climbing structures are sphagnum moss poles and coir (coconut fiber) poles. Sphagnum moss poles are preferred for Monstera deliciosa because sphagnum moss retains significantly more water than coir, which strongly attracts the plant’s aerial roots.
Sphagnum moss’s high water retention encourages aerial roots to grow into the pole and establish a strong anchor. Coir poles are more durable and require less frequent watering, making them a good option for less attentive owners or high-humidity environments. Whichever material is chosen, the pole should be extendable, allowing you to add height as the plant grows, and its initial height should be close to the current height of your plant.
In addition to the pole, you will need soft securing materials to initially attach the main stem to the structure. Soft plant ties, Velcro garden tape, or cotton twine are ideal because they minimize the risk of damaging the delicate plant stem. Avoid thin wire or sharp materials that can cut into the stem as the plant grows.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The best time to install a moss pole is when repotting the Monstera, as this minimizes root disturbance, but it can be added to an established plant with care. If using a sphagnum moss pole, fully saturate the moss by soaking it in water for about 15 minutes before installation; this ensures the material is moist and immediately attractive to the aerial roots.
When placing the pole, insert the un-mossed end deeply into the soil, pushing it down to the bottom of the pot for maximum stability. Position the pole slightly behind the main stem, aligning it with the plant’s natural growth direction. The goal is to place the pole so the back of the plant—the side from which the aerial roots emerge—is facing and touching the moss.
Once the pole is firmly in place, gently bring the main stem of the Monstera against the moss surface. Use soft ties to secure the stem at the node points, which are the areas where leaves and aerial roots emerge.
It is important to tie the main stem and not the petioles, which are the stalks that hold the individual leaves. Securing the petioles can restrict their movement and cause damage, preventing the leaf from properly adjusting to light. Over time, the aerial roots will grow into the moss, taking over the job of the initial ties.
Ongoing Care and Training
Maintaining a functional moss pole involves keeping the material consistently moist, which is the key to encouraging aerial root attachment. Watering the pole separately from the soil is often necessary, as the moss dries out much faster than the potting mix. This is accomplished by slowly pouring water directly onto the top of the moss pole, allowing the moisture to wick down through the material.
Alternatively, some growers use a spray bottle or a plant mister to keep the surface damp, but thorough soaking ensures the entire column remains hydrated. The goal is to provide a reliable source of moisture for the aerial roots without oversaturating the soil below, which can lead to root rot.
As the plant continues to grow, new nodes will appear above the current pole height, and new aerial roots will emerge. Gently guide this new growth toward the moss, securing the main stem to the pole as needed. When the Monstera reaches the top of the pole, add an extension by inserting a new moss pole directly into the existing one. This ensures the plant maintains its vertical habit and continues to produce large, mature foliage.