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Have you ever been let down by the moss poles available on the market? I have. The tightly bound moss poles don’t allow aerial roots to penetrate and are a pain in the butt to water. They are basically just expensive posts, and you are way better off making your own moss pole.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make your own high-quality moss pole that’s not only better than anything you’ll find on the market but also more budget-friendly and more attractive!
Get ready to take control of your plant’s support system and elevate your indoor greenery game! Please, make sure to watch the video for in-depth instructions on me making a DIY moss pole.
I have a huge houseplant collection; plenty of my plants need moss pole support. I’ve tried various brands, and none of them worked as I wished they would. So, I decided to start making my moss poles for several reasons!
Reasons to Make Your Own Moss Pole for Your Houseplants
- Dissatisfaction with Market Options: The moss poles I encountered in stores didn’t meet my expectations. Their tight bindings make watering a hassle, and it is hard (nearly impossible) for your houseplant’s aerial roots to penetrate the moss. I knew there had to be a better way!
- Customization and Control: By making my own moss poles, I gained the freedom to customize them according to the specific needs of my plants. I could determine the size, shape, and level of support required, ensuring a perfect fit for each unique plant in my collection. This level of control empowered me to provide the optimal environment for growth and well-being.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Let’s face it—store-bought moss poles can be expensive. By making my own, I could significantly reduce costs while achieving the same or even better quality. With readily available materials at Home Depot and some creativity, I discovered I could create beautiful, functional moss poles that didn’t drain my wallet!
- Enhanced Watering and Maintenance: One of the biggest frustrations with store-bought moss poles was their limited watering capabilities. They are all so tightly bound that water cannot easily penetrate, leading to inadequate hydration for my plants. By crafting my moss poles, I could design them with better water absorption in mind. This meant that my plants received the moisture they needed for healthy growth.
- A Sense of Accomplishment: Crafting my own moss poles gave me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. I also really enjoyed making these with my husband, Caleb. It was fun to work as a team. It allowed me to tap into my creative side, engage in a hands-on project, and watch my houseplants flourish!
DIY Moss Pole Supplies
Moss poles on the internet are about $20 or more for one, and they honestly suck. Here is the quick shopping list to make at least 15 or more poles!
- Sphagnum Moss ($8)
- 3/4 inch mesh, 3 ft. x 25 ft. black plastic poultry netting ($25)
- 8-inch Plastic Plant Twists (100-Pack) ($6)
- Wire Cutters or Sharp Snips ($14)
Houseplant Moss Pole Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Own Moss Pole
1) Gather the Materials:
- Sphagnum Moss
- 3/4 inch mesh, 3 ft. x 25 ft. black plastic poultry netting
- 8-inch Plastic Plant Twists (100-Pack)
- Wire Cutters or Sharp Snips
2) Soak the Sphagnum Moss:
Soak the sphagnum moss in water for approximately 20 minutes. This will ensure it’s hydrated and ready to create a healthy environment for your plants.
3) Prepare the Netting:
Unroll the netting and use wire cutters or sharp scissors to snip the netting to the proper circumference of your desired moss pole. This step ensures a perfect fit for your plant’s needs.
4) Fill the Netting with Moist Sphagnum Moss:
Fill the netting with the moistened sphagnum moss. You might be surprised to find that the moss has a pleasant fragrance reminiscent of Tide dryer sheets. Add a generous amount of moss to ensure a snug fit when closing the cylinder. Gently pack it down to create a firm support structure. Over time, the moss will naturally degrade and loosen, so be sure to fill the cylinder completely.
5) Roll and Stitch Your Moss Pole:
Roll the filled netting to create your moss pole. Now, it’s time to stitch the moss pole together. Grab your plant twist ties and place one in the middle, then work your way out to each end, “sewing” up the cylinder. Trim off any excess twist ties or tuck them inside the moss pole for a clean finish.
6) Fill the Moss Pole as Needed:
Hold your moss pole vertically and fill it with more moss if required. This step ensures that your plant has ample support and a thriving environment.
7) Repot Your Plant:
Carefully place the moss pole into your pot, ensuring it touches the bottom of the planter for optimal support. This will provide stability and promote healthy growth for your beloved plant.
8) Secure Your Plant’s Stems:
Position your plant next to the moss pole and start securing its stems to the pole. When you come across an aerial root, make sure to secure it so it can begin growing into the moss. Simply slip a piece of the wire twist-tie under one square of the mesh grid and twist it around the stem to keep it in place.
9) Enjoy the Results:
That’s it! Sit back and admire your handcrafted moss pole, knowing it provides visual appeal and essential support for your plant. Your plant will thrive, and you’ll have a beautiful display to enjoy.
Which houseplants need moss poles?
Moss poles are commonly used to support and encourage vertical growth in climbing or vining plants. Moss poles provide the perfect structure for your houseplants to attach and climb, mimicking their natural growth patterns in the wild. Here are some types of plants that often benefit from moss poles:
- Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii: Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, Monstera has iconic split leaves and loves to climb. A moss pole can help it grow taller and develop its distinctive fenestrations.
- Philodendron Species: Many philodendron varieties are climbers, such as the Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) and the Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus).
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos plants are known for their trailing vines, but when provided with a moss pole, they can be trained to grow upward, creating a stunning vertical display.
- Hoya: Certain Hoya species, such as Hoya carnosa, can benefit from moss poles to encourage them to climb and display their lovely wax-like flowers.
Remember that while these plants can greatly benefit from moss poles, their growth patterns can vary, and it’s important to monitor their progress and adjust their positioning on the pole as needed. Providing a moss pole can improve the aesthetics of your indoor jungle and enhance the overall health and growth of your climbing plants!
Houseplant Moss Pole FAQS
Why do plants need moss poles?
Moss poles are an essential support system for vining plants, such as pothos and philodendrons. Without proper support, these plants will quickly become droopy and weak. Moss poles also provide a space for aerial roots to attach themselves, which helps the plant climb further up the pole.
What type of moss is best for a moss pole?
Sphagnum moss is the best choice when creating a moss pole. It’s highly absorbent and retains moisture better than other types of moss. This ensures that your plant has access to the water it needs to thrive. Plus, it has a pleasant smell and provides an aesthetically pleasing look.
What types of plants need moss poles?
Moss poles are essential for supporting vining plants like pothos, philodendrons, and monsteras. These plants rely on the support of a moss pole to climb up and reach new heights. They also need the moisture provided by the moss to survive.
What is sphagnum moss?
Sphagnum moss is a type of moss that grows in wetlands and bogs. It’s highly absorbent and retains moisture better than other types of moss, making it an ideal choice for moss poles. It also has a pleasant smell and provides an aesthetically pleasing look when used to create a plant support structure.
Conclusion
By creating your own moss pole using simple materials and following these easy steps, you can forever say goodbye to disappointing market options. Your plants will thank you for the sturdy support, and you’ll be delighted by the cost-effectiveness of your DIY solution.
Get ready to watch your green friends flourish, and your space becomes a vibrant oasis of plant life!