Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
Moss Poles: Should You DIY or Buy One For Sale?
Moss poles are quickly becoming a popular plant accessory, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because plants love them! Climbing plants and tropical vines can be trained to grow up these poles, providing structure and support so they can get bigger and stronger. But you might be wondering, is it worth purchasing a moss pole from a greenhouse or should you go the DIY route?
Making your own moss pole for climbing plants can be a fun craft, and it can save a bit of money. Plus, you can make it whatever size you need—tall or short, thick or skinny—for your specific plants and their containers. However, if you’d rather keep it simple and save time by purchasing one that’s ready to use, SummerWinds Nursery has a variety of different plant supports to choose from. Your monstera plant will thank you!
Why Do Vining Plants Love Moss Poles?
In the wild, vining plants—especially tropicals and epiphytic plants with aerial roots—are accustomed to growing up the trunk of a tree or another larger, sturdy plant. The rough texture of the bark is perfect for vines to cling to, so they can get a good grip and continue climbing. As that natural bark material breaks down, it delivers nutrients straight to the plant’s roots for an extra boost to fuel its growth.
Sphagnum moss poles work in the exact same way! The coarse exterior is ideal for climbing plants like Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, or Philodendron cordatum. Over time, that moss will break down and your plants will soak up the nutrients. Spritzing regularly will help keep your plants hydrated, too. They’ll soak up the water, and the moist environment will create humidity around the plant—remember, humidity is a major necessity for most tropicals!
When you add a moss pole to your plant pot, you’ll need to help train the vines to grow around the structure first. A little bit of gardener’s twine can help keep vines in place, but be careful not to tie it too tightly, as this could injure the plant. As your plant grows new roots and stems will develop that grip onto the pole, and eventually you won’t have to use the twine for extra support. Be prepared to trade in your moss pole for a bigger one down the road if you’ve got a smaller plant that’s due for a growth spurt!
Sphagnum Moss Poles and Other Plant Supports
Wondering where to buy moss poles for climbing houseplants? SummerWinds Nursery has got you covered. Not only do we have several different sizes of simple climbing structures for sale—we also have plenty of others with a more decorative quality that creatively displays your plants. Visit one of our stores to see our latest moss trellises and garlands, to create a lush, romantic display of greenery in your home. We’ve even got some cute moss-covered planters and décor—the elephant, snail, or turtle make an awesome gift for kids that love plants!
If you want to take the DIY approach, you can choose from a variety of mosses here at SummerWinds Nursery. We carry Bella Moss™, a high-quality material available in different colors and forms—you can even buy it in sheets to easily roll out for crafting!
How Do You Make a Homemade Moss Pole?
To make your moss pole, all you’ll need is some Bella Moss™, some fishing line or gardener’s twine, and a tall stake. Remember, you have to insert it deeply into the pot so it’s stable—about 7 inches—so you’ll want to account for that extra length when you’re picking out your pot and your stake. If you want your pole to be wider, you can use a simple PVC pipe for the hardware store. You just may need to attach a smaller stake at the bottom so you can push it into your plant pot without damaging the plant roots.
Measure approximately 7 inches up from the bottom of your pole where you’ll be staking it into the pot. Make a mark with your Sharpie so you’ll know where to stop adding moss. Starting from the top of your stake or pipe, wrap the exterior in a moss sheet, or some loose moss that you’ve matted down flat. Secure it tightly to the pole with your string—do a little bit at a time to make sure it’s all in place and doesn’t fall apart. Keep wrapping the pole until you’ve reached the mark you made. Finish it off, trim any loose edges, and your DIY is done! Insert it carefully into your plant pot, preferably a bit closer to the edge where you won’t tear through as many roots.
Moss poles have been surging in popularity, so be sure to visit us soon to see all the amazing options we have available. Whether you want to buy or go the DIY route, your moss pole will help mimic your plant’s natural environment, resulting in a healthier, happier plant overall. We are totally on board with that!
