Moss poles are a common sight in plant-shops, online stores, and greenhouses when growing Monsteras, Philodendrons or other epiphyte species. You might even have some at home to help your climbers reach new levels of beauty. In this blog post I’d like to explain why moss poles are crucial for the health and longevity of these species, and which options you have when choosing one.

Climbing Nature of Monstera and Philodendron

When we step out of our urban jungle for a second, and look at these species in their natural habitats, we will quickly notice why these plants need some structural support for climbing. Both Monsteras and Philodendrons are native to tropical jungles and are primarily found in Central and Latin-America. The jungles in these regions are densely packed with plants and massive trees which block out the majority of the available sunlight with their lush canopies. To access sufficient light for photosynthesis, Monsteras and Philodendrons tend to climb upwards where light is more available than on the jungle floor. They can reach extreme heights by climbing up the trees and other vertical structures while they anchor themselves using aerial roots. This vertical growth is beneficial both for light availability and space efficiency, as the crowded forest floor does not leave a lot of options for horizontal expansion. Plants that grow on other plants, without being parasitic are called epiphytes (if they are not rooted in the ground) or hemi-epiphytes ( if they are rooted to the host-plant and the soil). Other plants that can fall in these categories are some Anthurium and Epipremnum species, amongst others.

Picture: A Monstera in its natural habitat.

So Monstera- and Philodendron species in nature need to climb to thrive. It is written in genetic code that it is beneficial and necessary for their survival. This is why the domesticated version we keep in our homes pay homage to these ancient strategies by also  creeping upwards, because it’s how they were able to stay viable in the jungle-habitat from where they originate.

If you provide this habitat for them, they will flourish with bigger leaves and lusher foliage. The Monstera leaves will show more splits and holes in their grand leaves when supported by vertical structures. In our homes, we can not put a massive tropical tree for the plant to support itself, that is why we use moss poles as a substitute. However there are some options when selecting one, let’s go over some pros and cons for each type.

Choosing the Appropriate Moss Pole

In the jungle habitat the vertical climbing surface provides 2 main functions: Structural support for climbing, and a moist environment for the aerial roots to develop into. In our homes we add one more criteria: cost and ease of use. There are 3 commonly advertised types of moss poles:

• Conventional Coco-Fiber Pole:
  • Support: Provides a great climbing surface, the coco-fiber allows for adhesion of aerial roots to the pole.
  • Humidity: Does not retain much moisture, needs regular misting or high humidity environment to provide hydration through the aerial roots.
  • Ease of use: Very easy to install.
  • Cost: Cheap and widely available at garden centers and plant shops, but also through our webshop 😉.

(First picture: Monstera pertusum / second picture: Philodendron 'Emerald Queen') 

• Spaghnum Pole:
  • Support: Highly effective for climbing due to the soft texture of the moss which allows areal roots to penetrate deep into the substrate.
  • Humidity: Excellent moisture retention, requires misting but can also be hydrated by pouring water on top. The soft, permeable texture and good moisture retention causes the aerial roots to grow vigorously through the substrate. This is beneficial for the plants water and support needs.
  • Ease of use: Requires some DIY-skills to assemble but is customizable to tender the plants specific needs. A water drip system can be added on top to make watering even more efficient and easy.
  • Cost: The materials (Spaghnum moss, metal mesh, straps) can be more costly than other options. The moss is available online, or in some specialized stores.

(Second picture: Philodendron micranthum)  

• Burlap-Wrapped Pole:
  • Support: The coarse texture of burlap also allows the aerial roots to grip it well. The shape is also customizable.
  • Humidity: Moderate moisture retention but requires frequent misting to stay effective. Better than coco, but dries faster than Spaghnum.
  • Ease of use: Easier to assemble than the previous option, but still requires some DIY-know-how to do so.
  • Cost: Burlap is an affordable material, the core can be made of old household materials like wood or pipe.

Moss and what else?

So moss and burlap are great options to provide both structural and hydration support. If you truly want to treat your plants, these are the way to go. Of course there are still other alternatives to help your plants grow tall and strong. The next choices only provide the structural aspect and don’t help with hydration, but they are still viable and effective if your budget, space or motivations are low.

Bamboo sticks can help guide your plants upwards, they are natural, cheap and available in many sizes. They can be tied together at the top with metal wiring or a strong rope to create a pyramid effect as well. (First picture: Rapidophora tetrasperma  / Second picture: Philodendron scandens)

A metal mesh in a cylinder can work wonders even without Spaghnum moss in it. The structure guides the growth upwards and creates a bushy effect. (Picture: Philodendron scandens)

Plastic rods can also be used, they provide the same type of support as bamboo but doesn’t create that natural look. (Picture: Ficus Lyrata bambino)

You can also go a bit crazy and start sticking your plants to rigid structures in the house like walls, poles, stairs and more. Just take into account that the aerial roots do leave some marks behind on the wall when you decide to take them off. (Picture: Monstera epipremnoides 'esqueleto')

We all need support.

Support is necessary to become a pretty, strong adult. This is not only true for humans, but your epiphytic plants will flourish if you give them this extra hand. Your natural climbers will grow like never before, with details in the leaves that will leave all your friends jealous. We wish you and your green companions the best of luck in reaching new height of indoor jungle beauty.

Senne Note - Plantlovers' biologist