Jute poles and moss poles are two popular options for supporting climbing houseplants, such as Monstera and Pothos. While both poles serve the same purpose, they have some differences that make them unique. In this article, we will compare jute poles and moss poles and help you decide which one is better for your plant.
Jute Pole vs. Moss Pole for Your Indoor Plants
Moss poles have been used for decades as a natural way to support climbing tropical plants. They are made of a wooden stake covered in sphagnum moss, which provides a moist environment for the plant’s aerial roots to grow into. As the roots grow, they attach themselves to the moss, providing stability and support for the plant. However, moss poles can be messy and require frequent misting to keep the moss moist.
Jute poles, on the other hand, are a newer traditional moss pole alternatives. They are made of a wooden stake wrapped in jute rope, which provides a rough surface for the plant’s aerial roots to attach to. Jute poles are less messy than moss poles and don’t require misting. They also have a natural look that blends in well with the plant and its surroundings. However, jute poles may not provide as much moisture as moss poles, which can be a concern for potted plants that require high humidity.
What are Jute Poles?
Jute poles are an alternative to traditional moss poles for supporting your climbing plant. They are made by wrapping a jute rope around a support pole, such as bamboo, PVC pipe, or a wooden dowel. The jute rope provides a rough surface for the plant to climb, and the natural fibers are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Using a jute pole has several advantages over a moss pole. First, they are more affordable and accessible, as jute rope can be found at most hardware stores. Second, they are easier to make and customize to fit your plant’s size and shape. Third, they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than a moss pole, which requires the harvesting of sphagnum moss from bogs.
However, jute poles may not be suitable for all plants. Some plants with heavy foliage or thick stems may require a sturdier support system, such as a trellis or wire frame. Additionally, jute poles may not provide as much moisture retention as moss poles, which can be important for plants that prefer a humid environment.
What are Moss Poles?
Moss poles are commonly used to support climbing plants, especially those that are native to tropical regions. These poles are made by wrapping a PVC pipe or wooden stake with sphagnum moss, which provides a moist environment for your plants aerial roots to grow and attach to. The aerial roots of vining plants, such as Monstera and Philodendron, cling to the moss pole, allowing the plant to grow vertically and reducing the risk of the plant falling over due to its weight.
Moss poles are a popular choice among plant enthusiasts because they mimic the natural environment of climbing plants in the wild. The moist environment provided by the sphagnum moss helps to promote the growth of aerial roots, which are essential for vining plants to thrive. Additionally, moss poles can be used as a decorative element, adding a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space.
While moss poles are effective at supporting climbing plants, they do have some drawbacks. Moss poles can be messy and difficult to maintain, as the sphagnum moss needs to be kept moist to promote the growth of aerial roots. Additionally, the moss can attract pests and mold if not properly cared for. A Moss pole can also be expensive, especially if you have multiple climbing plants that require support. Some low cost moss poles are available.
Read More: Moss Poles for Plants: Why You Need One and Where to Get It
Jute vs Moss: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Jute Poles
Jute poles are made from natural materials and are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly option for supporting plants. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find in gardening stores or online. Jute poles can be cut to any length and are flexible, which makes them easy to shape and bend to fit the needs of different plants.
Jute poles are also a good option for plants that require a lot of moisture, as they can retain water and help keep the potting soil moist. They are also durable and can last for several years if properly cared for.
Disadvantages of Jute Poles
One disadvantage of jute poles is that they may not be as strong as other materials, such as bamboo or metal, and may not provide as much support for heavier plants. They can also be prone to rotting if constantly exposed to moisture, which can shorten their lifespan.
Jute poles may also be more difficult to attach vines to, as the rough texture of the material can make it hard for plant stems to grip onto the pole.
Advantages of a Moss Pole
Moss poles are made from live moss, which can provide a natural and attractive look for indoor plants. They can also provide a solid trellis for plants to climb up, imitating their natural habitat and promoting healthy growth.
Moss poles are also beneficial for plants that require a lot of moisture, as the moss can help retain water and keep the soil moist. They can also help to strengthen the plant and give it a more attractive shape by allowing for aerial root attachment.
Disadvantages of Moss Poles
One disadvantage of a moss pole is that they can be more expensive than other support stake options, such as jute poles or bamboo stakes. They can also be more difficult to find in gardening stores, and may require more maintenance than other options.
Moss poles can also be more prone to mold or mildew growth if not properly cared for, which can affect the health of the plant and shorten the lifespan of the pole.
Which One to Choose?
Both jute poles and moss poles are great options for supporting vining plants. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and the needs of your plant.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, jute poles are a great choice. They are easy to make and can be reused multiple times. Plus, they provide a natural look that blends in well with your plant’s foliage.
On the other hand, if you want a more traditional look and don’t mind the mess, a moss pole may be the way to go. They are made with sphagnum moss, which provides a moist environment for your plant’s roots to grow in. This can be especially beneficial for plants that prefer a humid environment.
Consider the Needs of Your Plants
When choosing between the two, consider the needs of your plant. If your plant requires a lot of moisture, a moss pole may be the better choice. However, if you want a more sustainable option, a jute pole may be the way to go.
Ultimately, both options are great for supporting climbing plants and can help them grow tall and strong. Choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Moss Pole vs Jute Pole for Your Climbing Plant
When it comes to choosing between jute pole vs. moss pole, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the needs of your plants. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider them before making a decision.
A moss pole is a classic option that provide a natural look and are easy to install. However, they can become waterlogged and rot quickly, which can be detrimental to your plants. On the other hand, jute poles are a great alternative that are more environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are also relatively easy to make and can provide sturdy support for your plants.
How to Use a Jute Pole
Jute poles are a great alternative to traditional moss poles for supporting climbing or trailing plants. Here are the steps to use a jute pole:
- Choose a jute pole that is the appropriate size for your plant. Jute poles come in different lengths and diameters, so make sure to choose one that is tall enough to support your plant as it grows.
- Place the pole in the center of your plant pot or container. Make sure it is firmly anchored in the soil and doesn’t wobble.
- Tie your plant to the jute pole using twine, plant ties or cable ties. Start at the bottom of the pole and work your way up, tying the stems of your plant to the pole as you go. Be sure to tie the stems loosely to allow room for growth.
- As your plant grows, continue to tie it to the jute pole as needed. You may need to add additional ties or adjust the existing ones as your plant gets taller.
- Water your plant as usual, being careful not to soak the jute pole. Over time, the jute pole will begin to break down and decompose, providing nutrients to your plant.
Using a jute pole is a great way to support your climbing plants and add a natural look to your indoor or outdoor space.
DIY Moss Pole or Jute Pole
If you want to DIY your moss pole or jute pole, another factor to consider is the availability and cost of materials. A DIY moss pole requires sphagnum moss and a wooden dowel (cut to your desired size), which may not be readily available in your area.
Jute poles, on the other hand, can be made with readily available materials like jute twine and PVC pipe. Apply glue up PVC pipe and wrap jute. Once the glue on the starting point dries, simple run a few lines of glue up and down the PVC pipe and start wrapping the jute cord around the pole.
DIY poles are a great way to save money and still provide good support for your indoor plant without just using a plain wooden pole.
Other Moss Pole Alternatives
If you’re looking for another moss pole alternative, there are a few options you can consider. One option is to use a trellis (plastic trellis, wire trellis, or metal trellises are popular), which can provide support for your climbing plant and help them grow upward. A bamboo-based trellis is an excellent way of supporting your plant and is much firmer than simple bamboo stakes.
Another option is to use a stake or bamboo pole, which can be attached to your plant using twine or clips. A minimalist alternative is a simple wooden board/plank to help vining plants attach and wrap around decoratively.
A natural bamboo or a tree slab are the perfect alternatives to a moss pole. Remember that Bamboo shrinks greater than tree wood. Find a suitably-sized plank from your local hardware store ( I found all these on Amazon ) and place it in the bottom of your empty pot before placing a little soil and your plant’s root ball in the center.
Wooden sticks are used in many DIY poles preparation. These sticks can be used alone but can not provide many benefits. Coco fibers, sphagnum moss, jute are wrapped over the wooden stick for making poles.
You can also try using a wire frame or a ladder-like structure made of wooden dowels or PVC pipes. These alternatives can provide similar support to a moss pole without the need for moss or other organic materials.
What is a Coir Pole?
A coir pole is another option made from coco coir. A coir pole is a type of plant support that is made from coconut fibers. It is similar to a moss pole, but instead of using moss, it uses coir, which is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and outer coat of a coconut. Coir poles are often used to support climbing plants such as Monstera plants, Philodendrons, Pothos, and other mature plants.
Coco coir makes an excellent alternative to sphagnum or sheet moss for moss poles. It’s less water retentive but the coco fiber provides a stable material that’s easy for plants to root into.
Coco coir poles come in different sizes and shapes, and they can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. They are usually wrapped around a PVC or wooden pole, and the coir fibers provide a rough surface that climbing plants can grip onto. Coir poles are also eco-friendly and sustainable, as they are made from a renewable resource and can be composted at the end of their life cycle.
To use coir poles, you simply need to insert it into the soil near the base of your plant and tie the stems of your climbing plant to the pole using twine or plant ties. As your plant grows, it will naturally climb up the coir pole, using the fibers to support itself.
Coir material does produce a lot of salt which can be hazardous for plant growth.
Metal Pipes
Metal poles (or a metal pipe) can be a sturdy and long-lasting option for supporting climbing plants, especially those that are heavy or grow very tall. Metal poles can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and copper.
Some types of metal poles, such as tomato cages, are specifically designed for supporting plants. These cages can be placed around the base of a plant and provide support as the plant grows upward. Other types of metal poles, such as stakes or trellises, can be used to provide support for climbing plants.
When using metal poles to support plants, it’s important to choose a material that is durable and won’t rust or corrode over time. You may also want to consider using a protective coating or paint to help prevent rust and extend the life of your metal poles. Additionally, you should be careful when tying your plant to the pole, as metal can be abrasive and may damage the stems or leaves of your plant if tied too tightly.
The heavy-duty nature and stackable quality make metal pipes a great option for training tall, top-heavy plants and vegetables like pole beans, cucumbers, and peas.
Final Thoughts on Poles for Climbing Plants
Ultimately, the choice between a jute pole or a moss pole comes down to your personal preference and the needs of your plants, and what the plants foliage looks like. Both options can provide sturdy support and help your plants grow to their full potential.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision, and choose the option that best suits your needs.
Pro Tip: Repotting is also a great time to add a new moss pole or jute pole.