Is your prized house plant starting to flop over? Is it growing out sideways when you want it to grow up? A moss pole for plants can help your indoor garden plants stand tall again, but with all the options, which one should you buy and why?
We’ve spent many hours researching and trying the best moss pole for climbing plants. As a result, we’ve created this handy guide with info and reviews to help you find the best moss pole for your needs.
Learn everything you need to know about this kind of plant support pole to keep your tall indoor plants from falling over.
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What is a Moss Pole and Why Do I Need One?
A moss pole for plants is a vertical support stake made with live moss used to support vining plants.
Plants like Monstera, Pothos varieties, and Philodendrons will happily grow up a vertical support stake such as a moss stick.
Using a moss pole to help your climbing plant grow upward will:
- Give you more flexibility on where you can place your plant because it is now taller instead of wider
- Allow you to shape your plant and make it look bushier.
- Provide your plant extra micronutrients and help train their growth habits
- Help your plant develop bigger leaves.
Here are a few plants that really benefit from a moss stick:
- Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Pearls and Jade Pothos
- Philodendron Birkin
- Monstera Borsignia
The moss pole mimics the natural habitat of these climbing, tropical plants, giving the stems a solid trellis to climb up.
Why do plants use moss poles?
Many vining houseplants are native to tropical rainforests. They grow on top of another plant, usually a tree, to reach for the sun.
Essentially, a moss pole functions as a faux tree trunks for different kinds of potted climbing plants to cling to, and it’s a first-rate option for numerous types of houseplants.
In addition to allowing the plants to grow upward as they would on a tree, the moss pole offers extra moisture and nutrients through the sphagnum moss or coir fiber that makes up the moss pole.
The sphagnum moss pole also looks neat and adds an extra little something to the aesthetics of your plant collection.
Do moss totems help plants grow?
When you use a moss pole, you help house plants grow to their full potential and create the most giant leaves possible. Moss poles help recreate a plant’s natural environment where they would normally grow up a tree in the rainforest.
The Monstera deliciosa is a prime example of this, and larger leaves mean more of those classic fenestrations (leaf holes or gaps) develop on the plant.
A heavier plant will benefit from a poll as it provides support, makes them more robust, and gives them the security to thrive.
Choosing the Best Moss Poles
Most moss poles are made from a wooden plant stake wrapped in loose sphagnum moss or sheet moss. Some are made of PVC plastic. Typically the “moss” is either sphagnum peat moss or coco coir. Manufacturers use plastic or metal mesh or natural jute twine to hold the moss onto the pole. What is the best support pole really depends on your preferences.
Coco Coir Poles
Everything between the shell and the outer coating of a coconut is considered coconut coir. It is a tough brown fibrous material that can be woven into any shape, including the one used to construct moss poles.
Coco coir makes an excellent alternative to sphagnum moss or sheet moss. It retains less water but still provides a stable material that is easy for plants to root into.
Coco Coir Moss Pole:
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss makes up the traditional “moss pole” – hence the name. The pole is filled with preserved sphagnum moss and secured with twine or wire.
Sphagnum moss makes for a great support material as its incredibly water retentive, highly resistant to rot, and its fluffy consistency is easy for plants to root into.
Here is a really neat bendable moss pole made from Sphagnum moss available in 3 different heights.
- 🪴𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓: Made entirely from natural forest moss, each pole contains a dense layer of moss that acts like a natural sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture exceptionally well. Moss poles create an ideal environment for climbing plants to root quickly and grow vigorously, while adding a lush, natural green touch around your plant pot.
- 🪴𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄: The monstera moss pole is wrapped in natural forest moss and secured with durable green PVC mesh. The design is both sturdy and adaptable, keeping the moss in place while preventing shedding, and can be easily adjusted to fit different plant shapes and pot sizes.
- 🪴𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘: Each moss plant pole is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in Vietnam, ensuring a premium finish with great attention to detail. The Duspro moss pole not only provides strong support for climbing plants but also enhances the aesthetic of your plant display, turning it into a stylish, eye-catching green corner.
- 🪴𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: Standing 25 inches tall with a diameter of 1.38 inches, these monstera plant support provide ideal vertical support for climbing plants. These mesh moss poles for climbing plants help plants maintain a natural posture, keep branches strong, and promote stable growth at every stage.
- 🪴 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐘 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒: Suitable for a wide range of climbing and indoor plants, including: monstera support, philodendron moss pole, pothos climbing pole, moss pole pink princess plant support, houseplant moss pole, moss plant climbing pole,.. . The monstera pole helps plants cling securely and grow robustly, while being easy to care for, and bring a natural beauty to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
How tall should the moss pole be?
The height/length of your support pole will depend on the types of plants, weight, and how tall you eventually hope your plant will grow.
Smaller plants will need a shorter and thinner pole. A heavier plant, such as Monstera Deliciosa with large leaves may require a longer and thicker option. A taller plant will need a taller pole.
As a rule, select a pole that is taller than your plant. Choosing a pole that is taller than your plant will encourage it to keep climbing. If It runs out of room, you can usually attach another moss pole to the one already in your pot.
Heights range from 12 inches on up. The tallest pole we have seen is the Befano which has six sections, allowing it to be as tall as 89 inches.
How to Use a Moss Pole for Plants
Moss poles for plants are installed most easily into empty planter pots before placing your plant in the pot. While some poles have pointy ends that can poke right into the root ball, moss poles are sturdiest when secured to the bottom of the pot.
How do you stabilize a moss pole?
The perfect time to add a moss pole is when you are repotting your houseplant into a new pot. Adding the moss pole during repotting ensures that the pole is at the bottom of the pot, making it less likely to wobble.
Do you need to keep the moss pole wet?
Keep your moss totem pole moist to encourage aerial plant roots to secure themselves into the pole. Moistening your moss pole moist is easiest with an automatic plant mister. You can also moisten with a regular spray bottle or tap water in the sink/shower.
A moss pole should be soaked in the sink or misted before installing it in your plant pot. Moss poles are made with material that retains water, so soaking/spraying the pole will allow it to store some moisture for the plant to access later.
How do you train a plant to climb a moss pole?
As the plant grows, you will need to secure the vines of your plants to the moss pole so they can climb upwards. If you purchase a moss pole, it will most likely come with something you can use to secure the vines.
We like Velcro strips or plant tape to gently attach the vines to the pole without damaging them. You can also attach aerial roots to encourage them to root into the pole.
You can also use twine, twist ties, zip ties, or a decorative ribbon to secure your plant. Just be sure to orient the air roots towards the pole (as much as you can, sometimes, this isn’t possible, and it’s up to the climbing plants to find their way).
Keep directing it towards the pole with your plant tape as the climbing plant grows upwards. Eventually, the plant will catch on and grow into the pole all on its own.
Pro tip: Plants grow toward the light. To encourage upward growth, place your light source or place your plant in a position that allows light from above.
Moss Pole For Plants: Buy or DIY?
Where to Buy a Moss Pole
Moss poles are not readily available in brick and mortar stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Luckily they are available from online retailers.
Amazon has the most comprehensive selection. You can find exactly what you need for your plants. Etsy also has many different options for you in all shapes and sizes.
Etsy seller Mossify sells bendable moss poles from 16 – 42 inches tall. They are unique and customizable, making them a bestseller.
- STRONG & BENDABLE 28” MOSS POLE – Crafted with a bendable metal core, these moss pole monstera plant supports trellis offer strong structure and shapeability. Perfect for climbing plants like Monstera, Pothos, and Philodendron.
- SUPPORTS TALL & HEAVY PLANTS – Engineered to handle larger foliage without tipping or breaking, our plant stakes for indoor plants provide reliable upright growth for maturing vines and leaves.
- CLEARLY NATURAL COCO COIR MATERIAL – Wrapped in premium coconut fiber (not sphagnum moss), this support mimics tree bark to encourage healthy aerial root attachment and natural climbing.
- DRY-USE FRIENDLY WITH MISTING OPTION – Unlike traditional moss poles, our plant sticks support growth even when dry, but you can mist occasionally for added humidity if desired.
- EASY TO USE & REPOT SAFELY – Simply insert into soil and tie your plant. Designed for minimal root disturbance when repositioning or repotting. Velcro straps included for mess-free support.
- Versatile & Bendable Design: Measuring 120CM (47 inches), this moss pole provides essential support for climbing plants such as Monstera, Potted plant and other popular varieties. Its flexible design allows you to bend it, ensuring your plants have optimal growth support.
- Ideal for Monstera & Other Climbing Plants: Perfectly crafted for indoor and outdoor plants, especially Monstera. This moss pole mimics the natural growth patterns of climbing plants, supporting their development and enhancing their lush, vibrant growth.
- Superior Air Permeability for Healthier Growth: Made from premium coconut coir, this pole promotes airflow, ensuring your plants can breathe easily. Improved air circulation contributes to stronger, healthier plants, ideal for both experienced gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
- Easy Installation & Customizable Support: Setting up your moss pole is simple and quick. Insert it into the potting soil for stability, then secure your plants using the included cable ties and hemp rope. Create custom shapes and ensure your climbing plants thrive.
- Complete Support Kit Included: This kit includes 1 x 120CM Coir Pole, 1 x Hemp Rope, 1 x 7mm Aluminum Wire Strap Bundle, 1 x Plastic Strap Bundle, and 1 x Tape Roll, providing all the necessary tools to ensure your climbing plants get the support they need to flourish.
- Complete Installation Kit: This set features 4 stackable 16" Moss poles reaching 48" height, plus 65ft twist ties, 16ft jute rope, 6.6ft velcro tape, and 20 zip ties. With easy instructions, gently secure stems to help guide plant climber upward growth
- Extendable & Stackable Design: These plant stakes for indoor plants feature a modular design to reach a 48" height. Use them individually or stack them as your Monstera grows for adjustable support
- Sturdy & Stable Design: This coco coir pole features a reinforced PVC core and pointed stakes for deep soil anchoring. These Plant moss poles for climbing plants keep top-heavy Monstera and Pothos upright without any wobbling or tipping
- Natural & Eco-Friendly Design: Crafted from natural and sustainable coconut fiber. Each monstera moss pole mimics a native jungle environment. This organic surface supports easy aerial root attachment and vertical plant growth
- Easy Care & Guidance: A clean, professional alternative to messy DIY moss setups. This monstera pole is simple to maintain with included watering tips, supporting a variety of indoor climbing plants
DIY Moss Pole
You can also make your own moss pole for your indoor plants at home. Making your own moss poles enables you to select the perfect size and material.
Begin building the core with a wooden stick, bamboo stake, or PVC pipe. Wrap the outside with sphagnum moss, coir (coconut fiber), or sheet moss. Use natural jute twine, cotton thread, fishing line, or synthetic mesh to hold the moss or coconut fibers onto the core.
What can I use instead of a moss pole?
A trellis can work as something to stabilize your plants and help them grow straight up.
However, a moss pole gives your plants something they can “grow into.” The moss acts as a substrate that the plant can dig its aerial roots into, mimicking the bark and moss it encounters in nature.
When you mist your moss poles regularly, you help your plant maintain a moisture level similar to its natural habitat. A trellis will dry off shortly after being misted.
Bamboo plant stakes are a simple and effective alternative when your plant needs some extra support.
What Plants Need a Moss Pole?
As we mentioned previously, plants that do very well with a moss pole are different varieties of Philodendron, Pothos, and Monstera.
Monstera Moss Pole
The Monstera and the moss pole go together hand in hand. The moss pole strengthens the plants and leaves and allows the Monstera stems to attach to something, acting as though the Monstera now has a larger stem. Monsteras sometimes struggle to hold up their leaves.
Insert a moss pole into your Mnstera’s pot as early as possible. The moss pole will be much easier to add early on. Roots are less likely to sustain damage, and the plant supports will help the leaves grow and develop faster.
The brown moss pole contrasted against the green plants also just looks and feels more tropical and adds a nice touch.
Pothos Moss Pole
Pothos varieties use aerial roots to anchor onto trees and soak in air and water. They do well with a moss pole because of their beautiful draping vines and ability to climb.
While Pothos plants, such as Golden Pothos, don’t require a moss pole, having one helps:
- To support the plant
- The plant access water
- The leaves grow even more significantly as the plant matures.
Without a moss totem, these vining plants will cascade horizontally and have slightly smaller leaves. Either option is acceptable for these plants. It just depends on the look you are going for.
Philodendron Moss Pole
Like Pothos, Philodendrons of all types produce aerial roots meaning they will experience the same benefits from a moss pole. You will see faster growth and larger leaves.
Final Thoughts on Moss Poles for Plants
Moss totems work well for your vining and climbing indoor plants. They mimic the plant’s natural habitat, help your plants be more robust, develop larger leaves, and create an aesthetic that will look great in your cozy, fresh, and green home! We hope this article will help you choose a great option from all the different types of moss poles.
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