Moss Pole for Plants: Why You Need One and Where to Get It

moss pole for plants

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: 

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. 

DUSPRO 2 Pack 25 Inch Real Moss Pole for Monstera Plant Stakes, Sphagnum Handmade Slim Forest Moss Stick, Potted Plants Support/Totem Perfect for Small/Medium Climbing Plants Indoor
  • 💡🍀 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐄: Moss poles serve as excellent vertical supports for climbing plants, allowing them to grow and vine in a natural and aesthetically pleasing manner. Our moss poles provide both stability and an attractive focal point, enhancing the overall beauty of indoor spaces.
  • 💡🍀 𝐃𝐈𝐘 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓: If you are looking for a modern plant trellis for your potted plants but still looks natural, our moss trellis is exactly what you want. Made with natural real forest moss that blends so well with the green color of plants and becomes lively. Please note, the colors of natural products can be a little bit different from each other.
  • 💡🍀 𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘: Each moss pole has a height of 25 inches and a diameter of 1.2 inch. This dimension is perfect for offering the necessary vertical support to various indoor and outdoor climbing plants, including monstera, climbing vine plants, money plants, creepers, ivy, philodendron, pothos, and more.
  • 💡🍀 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐘 & 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋: It's a seamless long stick, no extra stacked-up required. Just need 2 steps to install. Firstly, deep the stake’s handle into the soil. Then, tighten branches by hemstitch (we already prepared hemstitch ties as a small gift in the box). Never wobbly or lean over. Such a simple and convenient plant trellis indoor!
  • 💡🍀 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: We ensure that our plant sticks support undergo strict quality control procedures and meet our high-quality requirements. But for any reason you are not fully satisfied, please feel free to contact us, our professional customer service team will be happy to provide you a choice of replacement or refund.

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. 

SaleBestseller No. 1
Fabulas Moss Pole 47.5 Inch - Monstera Plant Support, 4 Packs 16 Inch Plant Stakes for Indoor Plants Coco Coir Moss Pole Sticks for Climbing Potted Live Plants, Pothos, Philodendron, with Garden Ties
  • [TRAIN PLANTS TO GROW UPWARD] Climbers and vines need extra support as they grow. Moss poles can provide sturdy vertical support for your plants and help train them to grow upright. It can help train plants to climb, even indoor plants can climb in the direction of the light as they would in nature. Coir totem poles are highly absorbent and help plants retain water and nutrients. It effectively prevents the aerial roots from drying out and allows the plant to grow more vigorously
  • [PREMIUM MATERIAL] Moss pole is made of pure natural coconut fiber without additives. The aerial roots of the plant can easily penetrate this sustainable organic material, which is completely safe for the plant and the environment. The plant moss poles are wear-resistant and reusable. The outside is tightly tied with jute rope, making the totem pole very strong for long term use. The natural texture of the moss pole blends well with the plants, adding jungle decor to your greenery
  • [EXTENDABLE DESIGN, EASY TO USE] The moss sticks have sharpened stakes at the bottom that can be easily inserted into the soil and remain firm. The interior of the moss stick is PVC pipe rather than metal and will not rust. Each moss pole is 16 inches long, and you can use a coir totem pole individually or stack them together to suit your plants needs at different times. All 4 moss poles stack up to 47.5 inches long. No need to replace the moss stick thus prevent damage to potted plants
  • [WIDE APPLICATION] Compared to plastic material, coconut fiber is more gentle to your plants, and it can provide a great grip for aerial roots. Moss pole is the ideal support for various indoor and outdoor climbing plants, creepers, creeping plants, especially suitable for monstera, climbing vines, ivy, pothos, vanilla, philodendron, chlorophyll plants, small leaf vines, and other houseplants. Great for balcony and gardens and the easiest tools for those who enjoy gardening
  • [VALUE PACK, SATISFACTION SERVICE] The moss pole set is a great aid to help you take care of your plants. You will get 4PCS of 16 inch moss poles, and bonus pack: 65ft garden twist ties, 6.6ft hook and loop ties, 16ft of jute rope, and 20 of zip ties. All of them are packed in a nice packaging box. The ties and ropes are used to fix plants to the pole according to your needs. If you are not satisfied with moss sticks, please let us know and we will offer a satisfaction solution for you
Bestseller No. 2
2 Pack Moss Pole, 28 Inch Bendable Moss Pole for Plants Monstera, Moss Poles for Climbing Plants Indoor, Coir Plant Pole Sticks Support Stakes for Potted Plants, Pothos, Philodendron
  • WHAT YOU GET --2 x 28 inch moss poles and 2 x 6.6 feet of jute ropes. Tying the plants with jute rope will not cause harm and 2 small 28 inch moss poles better accompany the plants to grow and learn to climb.
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL -- Soupiar moss poles are made of natural fiber material derived from coconut shells, ideal for growing plants to attach new air roots and help plants retain moisture and nutrients. The inner core of the bendable moss pole is made of solid aluminum bar, which is strong and rust-free and easy to adjust the shape.
  • EASY TO USE -- Bend the moss pole into the shape you like: heart, arch, snake, spiral ..... Then insert the handle of the moss pole deeply into the soil, and finally just tie the climbing plant stems to the indoor potted plant pole with twine.
  • IDEAL FOR CLIMBING PLANTS -- Soupiar moss poles for climbing plants provide support for all kinds of indoor and outdoor plants, especially suitable for monstera, climbing vine plants, money plants, creepers, Chlorophytum plant, ivy, philodendron, pothos, vanilla, chlorophyll plants, small leaf vines and other plants.
  • ALIAS -- 28 Inch moss pole, small plant pole, moss poles for climbing plants, large moss pole for plants monstera, plant stakes for indoor plants, plant accessories trellis for climbing plants indoor, coco coir pole, plant sticks support,coconut pole, monstera stick, bendable moss pole, coconut palm stick.
Bestseller No. 3
VELCRO Brand VEL-30071-USA ONE-WRAP Garden Ties | Plant Supports for Effective Growing | Strong Grips are Reusable and Adjustable | Cut-to-Length, 50 ft x 1/2 in, Green-Recycled Plastic
  • MADE FROM 65% RECYCLED PLASTIC - Reusable so you can reduce waste; supports the move toward a sustainable future whether using as indoor plant support, or replacing garden wire in the yard
  • SECURE AND DURABLE - Strong VELCRO Brand ONE-WRAP Garden Ties with non-slip grip keeps flowers and plants staked, supported, and securely bundled together; suitable for vining plant support on a plant trellis
  • GENTLE ON PLANTS - Soft side won’t scratch or damage plants; wraps onto itself for a secure hold; plant supports are easy to reposition for growing blooms
  • CUT TO LENGTH - Use only the desired amount; adjustable and reusable for a low waste lifestyle; ideal for year after year use for tomato cages and supports
  • PERFECT FOR HOUSE PLANT SUPPORT - Use ONE-WRAP Garden Ties to stake top heavy house plants and natural climbers for quick growth

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. 

Monstera Potted With Moss Pole
Monstera Potted With Moss Pole

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. 

pothos potted with moss pole
Pothos Climbing a Moss Pole

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. 

philodendron on moss pole
Philodendron Climbing Moss Pole

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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