How to Make a Moss Pole for Houseplants
DIY Moss Pole for Climbing Plants
Moss poles or totem poles are popular additions to climbing houseplants such as monstera, philodendron, scindapsus and syngonium.
DIY moss poles for your climbing plants are an easy project that can be completed in an hour or two. Plus if you make your own pole, you can customize the width, height and materials you want to use.
We’ll go over a few different ways to make your own moss pole.
The Cord Pole
In my opinion, the most aesthetically pleasing method is a simple stake wrapped in a rope or cord. It has a fairly uniform appearance but does require a little precision when wrapping.
1. Gather materials:
- Natural or burlap rope
- Wood dowel, stake or PVC pipe
- Hot glue
- Protective gloves
- Scissors
2. Cut the wood or PVC pipe to the desired size including room for upward foliage growth.
3. Apply glue to the wood or pipe and wrap the rope around the pipe. Go slow, one section at a time, being careful to wrap the rope close together. Leave the bottom 6-12 inches of the pole unwrapped (as shown in the adjacent picture).
The Moss Pole
Our next option uses coconut coir or sphagnum moss instead of rope. The advantage of this option is that the moss or coir can be moistened and thus aid in moisture for the aerial roots.
1. Gather materials:
- Wooden dowel, PVC pipe, or stake
- Coconut coir sheet or sphagnum moss
- Fishing line or similar string
- Protective gloves
- Scissors
2. If using moss, soak it in water until moistened (around 20 mins). If using coconut coir, cut the sheet to fit around your pole. You may need several sections of coir.
3. If using moss, being to place it on the pole and wrap the fishing line around it to secure the moss. Continue wrapping until the pole is covered and the moss is secure. Leave the bottom 6-12 inches unwrapped; this is what will be under the soil.
4. If using coconut coir, wrap the sheet around the pole and tie it in place with the fishing line. You may need several sheets of coir depending on the size of your pole. Leave the bottom 6-12 inches unwrapped; this is what will be under the soil.
5. Tie off the fishing line.
The Wood Stake
The third option isn’t a moss pole at all but simply a wood stake. This used to be much more common than it currently is. One can see the appeal… Plant needs support? Here’s an extra piece of wood. Problem solved.
Wood stakes are slowly becoming more popular, especially with small climbing plants and the minimalist movement.
No special materials are needed. Simply find an appropriate piece of wood or cut one and put it in your pot. After all, climbing plants do attach to trees aka wood.
Tip: It’s best to use rot-resistant wood.
Don’t have time to make your own pole? Here are some you can purchase online.
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