How to Make a Moss Pole for Monstera is a simple DIY for every plant owner.
A moss pole for Monstera can be made with chicken wire and bamboo.
If you read this blog post, you can do it yourself because I have explained everything beat by beat; even a child of 15 can do it.
In this article, you will learn the necessary material needed, how to protect yourself, and the benefits of this tax.
You will also learn the step-by-step method for making a moss pole for Monstera.
You can use The method I explain here for any climbing plant, and guess what? The idea here is pretty cheap; you won’t spend any money.
If you want to know how to stake a Monstera, click here.
What Is Sphagnum Moss?
Sphagnum moss is a living plant that is found on the surface of peat bogs.
There are many species; their appearance is as different as it is fascinating.
When it grows in peat bogs, its submerged part degrades and forms blond peat.
Only the upper part of the sphagnum moss develops; it is this part that gardeners use, which we will use in this post.
Do you know you can cultivate your sphagnum moss in your garden? Click here to learn more. [Link]
Step To Make A Moss Pole For Monstera
Necessary Material For Making Monstera Moss Pole
- Plastic mesh or Metal mesh [chicken wire ] 60 to 90 cm wide is available at any hardware store.
- A dry Sphagnum moss A large bowl or bucket
- Wire cutter
- Flexible wire (e.g., florist’s wire) or twist ties;
- Pliers
- Work gloves;
- Bamboo stake, PVC pipe, a thin tube, or other long object;
also, read How To Water Spider Plants
Step 1: Moisten The Sphagnum Moss
Dip the sphagnum moss in water or spray it with plenty of water.
This water will provide the plant with the required humidity and make it simpler to connect to the pole.
Step 2: Cut The Mesh
Ensure to Wear gloves to avoid injuring yourself. With a wire cutter, Cut it to the desired length for a stake with a more or less wide diameter:
The mesh should be wide enough to wrap around the support structure. I use a mesh with a width of 20 to 25 cm.
You can use a metal mesh or plastic; a plastic mesh is easier to handle and gives a more rounded look.
Step 3: Cut The Bamboo Stake
Choose a sturdy PVC pipe or bamboo pole, approximately 4 feet tall. Cut bamboo stakes or PVC into a length that matches the height of your plant.
Depending on the length of your mesh, cut your bamboo stem so it protrudes a few centimeters from the mesh.
The extra centimeter that is longer than the mesh should be long enough to the pot’s depth and an extra centimeter above the pot.
Step 4: Creating The Moss Pole
Lie the mesh flat on a surface and place the bamboo at the center of the mesh, leaving one end sticking out well; connect the net to the bamboo using plant ties or zip ties.
After tying the bamboo, roll the mesh into a cylinder to get a preview of the result and see if the length suits you.
Step 5: Prepare The Moss:
After getting the diameter reviewed, open the net; now It’s time to add the moss.
Remove any extra water by pressing the moss moist so To keep it wet but dripping,
after successfully squeezing. Fill the sphagnum moss around the bamboo stem until it fills the mesh.
Use more zip ties or plant ties to keep the moss attached to the bamboo and mesh. This step is essential for the moss to stay in place and encourage adhesion.
click here to read How To Quickly Grow Monstera From Seed
Step 6: Close The Fence Into A Cylinder
Once you have spread the sphagnum moss around the net, close the mesh by forming a cylinder using cable ties or fine wire.
If you see that at this stage, the stake lacks sphagnum moss, do not hesitate to add more from the top to pack
You can use another bamboo rod to push the sphagnum moss from the top.
Step 7: Place The Stake In The Pot
The sphagnum stake is ready! All that remains is to position it in the center of the pot.
Gently push the bamboo into the Soil, avoid damaging the root ball, and Pack the Soil well so that the stake is straight and stable.
Attach the plant to the sphagnum stake. To maximize the benefits of the tutor, you must attach the climbing plant as close as possible to it.
To do this, use flexible rubber bands or string to bind the plant with the stake pole.
The idea is that the micro aerial roots are as close as possible to the sphagnum moss to take root there.
To know how to stake a monstera, click here.
How To Water A Moss Pole
The sphagnum moss stake can remain moist for around 3-5 days, depending on the humidity level in your interior.
You should know that dry (dead) sphagnum moss is water-repellent: you must moisten the stake well with a spray before watering the Soil;
Otherwise, you risk seeing all the waterfalls next to drown the plant.
To avoid the risk of drowning the plant, I advise you to only water the stake and to no longer water the potting Soil:
The water flows naturally along the stake and moistens the substrate. The idea is to adapt the substrate for plants that have a moss stake:
An aerated and very draining substrate helps avoid overwatering due to frequent watering of the stake.
Plants that do not have a sphagnum stake can have a more compact soil that retains humidity better.
also read Monstera Adansonii Care
The Benefits Of Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss has a high water absorption capacity, up to 20 times its weight – a kind of natural sponge.
Once dry and dead, it can be re-moistened, thus retaining all its water retention properties.
Mixed with potting Soil or placed on the surface, it reduces watering and protects the plant from dehydration.
This foam compacts easily: a large quantity can transported in a small resealable bag!
Sphagnum moss stimulates root development, which is why it is generally used for cuttings or root sections that we thought we would throw away.
When taking a cutting, sphagnum moss is an excellent transition before placing the plant in potting Soil.
Click here to learn how to propagate a monstera with sphagnum moss.
Teaching Monstera How To Climb A Moss Pole
Securing roots, directing development, and maintaining the moss pole is all part of training a Monstera to climb it.
Attaching The Roots Of Monstera To The Moss Post
Make sure the moss stick is well embedded in the dirt, and place it inside the pot to start.
Taking care not to harm the plant, gently secure the Monstera’s aerial roots to the moss post using garden tape or delicate zip ties.
Guide the roots to hold the post gradually to promote upward development.
Pruning The Monstera
Pruning and direction are necessary while teaching Monstera to climb.
Use plant ties to carefully fasten fresh growth to the moss post after trimming off sick or dead leaves.
To guarantee even growth and sunshine exposure, turn the plant regularly.
Click here to learn how to prune a monstera plant.
Moss Nutrition And Care
Because it nourishes the Monstera aerial roots, keep the moss pole damp by spraying it with water regularly.
Keep an eye on the plant’s general health and modify the maintenance regimen—which includes watering, fertilizing, and maintaining the moss poles—as needed.
The Advantages Of Using A Moss Pole
Using a moss pole for your Monstera plant has plenty of benefits.
1] In the beginning, it enables vertical growth And stops the plant from attaching itself to furniture and other plants
2] A moss pole also gives the plant essential micronutrients, which promotes leaf development.
3] The increased moisture and support your Monstera’s aerial roots get when clinging to the damp moss post promotes development.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make a moss pole for Monstera, it is essential to take safety precautions when cutting The net. We wear a protective glove to avoid injury.
Also, when moving the stake inside the Soil, do it gently to avoid damaging the Soil.
To learn more on how to stake a monstera, click here.
