How To Make A Moss Pole

Typically, taller, climbing houseplants are more prone to drooping over. One simple way to ensure they are standing tall is with a DIY moss pole. 

Learning how to make your moss pole is a super simple DIY activity that has tons of payoff. Not only does this ensure your climbing plant remains upright, but it also looks pretty cool. 

In addition to this, the moss pole will help to contribute to the overall aesthetic of your plant’s appeal, too. Instead of having one solid color, the moss pole helps to add dimension and texture – the result is something that is visually appealing. 

With this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about creating your own moss pole. 

Let’s get straight into it. 

Benefits Of A Moss Pole

Mole poles are great for providing your plant with vertical support. Plus, it allows you to train your plant to help them grow upwards. 

Another benefit to having a moss pole is that it will make sure any budding roots maintain their moisture – ensuring they are not too wet or dry. 

When it comes to climbing vines, a moss pole is a fantastic medium. Plus, they are extremely easy for your plant to affix themselves to. 

If you don’t have a climbing plant, then moss poles are perfect for monster plants, too. In addition to this, they can be used for various tall plants which are drooping. 

While moss is a highly beneficial resource that provides your plants with adequate nutrients and moisture, you should keep in mind that it isn’t a sustainable long-term option. 

This means you are not able to simply plant your entire plant in moss since your plant will outgrow the setting and needs a potting mix to support its growth. However, a moss pole is perfect for helping your plant climb. 

Moreover, another important thing to consider is that, even though the main medium promoting growth is the miss, you’ll want to mist new leaves and shoots, as well as the moss itself, frequently. 

However, when doing so, ensure you are not overwatering them. Moss is excellent at retaining moisture, however, it will dry out eventually. Therefore, keep your moss pole moist as opposed to soaked. 

Before Getting Started

In preparation for making your moss pole, you’ll want to ensure you have the necessary tools, supplies, and workstations readily available to get you started on this project. 

Keep in mind that this moss pole can get somewhat messy, therefore, you may want to have a work mat or protective sheet in place. Alternatively, you can consider making it outside. 

In addition to this, you also have to measure the pole, PVC pipe, or wooden dowel, that you’re using as the main structure for your moss pole, before use. Then, simply cut it to the requirement. 

The result should be a moss pole that is at least 1 to 2 feet taller in length when compared to your plant. However, you should keep in mind that around 6 to 12 inches of the pole will be underground to hold it in place. 

What You’ll Need

Materials

• Sphagnum moss
• A pole, PVC pipe, or wooden dowel
• A large bowl with water
• Finishing line or string

Equipment/ Tools

• Scissors
• Protective work mat or tarp
• Rubber Gloves

How To Create A Moss Pole?

1. Soak The Moss

Prior to assembling your moss pole, the first thing you need to do is soak the sphagnum moss before getting started. This is the resource that promotes your plant’s aerial roots to wrap around the pole as it begins to grow. 

Using your rubber gloves, submerge your sphagnum moss into a large bowl of water – allowing it to soak for between 15 to 20 minutes. 

As it begins to absorb the water, you should notice the sphagnum moss expanding. Therefore, you’ll need to add more water, refilling the bowl until it has reached 15 to 20 minutes. 

2. Secure The Moss To The Pole

Once your moss has finished soaking, you can then attach it to your chosen pole to support your moss, whether this is a wooden dowel, PVC pipe, or pole. Here, this is where things can become messy, therefore, don’t be afraid to take your project outdoors. 

Firstly, squeeze the moss to remove as much excess water as possible. Then, using your fishing line or string, gently attach various layers of the moss to your desired pole. 

This is usually easiest to achieve with one long piece of string as possible to use many small pieces. Make sure to leave approximately 6 to 12 inches of the bottom of the pole exposed since this will be kept underground. 

To ensure the moss is secure in place, use as much string as possible. Here, you’ll want enough moss attached to allow the aerial roots to easily grow into the area. 

3. Attach Your Plant To The Moss Pole

Once you have finished crafting your moss pole, it is now time to add it to your plant’s container. Here, all you have to do is carefully insert the base of the pole into the pole – making sure not to disturb the plant’s existing roots. 

For those plants that already have aerial roots, simply attach these to the moss pole. Here, you can use more fishing lines or string to ensure your plant is secure to the pole. 

Final Thoughts

Make sure your plant is standing high and proud with the help of a moss pole. There is nothing sadder than watching your plant droop, however, a moss pole can fix this. 

The best part? They are super simple to make. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about creating your own moss pole to help your plant stay upright.