Are you in possession of a Philodendron plant and wondering whether you need a moss pole?
Philodendrons can grow upwards or sideways in the wild or as indoor plants. While in their native habitat, these plants anchor themselves on tall trees.
When you grow them as houseplants, you can leave them spreading sideways. Or you can imitate their natural habitat and get a moss pole to support their upward growth.
So if you’d want your philodendrons to grow faster, fuller, and healthier, read on! You’ll learn about the philodendron moss pole and whether it is necessary.
Why a moss pole is necessary for your houseplants
Moss poles are necessary to nurture your plants’ growth pattern. Climbing plants require support to climb and grow properly. So, moss poles provide a firm structure for these plants to anchor themselves. Which, in the end, prevents drooping and falling over. And they also make the plants grow taller and fuller.
Does my Philodendron need a moss pole?
Yes. This is applicable if you have a climbing variety of Philodendrons, such as Heartleaf or Tree Philodendrons.
These varieties will highly benefit from moss poles. Not only will moss pole boost their growth, but they will also provide anchoring support to these climbing philodendrons.
Which philodendron varieties grow on moss poles?
Philodendrons come in wide varieties. Some need moss poles for support, and some don’t. But we are going to cover the ones that need moss poles which include:
- Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron, also known as Philodendron Hederaceum, is the easiest Philodendron variety to care for. It originates from Central America and the Caribbean and is part of the Areceae family. This heart-shaped beauty has trailing and climbing qualities and can use a moss pole for support.
- Philodendron Brasil
Philodendron Brasil is a cultivar of heartleaf Philodendron with green and yellow variegated leaves. This species is a vining plant hence can use a moss pole for support and controlled growth.
- Philodendron Micans
Native to the Mexican and Caribbean regions, this beautiful heart-shaped species is known for its vining and trailing nature. And for that reason, you can grow it in hanging planters or use a moss pole for support.
- Philodendron birkin
The Philodendron Birkin is a rare species of the Araceae family. It has a streak of creamy white and yellow variegations on its leaves. Although this Philodendron has a thick self-supporting stem, it could still use a moss pole for fuller growth.
What type of moss pole is ideal for philodendrons?
Now that you know the Philodendrons that need moss poles, the next step is to gauge which moss poles work best for you. You can either buy or make your DIY moss pole.
- Commercial
You can get moss poles for your philodendrons online. Online markets give you room to choose from their wide variety. It could be the color, material, or size. It will all narrow down to what suits your plants best.
Therefore, we have listed some of the best moss poles for a few philodendron varieties available on Amazon.
- Mosspolex moss pole for your philodendron brasil
Mosspolex moss pole is perfect for managing your philodendron’s upward growth. It provides ease for your vining plants to climb and grow efficiently. Additionally, It has a coco coir fiber to maintain the water and nutrition needed for your plants’ growth.
Moreover, the coco coir pole has a uniquely designed sharp wood that provides a long-lasting grip. So, why not get this moss pole and make your brasil happy?
- PAM NAKI coconut coir Totem pole for your Heartleaf philodendron
PAM NAKI coconut coir is a 36-inch coconut coir that will aid your plants’ vertical growth. Not to mention, this coconut coir plant support has the best retention qualities.
You will be guaranteed that your pants get the support, nutrients, and water they need throughout their growth.
- LIOYA moss pole for your philodendrons Micans
This LIOYA moss pole is one outstanding moss pole. In fact, it’s extendable, meaning you can make it as long as you want by adding a stack on top of the other. How nice is that? Your plants will grow without the disturbance of pole replacements.
Another WOW factor for getting these moss poles is their environment-friendly nature. They are made of natural coir fiber which is also aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the inner core has a PVC material, meaning you can use it for as long as you want.
- YoTelimBajayvovo Moss Pole for your philodendron birkin
This YoTelimBajayvovo Moss Pole is perfectly ideal for your philodendron Birkin. Using this moss pole, will grow your birkin into healthy and fuller plants.
One unique factor is that this moss pole is so easy to fix into the potting soil. Again, it’s environmentally friendly because of its natural coco coir fiber.
- DIY moss poles
Alternatively, you can make your own moss pole at home and save those coins. After all, self-made moss poles can still make your plant grow upright and fuller.
With that said, we will give you a few steps to follow when making a moss pole for your climbing plant at home:
- Steps to making your own moss pole
STEP 1: Gather your materials.
What you’ll need
- Rod, PVC pipe, or a bamboo to use as moss stick
- Sphagnum moss or sheet moss
- String
- Container to soak your moss
- Scissors
- Hand gloves
STEP 2: Soak your moss in water for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, squeeze the water out of the moss. Remember, we want damp moss.
STEP 3: Attach the moss to your selected pole. First, start by tying the string to one end of the pole. The next step is to lay a handful of moss on the pole while pulling the string. Repeat the process until the moss covers ½ inch thickness of the pole.
Remember to leave some space on the pole that will stick into the soil. Also, trim off any excess moss that is popping out.
STEP 4: Place the moss pole in the pot. Start by carefully inserting the moss pole into a fresh pot. Next, cover your pot with soil ensuring that your pole stands firmly. Now, place your plant near the moss pole and allow it to anchor on the moss pole naturally.
Benefits of a moss pole
The main purpose of a moss pole is to support indoor climbing plants. The plants’ aerial roots will easily wrap around the soft moss and anchor into place. Most vining and climbing plants benefit from some support and controlled growth.
Additionally, moss poles are efficient for water and nutrient retention. This means your plants may not run out of some of their growth requirements.
How do you stake your moss pole?
You can stake your moss pole by placing it at the center of the pot or a little off the center. This depends on whether you are potting your plant for the first time. If it’s the first time, you can place the moss pole at the center and cover the pot with soil. Then place the plant near the moss pole, allowing it to anchor to the pole naturally.
If the plant is already in the pot, place the moss pole gently without damaging the plant. However, you’ll have an easy time if the plant is due for a bigger pot.
FAQs
How do you put a moss pole on a Philodendron?
Once you get your moss pole, insert it in the center of your pot. Next, cover the pot with soil and plant your philodendron as well. Finally, pull the plants’ vines upright along the pole. You can train plants to attach on the pole naturally.
Can I use a stick instead of a moss pole?
Yes. If the sight of a moss pole doesn’t sit well with you, or you want to save some coins, a large wooden stick or any plant stakes can do just right. The only downtime with using a plain wooden stick is the inability to retain water and nutrients.
Should I let my Philodendron climb?
Yes, you can train your philodendron to climb. However, these plant species are natural climbers if you provide them with a support structure such as moss poles. They will naturally attach to the moss pole to grow taller and fuller.
Conclusion
Using moss poles is a great way to give your plants a chance for upright and full growth. Although most philodendrons don’t really need moss poles to grow, it can be an added advantage. Besides, you can guide them to grow on poles for better growth.
What’s more, philodendron moss poles are readily available in online markets. Or you can also opt to make your own at home with the steps in this article.
