What Is a Moss Pole?

There are lots of different plants that can benefit from a moss pole.

Warning

This DIY project usessphagnum moss, which should always be handled while wearing protective gloves.

A monstera adansonii being attached to a sphagnum moss pole against a white background.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

This can get a bit messy, so don’t be afraid to do this step outdoors!

First, squeeze the excess water out of the moss as you remove it from the bowl.

Using the string or fishing line, slowly secure layers of the sphagnum moss to the pole.

An overhead view of everything required to create a sphagnum moss pole for your indoor plant including moss, rubber gloves, a pole, water, protective mat, scissors, and fishing wire.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

It is usually easiest to do this with one long piece of string rather than smaller pieces.

Leave the bottom 6-12 inches of the pole exposed as this part will be sitting in the soil.

Use as much string as required to secure the moss in place.

A hand wearing a yellow rubber glove is moving sphagnum moss from one glass bowl to another. The second glass bowl is filled with water.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

You will want to have enough moss on the pole that aerial roots can grow into it.

Insert the base of the pole into the pot, careful not to disturb the existing roots.

If your plant already has aerial roots, you will want to secure these existing roots to the pole.

An overhead view of a nearly completed sphagnum moss pole, with a bowl of sphagnum moss, scissors, and fishing wire laying around it.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

you could use more string or fishing wire to secure your plant to the moss.

Amonsteradoesn’t require a moss pole, but it can support the plant.

The point of a moss pole is to give a plant support, training, and provide extra micronutrients.

Two hands wearing yellow rubber gloves are attaching a monstera adansonii to a finished sphagnum moss pole against a white background.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

Moss poles last a few years before they begin to degrade, so anticipate replacing them.

Coco coiris a moss pole alternative.

Coco fiber is a good alternative to moss when making a moss pole.

Coco fiber is more environmentally friendly than moss and has a neutral pH.

“Fungal Diseases: Sporotrichosis.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.