Monstera plants come in different varieties, but all have one thing in common: their aerial roots. These long, thin roots grow down from the plant and help it to anchor itself to trees or other support structures.
Because their leaves are pretty large, these roots can become quite heavy, and if the plant doesn’t have something to support it, the leaves will droop.
If you’re growing a Monstera indoors, you’ll need to provide some kind of support for these roots. That’s where moss poles come in!
What is a Moss Pole?
A moss pole is simply a piece of bamboo or other material wrapped in sphagnum moss. The moss helps hold moisture in, an essential part of keeping your Monstera happy.
While it’s true that there are other ways to support your Monstera (such as using a trellis or stake), a moss pole is often the best option. That’s because it closely mimics the conditions that these plants would experience in their natural habitat.
Additionally, moss poles have a few advantages over other support structures. First, they’re relatively lightweight, so they won’t put too much strain on your Monstera’s roots. Second, the moss helps keep the roots moist, which is vital for plant health. Finally, moss poles are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Importance of Training Your Monstera Plant
Before we get into how to actually support your Monstera with a moss pole, it’s important to talk about training. Monsteras are considered epiphytes.
That means that in their natural habitat, they grow on other plants (usually trees). They use the plants surrounding them to vertically climb until they reach the forest canopy, where they can get the sunlight and moisture that they need.
As a result, these plants are used to having their roots exposed to the air. When you first bring your Monstera home, it’s important to give it time to adjust to its new environment. Once it’s settled in, you can train it to climb a moss pole.
Training is a process that involves gently coaxing the plant’s roots to wrap around the moss pole. This can be done by lightly pushing the roots into the moss or by using plant ties. The goal is to get the roots to grip the pole to support the plant as it grows.
Moss Pole Monstera Support: How to Do It
Think about it this way: if you’ve ever had to wear a cast, you know it can take some time to get used to the new sensation of having something wrapped around your limb.
The same is true for plants! It can take a little bit of time (and patience) to get them used to the idea of being supported by a moss pole.
Assuming you have your moss pole ready, here are some steps on how you can support your Monstera:
Find a Spot for It
This is the very first and the most crucial step! You need to pick a spot in your house with bright but indirect sunlight. Humid environments make Monstera plants happy, so if you have an area near a bathroom or kitchen, that would be ideal.
Water It Well
Before you start training your Monstera, it’s important to water it thoroughly. This will help ensure that the roots are pliable and won’t break when you’re trying to coax them into place.
Start Coaxing the Roots
Once your plant is well-watered, you can start to coax the roots into place. Coaxing involves gently pushing the roots into the moss. You don’t need tools to do this. Your fingers will do just fine.
The easiest way to do this is to start from the bottom of the plant and work your way up. Gently push the roots into the moss until they’re fully wrapped around the pole. As you do this, be sure to evenly distribute the roots so that they can support the plant properly.
Snuggle the plant as close as possible to the moss pole, ensuring all the roots are in contact with it.
Tie It Up (If Needed)
Sometimes, the roots need a little extra help grip the pole. In these cases, you can use plant ties to secure them. Just be sure not to tie the plant too tightly!
Water and Monitor
Once the roots are in place, all that’s left to do is water your plant and monitor it closely. Ensure that you keep the moss moist (but not too wet) and check the roots every few days to ensure they’re still gripping the pole.
Misting your pole and plant will also help create a humid environment, which is ideal for Monsteras.
You’ll know you’ve successfully trained your Monstera when you see new growth coming from the top of the plant. This is a sure sign that the roots have taken hold and are supporting the plant as it grows. This takes approximately four to six weeks.
If you see that your plant is starting to lean to one side, it’s time to give the roots a little help. Gently push them back into place and check the ties to ensure they’re not too tight. Other than that, just sit back and enjoy watching your Monstera grow!
Moss Pole Monstera: Final Thoughts
Training and supporting your monstera plants with a moss pole is a great way to encourage vertical growth. You don’t need to do this right away, but it’s something to keep in mind for when your plant starts to get bigger.