DIY Sphagnum Moss
Monstera Pole
Looking for an easy guide for a DIY Sphagnum Moss Monstera Pole? Look no further!
I recently bought a nice – and quite large – monstera at the garden centre. When I inspected it, I knew that I had to get a supporting pole for it as soon as possible, so I headed to the DIY store and saw the options I had to make a Monstera Moss Pole.
Making a Monstera Sphagnum Moss pole will be the ideal way to stake my monstera.
Here is a picture of my Monstera pre-staking.
As you can see, the Monstera has a nice “bushy” shape, however, all three main stems are growing in different directions which means the plant will become increasingly difficult to manage.
Beyond keeping the Monstera tidy, I really want to maximize its potential. I want to see how big and tall it can grow and how large and fenestrated the leaves can get.
I have a place in mind for this plant with lots of natural light (and afternoon sun) so I am quite excited to see how it develops!
What are the benefits of Staking Your Monstera?
If you are still wondering whether or not to stake your Monstera, keep in mind all the benefits this will provide:
Staking your Monstera helps to mimic its natural climbing habit, encourages larger leaves with more fenestrations while also preventing sprawling growth and structural damage as the stems get longer and the Monstera gets heavier.
Not only that, but supporting your Monstera also saves space, enhances aesthetics, improves air circulation, and therefore reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
Lastly, providing a stake, such as a moss pole or trellis, strengthens aerial root attachment, promotes healthier development, and makes maintenance easier.
Overall, staking helps your Monstera grow stronger, more stable, and more visually impressive… so what is not to like!
Monstera Support Options
When it comes to staking your monstera there are a couple of popular options:
1. Coir (Coconut Fiber) Poles – These are probably the most popular as they are the ones you can easily find in the shops.
I like the colour of the pole as I like to imagine my Monstera is actually climbing up a tree, however, I have a monstera that has been encouraged to go up one of these poles for years and I am yet to see a single aerial root attaching to the pole.
I think the surface may be a bit rough, so the Monstera doesn’t attach as it already has enough support from my ties.
2. Sphagnum Moss Poles – These are gaining popularity rapidly and are normally a DIY project for home. You can fiend loads of videos and guides online of people creating nice moss sphagnum poles for their monsteras.
What I have seen is that people normally use either chicken wire or some sort of plastic mesh to make a pole-shaped frame which is then filled up by Sphagnum Moss.
The idea is that the moss is to be kept moist for the Monstera to grow its roots into it.
In my opinion, depending on the materials used, these frames can become too flimsy when the Monstera becomes big and heavy.
Even worst, I think that all the wire and plastic make this type of pole extremely ugly.
Which Monstera Pole is the Best?
I personally love moss and also enjoy a bit of DIY in the house, so I am definitely biased towards the sphagnum moss pole option!
Moss poles don´t have to be unattractive, there is a simple way to make moss poles look pretty and natural whilst also promoting root attachment for a stronger, bigger plant.
What aterials should you use for a Sphagnum Moss Pole?
As above, we won´t be using chicken wire or a plastic crates/mesh. Instead, the best material to use to make a Monstera Pole is timber!
Benefits of using timber as climbing support for Monsteras
Natural Aesthetics – Timber gives a more organic and natural look compared to artificial supports like plastic or metal.
Strong and Durable – Unlike moss or coir poles that degrade over time, timber is sturdy and long-lasting. A solid timber post can easily handle the weight of a mature Monstera without bending or breaking.
Aerial Root Attachment – Untreated timber provides a good surface for aerial roots to grip and anchor themselves, helping the Monstera grow more naturally as it would in the wild.
Customizable – Timber can be cut to any size and shape you need.
Moisture Retention (if untreated) – Certain types of wood, like cedar or cork bark, can retain some moisture, aiding aerial root hydration without needing frequent misting.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly – Using untreated, responsibly sourced wood is a more environmentally friendly option compared to poles made using plastic.
Now that this is settled, we can finally get to work on our Monstera Sphagnum Moss Pole!
DIY Sphagnum Moss Pole for Monstera Materials List
- A Piece of timber cut to size
- Sphagnum Moss
- 1 tub of Silicone
- Silicone Gun
- Brush, spatula or similar to spread the silicone
- Super Glue
- Gloves (I didn´t use them and I paid the price!)
Notes –
Wood: I am using a softwood as that is what I had at hand, however, if possible, use a rot-resistant wood such as Cedar, Redwood or Teak. Use untreated wood to avoid the release of toxins harmful to the plants and soil.
I will be using a 12cm wide by 160 cm tall (4.7 by 63 inches) but you can make it smaller or taller depending on your needs.
Silicone: I am using aquarium silicone, as above, to avoid antifungal chemicals on regular silicone from leaching into the soil and plants. The silicone will also act as a barrier between the timber and soil. One tub was just enough for the size of timber I used, if you will be using a larger piece then I recommend using an extra tub.
Sphagnum Moss: I used a 5 litres bag which had the moss already hydrated, if you have dried moss just follow the instructions in the pack to re-hydrate it before attaching to the timber plank.
DIY Sphagnum Moss Monstera Pole Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Place the piece of timber on a protected surface such as table or the floor. I used a couple of coasters to lift the timber from the table and a piece of plastic to protect it.
2. Measure the height of the soil in the pot you will be using and mark that on the plank. I measured 30cm. This is the space that will need to be waterproofed if you are not using a rot-resistant wood or if you want to add extra protection.
3. Place the timber at the edge of the table (or prop-up from the floor) so that you can completely cover the area that will be submerged on the soil. Cover all sides and bottom with a thick layer of silicone.
4. Start covering the front of the pole (the area that will be exposed) with a thick layer of silicone. Be generous!
5. Use your body weight to press in the Moss.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you cover the entire front of the pole.
7. To do the sides, place the plank on its side, apply the silicone, cover with moss and press in the moss.
8. Once you are happy with the pole, leave 24hrs for the silicone to cure.
9. Place the plank upside down and pat so that the unattached moss falls off.
10. Use the super glue to fill-out any missed spots.
You are done! You can now proceed to stake your monstera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Hard to DIY Monstera Moss Pole
No.
Making a Sphagnum Moss Pole for your Monstera is an easy DIY project.
It will only take one day (as you have to allow time for the silicone to cure) and the results will be more than worth it!
How Does a Moss Pole Work?
Much like any other pole, the moss pole serves as a support for your monstera. The difference is that the moss will provide an attractive covering for the pole and a nice surface to try to entice your monstera to attach its aerial roots into your pole. Using a moss pole ensures that the monstera has an opportunity to climb up a surface like it would in the wild, and in turn, this helps the Monstera grow bigger and healthier.
How to Use Moss Pole for Monstera
Make sure that the pole is sturdy by burying it into the soil or otherwise securing it to the pot, it will have to support the weight of your Monstera as it grows so this step is very important.
Place the moss pole behind your monstera (the side where the aerial roots are growing from), making sure to get it as close as possible to the stem.
Use a gentle but strong and natural thread such as cotton twine or Yute to tie the Monstera to the moss pole.
Can I Add a Moss pole Without Repotting
Yes.
If the pot is not fully compacted by roots (root bound) then you should be able to dig a trench behind the Monstera Stem without doing much damage. Make sure to water the Monstera the day before so that the roots are flexible.
If your Monstera has been in its pot for a long time it will be very difficult to achieve this without damage to the woods. In this case, is repotting is not an option, you can try to secure the pole behind the pot (drill a couple of holes and screw it in, use a heavy duty tape around the pot and pole, etc).
What is Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known as sphagnum moss, also bog moss and quacker moss.
Accumulations of Sphagnum can store water, since both living and dead plants can hold large quantities of water inside their cells; plants may hold 16 to 26 times as much water as their dry weight, depending on the species. The empty cells help retain water in drier conditions.
Sphagnum mosses occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere in peat bogs, conifer forests, and moist tundra areas. Source: Wikipedia
Does Sphagnum Moss Grow
Yes, with the right conditions… when it is alive!
Please bear in mind that re-hydrated Sphagnum Moss is most likely dead as it would have gone through a process of sterilization and/or drying to serve a multitude of purposes.
Even if the Moss is no longer alive, it will still be capable of storing moisture in its structure.
How Long to Soak Sphagnum Moss
You can soak in water your dried sphagnum moss for 15 minutes. After this time, you can squeeze the excess water out so that it is moist but not dripping wet.
How Does Moss Grow
Sphagnum Moss typically grows in Apical Growth: Sphagnum moss grows from the top (apex) while the lower parts die and accumulate below. The living top layer keeps growing upward, while the dead bottom layers slowly decompose, forming peat moss. This creates a layered structure: living green moss on top, brown and decomposing matter beneath.
Do You Water Moss Pole
If you want to boost moisture in the environment – Yes, the monstera would love that.
The Sphagnum Moss used for our poles is likely to be dead having gone through a process of sterilisation, therefore, the purpose of watering it is to boost a humidity for your monstera and to potentially encourage aerial root growth.
How Often to Water Moss Pole
As frequently as you want.
Depending on the conditions inside your home, the Sphagnum Moss is likely to dry out very quickly. You will notice a change in colour, as it becomes paler when it is dry.
You can “water” or mist the Sphagnum Moss as often as you want or deem necessary: a couple of times a day, every other day, etc…
How Do You Water A Moss Pole
As above, it will depend on how quickly it dries out in your home and what level of humidity you want to keep for your monstera. You can mist it several times a day or less frequently like once every day, every other day, weekly or simply every time you water your Monstera.
How often to water monstera
Monsteras come from humid environments and will appreciate not having their soil fully dried out. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil to dry out before watering and do not allow the roots to seat in water as it will result in root rot.
How to Look After Monstera
Monstera Deliciosa is an easy and rewarding plant to own, you can see our care guide by clicking on this link.