Trailing plants are fun to hang from macramé or display on high shelves, but for many of our favorite trailing plants, there is another way to grow… up!
Popular selections such as Pothos, Scindapsus, Philodendrons, and Monstera can all be encouraged to grow vertically by providing them with the support of a moss pole. This simulates the way they would grow up a tree or other structure in nature.
Moss poles can often be purchased or you can easily make your own. Read on for a list of materials and instructions for this simple home craft project.
Materials
- Wood, bamboo, or PVC stakes (cut to appropriate size for plant/pot; for example, an 18-inch long stake works well in a 6-inch pot)
- Loose sphagnum moss; pre-soak for easy handling
- Fishing line, filament, or craft wire
- Gloves and plastic sheeting (for mess)
Instructions
1. Place dry moss in water and allow to soak while you cut your stakes to the desired lengths.
2. Once moss is hydrated and pliable, place stake on table or on your lap and tie the line/wire to the pole. Tie a knot near the bottom of the stake where the soil line will be when it is placed into the pot (about 6 inches up from the bottom for a 6-inch pot). Keep the line attached to the spool for easier wrapping and leave a tail about 4–6 inches long at the end of your knot.
3. Begin to attach moss by wringing out some water and squeezing it around the pole with one hand while you wrap it tightly with the line and the other hand. Continue adding moss and wrapping until you reach the top of the pole and it has been completely covered. Patch any bare spots as needed and wrap back down to the bottom of the moss to evenly secure materials.
4. To finish, cut enough line from the spool for a final knot and tie securely to the end of the original knot or around the bottom of the stake.
5. Place into plant pot if there is room by inserting into the soil (careful not to harm roots) or wait to repot and add support at the same time. The moss pole may either be placed in the center or towards the back of the container.
6. Carefully attach long vining growth to the pole by wrapping or lightly tying until roots develop to hold itself.
*Occasionally mist or wet the moss on the pole to encourage plant roots to grow into it!