Houseplants have an incredible way of transforming a space—filling it with life, beauty, and soothing energy. But as every plant lover knows, growing vibrant, healthy plants takes more than just a sunny window and a splash of water. For your greenery to truly thrive, creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat is key.

Today, I'm excited to walk you through the process of attaching a plant propagation, growing in moss, to a moss pole. This is a fantastic way to support your plants as they grow, ensuring they thrive and develop their full beauty.
I'll also show you how we create our custom moss poles and the specific techniques we use for potting up our beloved plants.

Let’s dig in! 🪴

In this video, Chelsea from Rooted in Nature takes you through a step-by-step guide on how to attach a plant propagation that was once growing in moss, to a custom-made moss pole.

What You'll Need:

Before we dive into the process, let’s gather everything you’ll need:

Fresh sphagnum moss
Zip ties
Black plastic wire mesh fencing
A bucket for soaking the moss
A bathtub or sink for expanding the moss
Your favorite plant propagation (we'll be using a Philodendron Melanochrysum & Camposportoanum)
Our custom soil blend
A clear pot to show root health

Preparing the Moss

To start, we need to expand our sphagnum moss, which will be used to create the moss pole. Take your dried moss and soak it in cold to lukewarm water. It’s essential to use warm water instead of freezing cold, as this helps the moss expand more easily.

I usually leave it to soak for a while, checking to ensure it’s completely expanded.

Once the moss has expanded, the next step is to separate it into manageable pieces. This part can take a little time, but one of the most satisfying.

I gently massage the moss to break apart the larger chunks, making sure to keep it fluffy and ready for use.

Choosing Your Plants

Now that the moss is ready, it’s time to choose which plants to pot up.

Here at Rooted in Nature, we work with many different types of plants, but today we’re focusing on the Philodendron Melanochrysum & Philodendron Camposportoanum. These plants are perfect for attaching to a moss pole, as they love to climb and grow.

We gently remove the plant from its propagation box, being careful not to damage its roots. If the roots are a bit tangled, take your time to gently massage them out. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the root system while loosening up any moss that may be stuck.

Creating the Moss Pole

Once you’ve selected your plant, it’s time to create the moss pole. Start by cutting a length of plastic wire mesh fencing. You’ll want to measure it to the desired height, allowing some extra room for the plant to grow. To create the structure for the pole, simply roll the mesh into a cylindrical shape.

Next, we add the sphagnum moss into the mesh. The moss should fill the center of the pole, but don’t overstuff it. You want just enough moss to allow your plant to grab onto it as it grows. Secure the ends of the mesh with zip ties to hold everything in place. Make sure the pole is sturdy but still flexible for the plant to climb.

Potting Up Your Plant and Moss Pole

Now it’s time to pot up your plant. Begin by adding a layer of your soil blend into the bottom of a clear pot. This allows you to see the roots as they grow and ensures proper drainage.

Carefully position the plant and moss pole in the center of the pot. The plant should be positioned so it has a clear path to grow upward, wrapping around the pole as it matures. Fill in any gaps with more soil, making sure the base of the pole is secure and the plant is well-supported.

Caring for Your Moss Pole Plant

Once your plant and moss pole are set up, the real fun begins!

Regular care is essential to keep everything thriving. Ensure your plant gets enough light, moisture, and humidity.
The moss will help retain moisture, so misting the pole occasionally can help provide the humidity your plant needs.

It’s also important to check the plant as it grows, ensuring it’s securely attached to the pole. If necessary, you can tie the plant to the moss pole with gentle plant ties to encourage it to climb.

Why Use a Moss Pole?

Moss poles provide more than just aesthetic value. They mimic a plant’s natural growing environment, supporting its vertical growth and helping it climb. Plants like the Philodendron Melanochrysum & Camposportoanum naturally grow upwards, so a moss pole helps them thrive. Additionally, the moisture in the moss helps maintain humidity around the plant, creating the perfect microclimate for growth.

Final Thoughts

Creating a moss pole for your plant is a rewarding and practical way to support your plants as they grow. With a little care and the right materials, your plant can thrive and climb beautifully on its new pole. Whether you’re potting up a Philodendron, Monstera, or another climbing beauty, this technique will give your plant the structure it needs to flourish.

At Rooted in Nature, we love creating custom solutions for every plant lover.
If you have any questions or want to see more plant care tips, please comment or reach out to us.
We’d love to hear your feedback!

Creating Beautiful and Healthy Plants with Moss Poles: A Step-by-Step Guide