How to choose the perfect cylindrical moss pole size: L vs. XL vs. XXL
A moss pole isn’t a one-size-fits-all accessory. The right size depends on your plant’s species, growth speed, and even your watering habits.
Choosing the right pole size now will save you time and frustration later so we are diving deep into our popular cylindrical moss pole design to explain how the L, XL, and the XXL pole stack up and how to go about choosing the correct moss pole size!
Cylindrical moss poles
When it comes to supporting climbing plants, cylindrical moss poles are the classic option. Their simple, rounded design makes them versatile, effective, and easy to use for a wide variety of houseplants. If you’re just getting started with moss pole, orr if you want a reliable go-to, cylindrical poles may be exactly what your plant needs.
They are also great for plants near windows. Because they can rotate, you’ll prevent your plant from leaning permanently in one direction. We offer them in three sizes (more info below).
Small vs. large diameter poles: 4, 6 & 8 cm
L-line 4 cm diameter poles: Perfect for lighter plants like the Philodendron Pink Princess. Just know they dry out quickly, meaning you’ll be watering more often, even with a drip cap. At this diameter, you simply cannot hold moisture for long. Good for nursery plants as well to encourage rooting.
XL 6 cm diameter poles: These hold more moss and therefore more moisture, making them ideal for bigger or thirstier plants such as a medium-mature Monstera Albo or a syngonium. The XL is the original design we started with and is still one of our most popular moss poles (especially in Olive Green).
The XL moss pole that started it all.
8 cm diameter XXL poles: A sturdy supersized moss pole that takes well to extending to impressive heights and pairs well with big, heavy plants. Our recommendation for a mature Monstera, for example.
Our XXL moss pole kits explained here.
XL or XXL? What if you're not sure...
It's usually pretty clear if you need the petite L poles, but some customers do hesitate between the two XL and XXL sizes. When you see them in person, it's easy to see how much heftier the XXL pole is, but it can be hard to visualise, especially if buying moss poles for the first time!
Here are some rules of thumb:
- XL poles: These poles are a great starter moss pole. They are great for medium plants and best for plants that won't need too much water or won't grow too high as they are less stable as they grow (though brackets like the ones pictured above can help).
- XXL poles: These are extra-rigid and wider in diameter. They hold more moss, provide more room for aerial roots, and can support even the heaviest climbers. They will retain moisture for longer and are more stable as you stack them up than the XL, so they are a great choice for climbers who are going to go high!
Rule of thumb: If you’re debating between two sizes, always choose the larger. It’s easier to water less often than to rehydrate dried-out moss
Don’t forget stability
As moss poles get taller and heavier, stability becomes a bigger concern. Wet moss can significantly increase pole weight. Using a bracket, steel rod, or bamboo stake inside the pot keeps the setup steady. Without it, your planter may tip or your pole may bend over time.
We like to use brackets as they are easy-to-use and can be modified to your specific situation quite easily.
Get our XL moss pole bracket here.
Height recommendations for your moss pole kit
For tall climbers, start with a 100 cm kit. The modular design allows you to add simple extensions later as your plant grows so if you get less than you needed, you can simply purchase extensions separately.
For smaller vining varieties, a shorter 50 cm pole may be all you need for the next couple of years.
Conclusions
In a nutshell: XXL is a better fit for a mature plant that's heavier and it deals better with extending from a stability perspective. However, an XL-pole can also be made more stable with brackets and it's a good all-rounder. However, if you are in-between the two, going for XXL makes sense as "too big" is easier for your plant to grow into.
Still not sure? We also wrote a moss pole houseplant matchmaking guide here that might help: read it on our blog here. You can also send us a message with a picture of your plant for a personalised recommendation.
