Monstera growing in moss: Soilless base deep dive
We like to try out new things, so when we had some cuttings from our lovely Monstera Dubia, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see how it took to a fully soilless environment, growing in sphagnum moss alone.
Monstera Dubia as a moss pole plant
We’ve honestly had some awesome results from our Dubia, growing massive leaves on our D-shaped moss pole. It works really well with the honeycomb pattern and grows into impressive, yet stable, heights. It's a great moss pole plant.
The soilless experiment
After chopping our Dubia and placing the rooted D-pole sections on the Soilless Base, it took about 4 weeks for the plant to adapt. That top leaf is the first since the chop, with no reduction in size!
The Soilless Base converts our tried and proven D-pole sections into a vertical growing unit that has endless applications with epiphitic genera.
Once the clear back is assembled, the sections can be filled with moss, bark, coco fibre, or your favourite chunky mix, creating an extendable vertical planter.
Why go soilless
Why not?
No but seriously, it’s good for the plants and takes up less space. It can help deal with issues such as root rot, and can create a healthier and less prone to pests environment for growing your plant.
It's also great to grow a plant without the hassle of pots of soil that quickly become too small. The pot up process is not as involved when you go soillless, and as someone who has frequently knocked my plants to the floor and sent soil flying around (if you have carpets this is particularly painful), it is also less messy.
Plant care is definitely easier with a modular soilless system!
Soilless opportunities
Don't limit yourself to my example, use your imagination and picture the potential growing options.
I've filled the pole with sphagnum moss but switch it over to a chunky aroid mix if you prefer. Take that Monstera, and replace it with an Orchid, or an Anthurium, or any other Ephiphyte that might enjoy a vertical growing method. This unit would be ideal as an Orchid Tower.
Or, simply place this standalone moss pole next to your pot, and have the plant lean back onto it, preventing any moisture transfer between your moss pole and your potted plant!
