Who do aroid plants such as Monsteras embrace moss? What is the purpose of a moss pole for a Monstera?
Let's dive into why this popular and beginner-friendly plant is a fan of supportive moss poles!
Creating a home like your plant's natural (rainforest) environment
Monsteras (also known as cheese plants), native to the rainforests of Central America, have evolved to grow in the rich, humid environments of the forest floor. In their natural habitat, they often climb trees, using their aerial roots to anchor themselves to the bark.
Moss poles emulate the conditions of the rainforest, providing a vertical surface for the Monstera to climb, just like it would in the wild. The humidity and the moss pole environment make them feel at home.
Supportive structure: encouraging healthy leaf growth
Monsteras are known for their large, fenestrated leaves that create a beautiful aesthetic we all love to photograph. However, Monstera leaves can become heavy as the plant matures, making it prone to leaning. Moss poles offer crucial support, preventing the Monstera from toppling over and encouraging upright growth. The pole acts as an outsourced backbone, allowing the plant to develop a strong and well-balanced structure.
Our D-shaped moss pole is particularly good for this kind of plant support as it is very sturdy and remains so even when extended to 1-2 metres tall.
Aerial attachment: nature's way of climbing
Monsteras possess unique aerial roots that play a vital role in their growth. When provided with a moss pole, these roots naturally gravitate towards it, attaching themselves and creating a strong grip. The attachment not only helps in stabilising the plant, but also enhances nutrient absorption, as the aerial roots can absorb moisture and nutrients from the surrounding environment. That is why it is a good idea to use high-quality moss dense with micronutrients.
It is a good idea to keep your eye on how your Monstera is rooting into the moss: we have had to readjust a few times to ensure they attach correctly. At the same time, it can be fun to just watch your plant go wild and start creating wild roots in every which direction!
Enhanced air circulation: reducing the risk of disease
One of the benefits of using moss poles for Monsteras is the improvement in air circulation. The gaps in the moss allow air to flow more freely around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting a healthier environment for your plant. Improved ventilation not only benefits the Monstera but also enhances the overall well-being of your indoor jungle.
We have had a few questions about the smell of moss, but because of this aeration, we actually find that moss poles are not prone to smelling of anything very strongly.
Aesthetics
As Monsteras climb and attach to moss poles, they produce leaves at different heights along the stem. This varied leaf development adds to the plant's aesthetic appeal, creating a lush and full appearance. The combination of different leaf sizes and shapes contributes to the Monstera's iconic and visually interesting look! Combine that with a good looking moss pole and you quickly have a beautiful indoor garden on your hands.
Why we love Monsteras
We love Monsteras so much that we even designed our Monstera Trellis (Barbara) with a special Monstera pattern created by an artist. Its striking organic pattern is ideal for plant lovers.
Beautiful, hardy, and varied, these houseplants provide so much joy (and do not cost the earth).
Plus, Monsteras, with their tropical origins, benefit significantly from the support and structure provided by moss poles, so we are obviously biased and love seeing them thrive in our home garden with our designs. So, if you want your Monstera to flourish and showcase its full potential, consider embracing the moss pole!
