Skip to main content

Not sure when and why you should be using plant poles? Here are some tips

Help your plants develop bigger, fuller leaves with a moss pole to climb

Most plants are perfectly happy to sit in their pots and grow without help. Some plants, however, particularly those that like to vine, prefer to grow up a pole. If you have one of these trailing beauties, this is the guide for you.

We'll walk you through what a moss pole is, where to get one, and what to do when your plant outgrows the one it has. This is a whole aspect of growing houseplants that isn’t always explained thoroughly, so we’ll provide you with the information you need to successfully grow plants that prefer poles. Find out everything you need to know about using plant poles.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • Moss pole at least 12 inches taller than the plant

  • Twist ties, string, or twine

Plant growing on a moss pole

Why you might use a plant pole

First, let’s talk about why you might want to use a plant pole. Of course, there’s the health of the plant. In the wild, some plants are are epiphytic, which means they use the support of another plant to grow. These are the plants you see growing up tree trunks. When grown indoors, these plants do better when grown on a plant pole. This helps them develop bigger leaves and fuller vines, and it improves their overall health.

Growing on a pole also means the plant might suit your space better. The plant will take up less space than a trailing plant, and you won’t risk the leaves accidentally getting sucked up into the vacuum on cleaning day.

Plant on a moss pole

Pros and cons of plant poles

Although most climbing plants prefer having something to climb, most of them will still grow and thrive without it. However, without a pole, these plants tend to droop and trail. This creates a different look than climbing, which might be what you prefer. This is essential to keep in mind, especially if the plant is young and isn’t big enough to trail or climb yet. As it matures, you’ll want to be aware of how a pole — or lack thereof — might affect the plant's health and your home's aesthetic.

Usually, plants don’t get access to as much light as hanging or trailing plants, so a pole might boost their growth and improve their health.

Training moss to grow on a pole

How to train a plant to climb a moss pole

Training a plant up a pole is not as intimidating as it seems. It’s best to start when the plant is young, but you can still train an older, more mature plant. It's easier with younger plants because they aren’t as large, and their vines are less stiff and stuck in their growth pattern. Older plants tend to get fixed in their growth and have a more difficult time bending and reshaping themselves. You might find they break more easily as you’re trying to fix them to the pole.

Step 1: Before you put the pole in the pot, consider soaking it.

This is especially true if it’s a moss pole. Many plants prefer the stake to be moist, and soaking the pole will encourage the plant to attach itself to the pole.

Step 2: Place the pole into the pot with the plant.

Go slowly and carefully so that you don't accidentally nick the plant's roots.

Step 3: Take small sections of the vines, tie them to the stake with twist ties, twine, or string, and wrap them around until you get all the vines on the pole.

Step 4: If the plant is older and its vines are stiffer and uncooperative, you can either leave them trailing or trim them to discard or propagate.

Monstera adansonii

Which plants like poles

The most common plants to grow up poles are Monstera adansonii, Monstera deliciosa, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (aka the mini monstera), philodendron, and pothos. These would all prefer to grow up a pole rather than be left to vine or trail, and they all will have bigger, greener, and healthier leaves if they’re supported with a pole.

Monstera climbing a moss pole

Where to get a plant pole

Over the last two years, the increased popularity of houseplants has made finding products like plant poles much easier for houseplant parents. Now you can find moss poles in almost any garden center or plant shop. However, if you can’t find any at local stores near you, here are three options we found online that would work perfectly for almost any climbing plant.

Or you can make your own with bamboo stakes, moss, and gardening tape.

Plant climbing a moss pole

When and how to size up a plant pole

It’s pretty simple to assess whether or not it’s time to size up your plant pole. To make life easier on yourself, we first recommend selecting a pole at least a foot taller than your plant so you have plenty of space to use as the plant grows. We also suggest investing in a stackable pole like this one here. It makes adding height to the plant pole much easier on you and the plant.

If you have a pole that's too short and doesn’t have an extension, keep reading.

Step 1: If possible, only change the pole when you are repotting the plant. This will be less stressful for the plant and simplify things for you.

Step 2: Gently pull your plant off the old pole and remove the old pole from the pot.

Step 3: Repot the plant (if applicable) and insert the new pole.

Step 4: Reattach the plant to the pole using the steps outlined above.

If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful vining or climbing plant in your collection, we think you’ll love training it to grow up a pole. Not only is this an attractive way to show off the plant, but it’s also much healthier for the plant.

Editors' Recommendations

Do you live in climate zone 2? Here’s what you need to know
Grow these plants and flowers for a lively garden in climate zone 2
American cranberry branch with many berries in the sun

Climate zone 2 plants face some of the coldest winters in the United States, making gardening a challenge. In this region, temperatures drop well below 0, resulting in harsh freezes that damage plants. It’s not impossible to foster a healthy garden here, however. Zone 2 gardeners often grow annuals, start plants indoors, and implement overwintering measures, such as mulch and cold frames throughout the year.

There are also cold-hardy plants that can grow and even thrive in zone 2's cold weather. If you reside in climate zone 2, here’s what you need to know about what you can grow there and how to do it.

Read more
Grow your indoor or outdoor garden and support these Black-owned plant shops for Black History Month
Get your next leafy friend from one of these Black-owned companies
Various plants on different stands

If you're a plant parent, you buy your supplies and new baby plants from somewhere. So, instead of the chain stores, consider supporting Black-owned plant shops to get your leafy friends everything they need to thrive. Check out any of these Black-owned companies to find your next plant addition no matter where you are, because every one of these businesses ships all over the U.S.

Grounded
Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell started this beautiful plant company in 2020 to help create a calmer space in homes through the addition of greenery. If you have no idea where to start, Grounded offers complimentary 15-minute consultations to get you going. It has a subscription option for the more adventurous plant parent, and if you have fur babies at home, look at their pet-safe options so you won't have to worry about a curious nose.
Crazy Plant Bae
From plants to planters to a subscription box, Crazy Plant Bae has a little of everything. No matter how green your thumb is, you'll find something to fit your budget and space. Get the kids involved in gardening and sign them up for one of the workshops, or have them visit your child in their classroom. But the best part about this company is that it's a Black women-run business with its third generation of family members, and it has over 40 years of service at your disposal.
deVINE Plantery
If you want easy-to-care-for plants without a lot of fuss, or more unique plants, check out deVINE Plantery. This Black woman-owned company has adorable plants, fun accessories, stunning art pieces, and a few other gift ideas. Need help styling the plants in your home, want a consultation about what plants to get, or want to take a gardening class? This business offers all of that and more.
De La Fleur Designs
If you want only flowers for your space with a lot of color and beauty, then De La Fleur Designs is where you should look. It doesn't just put together any ordinary bouquet. Owner Daphne oozes the sophistication and elegance you'll see in whichever arrangement you choose. Whether you need a sympathy arrangement, wedding flowers, or want to sign yourself up for a monthly bouquet delivery subscription, De La Fleur will take care of it all.
The Plant Project
The first Black woman-owned plant company in Texas, The Plant Project opened its doors in 2020 to bring the joy of all things leafy to the area. Plants with a pop of color, herbs, plant accessories, and even a plant self-care set are all on the menu. Or visit one of its four locations to get the full in-person experience of a plant shop and see how amazingly beautiful the inside of its stores are.

Read more
Climate zone 3 plants that will thrive in cool temperatures
Flowers, foliage plants, and fruits to grow in climate zone 3
A person holding a seedling

A climate zone 3 garden can be a challenge to maintain. Zone 3 winters can reach well below subzero temperatures, and with the cold also comes harsh freezes, high winds, and dry air. But planting a thriving summer garden in this region is possible, and you can take protective measures that don’t involve keeping your plants inside at all times. If you’re a zone 3 gardener, here are the most suitable plants for your region and tips on how to safeguard them against extreme weather.

Where is zone 3?
First and foremost, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what a climate zone is. Essentially, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 climate zones based on annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 faces the coldest winters, while zone 13 experiences the warmest ones. On store labels, plant retailers will often indicate the zone range where a plant is perennial — that is, where it can enjoy more than one growing season.

Read more