If you own a pothos, you might be familiar with one of the problems of growing a Monstera climbing plant.
If you are one of the Monstera houseplant owners, you might worry about what to do since it’s growing so much as the plant is used to growing on tree trunks.
You can make the Monsteras grow stronger and upward using a support system and the right resources. However, which one should you use? Read here to find out some free growing tips.
What is a Trellis?
A trellis is a simple garden structure made of plastic, wood, or metal. The structure helps the climbing plants grow upwards and is a perfect choice for vining plants.
You can use them in the garden or inside the house as it is only a framed structure and provide a structure for the Monsteras to anchor to. Additionally, they can give your home an aesthetic look when coupled with the Monstera.
What is a Moss Pole?
Moss poles are houseplant supplies widely used worldwide for indoor plants. This kind of stake is an effective method to direct the growth of Monstera upwards.
Moss poles can be made from different materials, commonly wood or PVC. The material is then covered by a moss that is either coco coir or dried sphagnum moss.
The stake is put directly into the new pot, and the Monstera aerial roots grip the moss as they grow.
Is a Trellis or Moss Pole Better for Monstera?
No one thing is better than the other as a whole. Instead, the choice is relevant. The trellis and moss poles have many pros and cons that make it difficult for gardeners and plant growers to choose.
To choose one, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of trellis and moss poles.
Advantages of Trellis
Trellis is a widely used gardening structure commonly seen in houses and gardens, typically covered with growing vines. There is a reason why this Monstera support is popular to plant care enthusiasts, and some of these reasons are mentioned below.
They are Easy to Install
You can get a ready-made trellis that is easy to install in the garden and inside. It does not require any special tools or holes in the ground to stand. Depending on the size of the trellis, you might even be done installing in a few hours.
Saves Space
Monstera received its name because of its humungous growth, growing to more than ten feet as a mature plant. There is only so much space in the yard or inside your home where you can accommodate the Monstera.
Trellis offers the perfect solution, allowing your Monstera to spread out and grow as much as it desires in the compounds of its structure.
Decreases Spread of Diseases
Nothing makes your heart hurt more than spending years growing a plant with love, only for it to die of diseases. Trellises can help prevent that pain.
You may not believe it, but they can reduce the spread of diseases such as root rot from the soil or through the air, as it provides the climbing plants with dry air.
Disadvantages of Trellises
Despite their benefits, some people still vary when using this support. There are many reasons why they might not be a perfect option for you.
Costly
Depending on the material used, they can cost a hefty sum. The price seems high compared with a moss pole alternative like bamboo.
Limited Creativity
The design is simple, forcing the Monstera to grow in a certain way, restricting your unique ideas of shaping the Monstera. Hence, if you plan to make unique designs using your Monstera, they might not be the right choice.
Advantages of Moss poles
There are many reasons why people are attracted to moss poles, even if there is a moss pole alternative present. Most Monstera lovers grow their climbing plants on moss poles rather than other structures. Below are some of the many reasons why you should get a moss pole for your Monstera.
Easy Application
There is nothing complicated about a moss pole. You can buy one in any plant center or make one yourself. To use moss poles, you put them in your pots, and the stake stands on its own, becoming the perfect solution for your overgrowing Monstera.
Aesthetically Pleasing
One of the many reasons people grow Monstera is because the unique plant enhances the aesthetics of their homes, and moss poles add to the beauty. Allowing you to shape your Monstera in any way you please, you can add a new look to the room.
Additionally, they keep the plant clean and tidy. Rather than looking like an overgrown bush, your Monstera is held in a specific part of the room or garden, where it grows taller and more prominent.
Can Encourage growth of aerial roots
Moss poles are the best solution for climbing plants and can be used on multiple Monstera, even on those that do not grow as large as the Monstera deliciosa or other larger plants.
Moreover, moss poles encourage the growth of the plant. Forcing the plant in a vertical position allows the aerial roots to absorb nutrients and water from the air, promoting growth. The leaves above do not block the light source from the lower ones.
Disadvantages of Moss Poles
Despite their many advantages, some plant growers continue to seek the best moss pole alternative. This is because there are specific cons of Moss poles that you should expect when you use them. Here are some disadvantages most people complain about.
Maintenance
You must regularly clean the moss pole to maintain the plant’s health. Changing or cleaning the plant without damaging the root system is complicated.
Moreover, moss poles require a lot of maintenance to keep them clean and the plant healthy. The stake needs to be kept moist, requiring misting daily.
The excessive cleaning requirement and the difficulty of being able to clean it is a paradox most have yet to find a solution to.
Not Good For Bigger Plants
Maintainance isn’t the only problem of moss poles. Moss poles can only grow Monstera of a certain size as they outgrow the stakes in a few months.
Bigger Monstera plants, such as the Monstera deliciosa, with larger leaves, are not suited to grow on moss poles. This is because they grow too big, and you can’t be expected to get an enormous moss pole in your home just to fit it.
Is There a Specific Type of Moss Pole or Trellis That’s Ideal?
Depending on the type of Monstera you own and the purpose for which you use a stake, different moss poles or trellises can be ideal for your situation.
Types of Moss Poles
Moss poles are typically divided into sphagnum or coco coir moss poles.
Sphagnum Moss Pole
A sphagnum Moss pole is made of a base stake of wood or vinyl covered with dried sphagnum moss. The moss is then held against the stake using a mesh or wrapper.
Sphagnum moss has good moisture retentive abilities that provide the Monstera with the humidity level it needs and can prevent root rot.
Additionally, it absorbs water quickly, so you do not have to pour water on the Monstera, and you can get satisfying moisture by misting the pole.
The texture of the sphagnum moss pole allows the aerial roots to grip it easily and anchor the plant while absorbing the moisture and nutrients needed.
Coco Coir Pole
Coco coir is a coconut-derived plant fiber with similar characteristics to sphagnum moss.
Its water retention abilities and long-lasting nature make it a highly sought-after material in the planting community.
The primary function of the coco coir is to allow the aerial roots to grip on rather than to provide moisture and humidity.
Types of Trellises
One of the appealing features of this support is that is a wide variety to choose from. However, this is also its Achilles heel because most people get confused over which type to buy. However, we can help make it easier for you.
Try these minimalist houseplant trellises mentioned below.
Lattice
Lattice, the crisscross support, is one of the most commonly used to support Monstera than any other trellis as the cross design makes it perfect for climbing plants to give them enough light.
Wall Mounted
Wall-mounted trellises are as their name suggests. You can attach the sturdy trellises to the wall or fence, giving it stability from toppling over.
Wall mount support is famous among gardeners who wish to cover their walls with Monstera.
Arched
The arched trellises consist of two sidebars connected by a curved bar at the top, making an arch with a streamlined oval shape. This support is primarily used for aesthetic purposes, such as walk-through gates.
Expanding
These gorgeous trellises are an excellent choice for Monstera, which likes to spread out and climb as they offer a considerable height and width.
How to Use a Trellis
To use trellises, follow these steps:
1. The first thing to do is pick a location in the ground, like walls or trees.
2. Use the manual to attach the trellis pieces and dig a hole (about 18 inches deep) if needed.
3. Place the structure’s base in the hole and fill the hole until the structure stabilizes.
4. Weave the heavy stems of the Monstera species around the bars and tie them using zip ties on the end, allowing the aerial roots to grip the structure as the Monstera plants grow aerial roots.
How to Use a Moss Pole
To use a Moss pole, follow these steps:
1. Fill a quarter of the pot with soil and place the bottom of the stake inside the pot.
2. Then, add and compact the soil until the stake stabilizes.
3. Use tapes, fabrics, or twist ties to attach Monstera species to the moss pole and tuck aerial roots in, ensuring that they are not tied too tight so that the aerial roots can grip the pole.
4. Sit back and watch the Monstera plant climb
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better for climbing plants?
A moss pole is better for trailing plants, while trellises are better for other plants that grow bigger, e.g., the Monstera deliciosa.
2. Should I use Moss poles or trellises for my Monstera?
Monstera plants are vining plants that grow on trees in the wild, and the larger monsteras may grow out of the pot, so it is better to attach it to a moss pole or trellises.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
