How to Use a Moss Pole for Climbing Plants?

Just like an education, there’s a good reason to start early when it comes to training on moss poles.

You’ll need to “plant” the base of the pole itself in the substrate, and if you want it central you’re going to need to get it right in close to the base of the plant.

Guess what else is there in there with mature plants?

Bingo! The plant roots system you’re about to maim… That’s why its worth getting your moss pole in early – even for small and juvenile plants – so it can learn to live with the support from the beginning.

However, if (like most people) you already have a big plant that needs a moss pole, don’t fret.

We can make it work.

After all, we can’t always be prepared and I’m well aware of how easy it is to come home with spontaneous new plant purchases.

It’s much easier to add a new moss pole to a plant when you’re re-potting it. You can’t simply jam a pole into that mass of roots and substrate.

So, remove your plant first, try to gently separate the roots as much as you can until you can get your pole nice and flush with the base of the plant – then plant them in together.

How to Attach Plants

Plants are triggered to attach by the contact with the pole surface, which is why we bind them closely.

Vines are pretty straightforward, and for more shall we say… chaotic plants, you’ll generally want to target the larger stems for attachment.

That way the plant is fully supported and the smaller stems are free to show off their foliage.

You can attach plants directly to the moss pole in a few ways.

1. Pin them using metal staples. I’ve seen these sold under the name of “moss pole pins” but they’re essentially just a U shape that you can press into the pole, trapping the stem in the middle.
2. Wrap them with twine or wire. Tying a loop around the outside of the stem and pole together and then tightening it to bind them together. Twine is my preferred method – I like the rustic look.
3. Velcro straps or cable ties. Same deal as the twine really. It doesn’t look as natural, but when you’re dealing with big and heavy plants, the added security can help.
4. Wrap the plant itself. Some plants need minimal intervention in attaching to the moss pole. I’ve successfully attached plants just by wrapping the vine gently around the pole, making sure the aerial roots had something to grip.
5. Try to attach them in such a way that the plant nodes are the parts touching the moss pole. That’s where the aerial roots will develop from, so the easier you can make it for the plant the better.