The Moss Pole Alternatives: The moss pole can help provide support for your indoor plants. However, for some reason, it can be challenging to access. And that’s why moss pole alternatives come in handy.
Seeking an alternative that is cost-effective and able to provide the same function as a moss pole is the best way out. With Moss pole alternatives and tiny DIY ideas, you can make your moss pole and save money.
The moss pole alternative is a supportive device that helps plants grow taller. Things like coir Poles, Metal Pipes, Plastic Trellis, Bamboo, and Tree slab are the perfect alternatives to a moss poles.
Plant owners use moss poles to help plants like monsteras, pothos, and vines grow upright and keep a good structure.
Here, we will explain some of the best moss pole alternatives to help your indoor plan grow teller.
What is a Moss Pole?
A moss pole is a stick or bar covered in moss to encourage plants to grow up (rather than down or sideways).
Using Moss poles is an efficient way to encourage your plants to grow upwards rather than horizontally.
It’s ideal for pothos, Swiss cheese plants, philodendrons, and any climbing houseplant.
What Can I Use Instead of a Moss Pole?
You should use a moss pole to encourage your plants to grow in a specific direction.
However, moss poles are hard to find and expensive. But the good news is that there are alternatives. You can use many devices instead of a moss pole and still achieve the same goal. Examples include; Bamboo, Tree branches, PVC Pipe, Metal mesh, Plastic Trellis, etc.
These devices will encourage your plants to grow upwards and fuller, providing beauty to your homes.
You need an alternative moss pole device to control the direction your plant grows, and in this article, I will list 7 moss pole alternatives that you can use instead of the traditional moss pole.
Moss Pole Alternatives
Moss poles are often a perfect indoor gardening tool to give your plant direction. However, they are expensive and difficult to access.
Creating your moss pole alternative means you won’t have to spend money on those expensive poles. Below are some of the best moss pole alternatives, which are cheaper than traditional ones.
- Coir Pole
- Wire Trellis
- Bamboo Trellis
- Plastic Trellis
- Metal Pipe
- Metal Mesh
- PVC Pipe
1. Coir Pole
When comparing the coir pole vs the moss pole, you have to know that the coir pole is an excellent alternative to the moss pole. A coir pole is made from coconut husks. They’re odorless and inexpensive.
They’re heavier than wood poles, but they also last longer. Coir can be found at most garden centers or online.
For durability, soak it in water for 24 hours before using it. Store it in water when not in use. If you want to make your coir pole, drill holes into an old broom handle or mop handle and then wrap it with strips of old sheets or towels soaked in hot water.
2. Wire Trellis
Trellises are great for providing support for climbing plants like cucumbers and peas. Some gardeners build trellises from wire, but if you’re on a budget and want to save money, try making your wooden Trellis instead.
Wood is easy to come by; if you have some scrap leftover from other projects, such as pallets or fence pickets, you can use that wood to create your Trellis.
3. Bamboo Trellis
A trellis is a form of support used to grow a plant vertically rather than along its horizontal plane.
This allows plants to grow larger and more robust by using space more efficiently. Bamboo makes an ideal trellis because it’s lightweight, flexible, and durable.
Two types of bamboo are easy to find: Clumping and running.
4. Plastic Trellis
If you’re looking for an excellent, inexpensive garden accessory to give your plants some structure and height, consider creating a DIY Plastic trellis.
In addition to being attractive and easy on your wallet, they’re also very low-maintenance, but they can be time-consuming if you don’t have all the materials on hand. Here are instructions for making one at home
5. Metal Pipe
Pipes made of aluminum, copper, or stainless/galvanized steel that are non-corrosive can be used as bare plant supports or as the foundation for wrapping in more beautiful coir, jute, or other natural-looking fiber material.
Metal pipes are a fantastic alternative for training tall, top-heavy plants and vegetables like pole beans, cucumbers, and peas because of their heavy-duty character and stackability.
Ensure the pipe isn’t coated with paint or oil since this might harm plants when it reacts with moisture.
6. Metal Mesh
Metal mesh supports are commonly used as tomato cages and make suitable cylindrical poles for many tall, bushy floral plants. Metal mesh is constructed using sheep wire or re-mesh.
The malleable mesh sheets may be readily twisted into the desired cylinder width and attached with cable ties at either end, with the assistance of another person to keep it steady.
Remesh has a finer gauge than most other metal mesh alternatives, which appears suitable for your plants, particularly bushier species.
7. PVC Pipe
A friend uses PVC pipes for his pothos, which provide adequate support.
For DIY moss pole using PVC pipe.
You can cover the poles in sphagnum moss and turn them into self-watering poles by drilling holes in the pipe and pouring water on the top to moisten the surrounding moss.
Cut your PVC pipe to size, then place an inch of moistened moss on a piece of plastic wire mesh. Drill holes along the pipe as desired, wrap it inside the mesh like a Swiss roll and secure it with cable ties.
Attach a waste pipe stop at the end to prevent water from accumulating in the soil base. To blend in with the sphagnum moss, use brown/tan plastic mesh.
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Why Should You Use a Moss Pole or Its Alternatives?
Most plant owners like moss pole alternatives to encourage their plants to grow upwards.
Here are some reasons why you should use a moss pole alternative or moss pole:
- To have more options regarding where to put your plant.
- It helps plants take up less space, which means more room for plants.
- You can “sculpt” your plant.
- Enjoy the aesthetic appearance of your plant.
A moss pole can help you have more control over your plant. When growing a Monstera, for example, you can direct the growth of your houseplant in whichever way you want.
Using a moss pole or moss pole alternative is suitable for beautification; you can control how your indoor plan grows, its directions, and how long it should be.
Can I Use a Tree Branch as A Moss Pole?
Yes! You can use a tree branch as a moss pole, but these tree branches can rot after a period. Nevertheless, their job is to help the plant climb! Even the traditional moss poles do also get rot.
I prefer a branch to a moss pole because it won’t get mildewy all over and will be easy to repair if it rots. After all, the aerial roots won’t grow into the porous surface of the moss pole.
I suggest using a bamboo pole (not fresh bamboo) instead of a moss pole because bamboo wood is quite strong, resistant to water/rotting, and contains no harmful elements for your plant.
Do I Need a Moss Pole for Monstera?
Yes! Monstera, Pothos, and some Vines need a moss pole to support their growth (upwards and taller). With moss poles crawling plants can take up little space, grow taller and appear beautifully.
To spend less, you use a moss pole alternative for monstera; these can still provide or perform the same duty as the moss pole.
Many people have compared the Monstera trellis to the moss pole at one time or the other. The truth is that both can support your monstera and help them grow taller. Whichever support suits your specification is okay.
Conclusion On Moss Pole Alternative
Using a moss pole to give your plant a direction is essential for DIY gardening. However, if you cannot access a moss pole, I suggest you use any of the moss pole alternatives listed above.
Watch the Video below for more tips!