Many popular houseplants are natural climbers. In the wild, plants such as Monstera and climbing Philodendrons use trees and other vegetation for support as they grow upwards towards the light.

Indoors, a moss pole can provide that same kind of vertical support. It helps guide the plant upwards, keeps its growth more manageable and, for many climbing species, can encourage the development of larger and more mature leaves.

And when your plant reaches the top, you don’t necessarily need to replace the entire pole. A moss pole can simply be extended as the plant continues to grow.

Why use a moss pole?

Climbing plants naturally produce long stems and aerial roots that help them attach themselves to surfaces as they grow.

Without support, these plants may start to trail, lean or spread outwards. Giving them something to climb allows them to grow in a way that is much closer to their natural growth habit.

For plants such as Monstera and many climbing Philodendrons, good support can also help the plant develop more mature foliage. As the plant establishes itself and continues climbing, new leaves may gradually become larger and, depending on the species, develop more mature shapes or fenestrations.

A moss pole doesn’t make this happen on its own — sufficient light and healthy growth remain essential — but providing proper support can make a significant difference.

Position the moss pole correctly

Ideally, a moss pole should be added while the plant is still relatively young or when repotting, before the stems become too long and difficult to position.

Place the pole close to the main stem and on the side where the aerial roots emerge. This gives the plant the opportunity to grow towards the support and attach itself naturally.

Make sure the pole is positioned firmly in the pot. As the plant becomes larger and heavier, both the pole and the pot need to provide enough stability to support its growth.

Guide the plant as it grows

A young climbing plant may need a little help finding its support.

Gently guide the stem towards the moss pole and secure it where necessary with soft plant ties or clips. Avoid tying the plant too tightly. The stem will become thicker as it grows and needs enough space to develop without being constricted.

Attach the stem, rather than tying individual leaves or petioles to the pole. The leaves need to remain free to move and orient themselves towards the light.

Check the plant regularly and add or adjust ties as new growth develops.

What about aerial roots?

Aerial roots are a normal part of the growth of climbing plants. In nature, they help the plant attach itself to trees and other surfaces.

When an aerial root grows towards the moss pole, you can gently guide it towards the support. There is no need to force every aerial root into the pole or cut them off simply because they are visible.

Some will attach to the support, while others may continue growing freely. Both are perfectly normal.

When should you extend the moss pole?

Don’t wait until your plant has grown far beyond the top of its support.

Once the newest part of the stem approaches the top of the moss pole, it is a good time to think about extending it. This allows you to continue guiding new growth upwards without having to bend or reposition a long unsupported stem later.

Regularly checking the top of the plant makes extending the pole much easier.

How to extend a moss pole

The type of moss pole we use at Plantlovers is designed so that additional sections can be added as the plant grows.

Remove a small amount of the coir at the top of the existing pole until the inner plastic tube becomes accessible. A new moss pole can then be connected to the existing one, creating a taller support without having to remove the original pole or disturb the plant and its roots.

Once the extension is securely in place, continue guiding new growth towards the pole as before.

Not every moss pole is constructed in the same way, so always check whether the type you are using is suitable for extending.

Keep stability in mind

A taller plant creates more leverage and can eventually make the pot unstable.

As you continue extending the moss pole, regularly check whether the pole is still firmly anchored and whether the pot is large and heavy enough to support the plant safely.

If the plant has become very large or top-heavy, repotting into a more stable pot may eventually be necessary.

Let your plant climb

A moss pole isn’t just a way to keep a large plant under control. For climbing species, it gives the plant the opportunity to grow in a way that reflects its natural growth habit.

Give the plant good light, guide new growth towards its support and extend the pole when necessary.

With enough time and the right conditions, a small climbing plant can develop into an impressive vertical specimen with increasingly mature foliage.