Moss poles are commonly considered a necessity for monstera species and other climbing plants like pothos and philodendron. Overall, I’m not a fan of moss poles, but the truth is that monsteras are climbing plants and need some sort of structure to climb. In the wild, these plants grow up other plants and trees, and they like to do the same thing in our indoor environments!
This allows them to receive more even light on all their leaves, and takes a lot of strain off the root system because they don’t have to support the whole plant. As an added bonus, supports that allow monsteras to climb will help them grow upward instead of outward. Some monstera species like monstera deliciosa can get massive and take over your space if you let them. Supports are nonnegotiable for aroids after they reach a certain size, but moss poles just weren’t cutting it for me.
Moss poles can also become moldy, which can cause health problems for your monstera, especially if you don’t catch it in time. Moss poles weren’t working for me and they don’t work for a lot of monstera owners. After a little searching, I discovered a stylish metal trellis unlike any other trellis I’d seen before. The only problem? They come in two shapes: a minimalist arrow and a simple, streamlined oval shape.
In our research, we’ve observed that monstera plants take to these trellises very well and seem to climb them more readily than moss poles. They also take up less space in the pot, so they won’t crowd your plant. This also makes repotting easier! But my favorite thing about them is that they have a much more subtle, understated appearance than moss poles. I encourage you to try these minimalist houseplant trellises if you’re fed up with moss poles and looking for something different.
Monstera plant care is quite simple once you get the hang of it, but there is a bit of a learning curve. I love monsteras and writing, so I created this site to combine my two passions. I hope you find the information helpful. We are an Amazon Certified Small Business! Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy; they create jobs and drive innovation.
Are you puzzled over choosing between Monstera trellis vs moss pole for plants? Monstera is native to tropical rainforests where the plant grows as a wild epiphyte. This means that the plant naturally relies on other trees and vines to climb up vertically. By climbing, they can soak up more sunlight and nutrients. Without something to climb on, your Monstera might just grow towards the nearest light source. That’s where moss poles and trellises come in handy.
When you set up a trellis next to your Monstera, it encourages the plant to climb up, using its vines and aerial roots. Easier to Set Up: Installing a trellis is fairly easier than a moss pole because it uses fewer materials and doesn’t require any special techniques. Available in Various Shapes and Designs: A Trellis can take a variety of shapes. Besides wall-mounted panels, you can also use free-standing arches. Excellent for Gardens: If you’re growing Monstera in your garden, having a trellis would be a lot more convenient than a moss pole. Needs Minimal Maintenance: Another advantage of using a trellis is that it’s a “set it and let it” type of structure.
Moss poles have their unique set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Encourages the Growth of Aerial Roots: While a trellis is only meant to support plants, sphagnum moss has an incredibly high water-holding capacity. Gives You Creative Freedom: While the shape of a trellis is quite limited, you can use moss poles to train your plant to grow into any pattern you like. Suitable for Supporting Monstera Plants: One of the issues with moss poles is that they’re limited to small- and medium-sized plants. This limits its functionality with many plants.
As you can see, both trellis and moss poles are suitable support options for Monstera plants.
Why a Trellis Can Be Better for Monsteras
Monstera plants take to trellises very well and seem to climb them more readily than moss poles. They also take up less space in the pot, so they won’t crowd your plant. This also makes repotting easier! The trellis has a subtle, understated appearance that blends with interior decor much more naturally than a bulky moss pole.
Installing a trellis is fairly easier than a moss pole because it uses fewer materials and doesn’t require any special techniques. A trellis can be mounted on a wall or used as a free-standing structure, giving you flexibility in how you display your plant. For those growing monsteras in gardens or larger indoor spaces, a trellis is often more practical and aesthetically pleasing.
CHOOSE THE BEST PLANT SUPPORT - moss pole vs coco coir vs trellis vs wooden plank
Care Tips for Monsteras with a Trellis
- Position the trellis so that vines can naturally reach upward and start to cling as soon as new growth emerges.
- Gently guide new aerial roots toward the trellis to encourage secure attachment.
- Water and light needs remain the same; ensure even light distribution to reduce leggy growth.
- Monitor for any signs of mold or excess moisture around the base and the trellis junctions.
- Repot when the plant outgrows the pot, which is often easier with a slimmer trellis footprint.
Considerations for Moss Poles
- Moss poles can mold or harbor moisture if not dried properly, posing health risks to the plant.
- They require regular maintenance to prevent rot and to keep moss fresh and fungus-free.
- Better for smaller or trailing growth patterns, but limited for large monstera varieties.
In summary, both options support Monstera growth, but trellises provide easier setup, space efficiency, a more subtle look, and better upward growth for larger plants. Moss poles can still work for smaller or specialty setups but may require more maintenance and space.