Why a wooden plank is better than a moss pole

[@KillThisPlant]

Thanks to ChampionOfMediocrePlants (tiktok and instagram) with this video. Shout out to Big Boi. 🫗

[@linzgudmunsen4949]

We just pulled out old cedar fence posts that have been outside in the ground for over 50 years. I have picked one for my monstera... I'm struggling with my monstera and why I'm watching you :) It's my first BIG plant and I think I'm over loving him.

[@mmp495]

😂

[@kuhriynuh]

sheesh Big Boi looks like he needs to start paying rent

[@VeryKinkyCurl]

😂 facts

[@VeryKinkyCurl]

Especially her paying $60 and still having to customize its conditions 😂. Yes, compensation is in order.

[@yosandypu]

AFAIK she had to chop Big Boi because she moved out 😢

[@char2304]

Funniest thing I've heard all week 😂

[@natasha8302]

🤣🤣🤣

[@LilSayo]

I love your videos so much. You're the perfect plant youtuber. Straight to the point, funny, sharing a lot of actually useful knowledge. Just perfect

[@KillThisPlant]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@precioustraveler]

@LilSayo Agreed, he’s great.

[@JJ-ju6ky]

Great? Idk, there is some information in this video that isn't really good info. I'd say do more research and don't rely on one stranger from KZbin

[@Madtwho]

I agree with most of these points. Aerial roots do help stabilize the plant on what it’s growing on. When they first come out they have a very cool ability to stick to organic matter and normally they eventually make their way down and add to the root system. So Indoors they CAN help provide more nutrients if you guide them into the soil. You can also guide them collectively into a container of water which I’ve noticed helps them a bit as well.

[@thecooleos1110]

I was gonna say the same thing! I think you said it better than I could’ve though haha

[@CrossCultural-c7f]

So whether you get a moss pole or plank or ladder, it depends on your goal: whether you want to propagate or whether you want to grow a giant Monstera “big boy”. For my small space, I decided to keep my Monstera deliciosa at a manageable size by using a series of moss poles so that I can chop down the size of the plant. With the moss pole, I’m hoping to then be able to give away or sell one half of the plant and keep the other half of the plant.

[@single_use_planet_]

As someone who heats with wood and goes to the forest to cut said wood I never understand why nobody wants to just use tree trunks to let their plants climb, I'm a pretty new plant parent so my plants are still too small to try that out but I definitely will look for a pretty and young tree or a thicker branch and just let my plant do it's thing on that, maybe I can even find a pretty one with a nice crown and I can add multiple plants to the same tree!

[@haicelimoule3316]

I'd like to try this, but do you treat the wood beforehand? Also, do you stick them directly on soil? I guess it would rot faster. Perhaps a PVC attachment at the bottom?

[@single_use_planet_]

@@haicelimoule3316 so what I would do is just dry the wood inside this time, that drastically reduces the chance of any worms eating my furniture hah, and I would probably either put it on a stand and add the plants onto the tree or if you really wanna stick that bad boy into your little pot I would add an aluminum L to the bottom or something, but really I feel like both repotting and standing it up would be easier with the pot and the tree being seperate, you can buy metal rings that screw into things so you could add those on the trunk and just place the pot in that, secure the tree well and just hang the plant on, and when you have to repot you don't even have to take the plant off, just pull it out and put a new pot on

[@E.P.7131]

Yea, I do lawn care and came across some cedarwood that someone had cut and wanted me to take away. I used one of the thinner branches, trimmed and peeled the bark. Put a hole in the bottom big enough for a piece of bamboo as a stake, and tied my monstera to the branch.

[@single_use_planet_]

@@E.P.7131 ohh awesome! Interesting to peel the bark! Do you think the aeroid would be abke to hold onto the bark if I leave it on or do you think I would have to tie it either way?

[@E.P.7131]

@@single_use_planet_ I think you'll have to tie it to start, but that cedar bark is a mess. Its hard enough to keep my house clean, I foresaw it getting everywhere. No way I was bringing that in the house, I peeled it while it was still outside.

[@ying_verse]

I’m in love with Big Boi oh my goodness (rest in peace) thank you for this explainer!!

[@KillThisPlant]

Big boi forever. 🥲

[@Lorenmcdee]

When my adopted sister's grandma died she gave me a 35+ year old monstera cutting. I put her in the window corner and she was thrilled. That freaking beast just stuck her roots to the God damn wall, put her roots into my carpet and gave me the finger. Her stem is thicker than my arm and she fruited last year

[@KillThisPlant]

Wow. That's awesome.

[@Steeze365Daily]

Hear me out. Coco Coir poles & actual Sphagnum Moss poles that you can create yourself are different. They’re also very inexpensive & you can make a lot for cheap. They also don’t have to be watered as much as people think. I only water my moss pole once a week 😅. All/most of my Monsteras aerial roots grow into the moss pole and stabilize themselves. Other roots grow into the potting mix, as she stated in her video. My monstera’s leaves are still growing past the moss pole, but the roots still have not outgrown them. I think all of them act in the same way if you ask me, but great video!

[@spamsausage]

Even better if you water your moss pole with a dilute solution of liquid nutrients! You’ll get insane growth. Check out Sydney plant guy on KZbin. His plants are absolutely absurd

[@amthomamthom]

Thanks for posting this budget friendly video. I've scaled back on my plant hobby/ collection because it got pretty expensive to have so many climbing plants needing moss poles. Will visit local hardware to explore this cheaper cedar plank option. I also love love love the alliteration comment/ joke...and the way you add a bit of humor to your videos.

[@BainesAdam]

Monstera around here grow happily up rough sawn wooden fencing and light poles

[@OceanSwimmer]

This is very timely for me, as my Monstera wants to climb out of it's pot. I get a new leaf every two weeks. I love this plant - now I'm happy to learn how to be a better parent to it.

[@qaphqa]

I really like how you spelled out your logic, as well as details of your solution. It makes it that much easier to adapt to the materials I have and what's readily available. Super again!!!

[@KillThisPlant]

Glad you enjoyed it! Again! Thanks for always commenting. I appreciate it.

[@qaphqa]

@@KillThisPlant thanks for always making awesome videos!

[@1on1dogtrainingregan73]

I love your videos. Finally someone who is thorough in their description and info. Virtually no one else, at least i havnt found anyone to be as thorough.

[@Andrew-tl9gk]

Actually you guys could use additional pots with soil in them just for the aerial roots and you can even place them anywhere around the plant. The Monstera will build up additional root system in those additional pots.

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Never would have thought to do this. This is perfect for those of us who want giant leaves. Thanks!

[@davidpaylor5666]

I just used a broom handle from a hardware store for mine. When the plant got too tall I tied a plastic bag of moss around the halfway point as an air layer, when I saw roots I cut it and then I had two plants.

[@bananabreeding1362]

Agreed! Moss poles are just too expensive... I just collect moderately aged fallen boughs and hunt old construction debris for old untreated light timbers.

[@noninoni9962]

LOL...Before I had children, my first baby was my Monstera plant... At least he lasted longer than my first marriage.

[@Medaaly]

I've watched your videos for some times now, and finally got ready to repot my monstera in a drastic way. I got a larger pot thinking she might be to tight... I added some perlite to the soil (less than what you recommand because she's not used to this) and I think she will love that cause when I transplanted her i realised she has very few roots (she was in terracota pot, i couldnt see how roots were going)... And got rid of the moss pole i could never keep wet, and put a wood plank instead. I saved her from garbage 5 years ago (3 growth in same pot); she had 4 poor looking leaves and rotten roots, and she just been so nice to me by staying alive xD Time to get her what she deserve. Hoping it will not be too much changes all at once to manage for her !

[@Julia-lg2on]

This was an interesting video. I’ve always wondered if moss poles are really necessary because in nature, climbing plants obviously climb onto trees…which are wood…not moss. I got my first plant 5 months ago, so I figured I was just missing the memo somewhere about why moss poles are necessary. Plus, I’ve heard of them being super thirsty, top heavy, and moulding if they’re too moist, so I was never interested in them. Cedar smells and looks nice, so I like that idea a lot. 😊

[@ot7stan207]

Moss grows a lot of algae in sunlight too and theres nothing to stop it unless light is removed (cant have that happen)

[@abbytonyardor3701]

Thank you so much!!! My monsters was 12 inches tall 18 months ago. It is now 4 foot tall and I have been trying to figure out the best way to support it. This is great. We plan on eventually putting ot in our living room where it will have 16 feet to grow and hopefully fruit some day. We have skylights

[@KillThisPlant]

I am very jealous of skylights.

[@abbytonyardor3701]

@@KillThisPlant lol don't be , I love them until I have to drag my 57 year old a$$ up on the roof to clean them 😅 😂 🤣 🤪

[@j3mixa]

OMG! Big Boy was so amazing 😲. And I think that the ladders look much more elegant than planks would. The light gets through them and it makes them look like part of the decor rather than a plant support. They don't take the attension away from the plant but sort of frames it like a piece of art. Definately going to use that idea with my (much smaller 😁) Monstera.

[@Unknownlll123]

I wasn't able to get the type of wood you advised, instead I used a plank of wood and it's brilliant, I will train it more as it gets older, the moss poles that I had ordered I cancelled them and even my sister commented on how lovely it looked with the planks in them also with your videos I took them all out of their pots and in one there was four plants in one pot, they are now all put back facing the right way and the new leaves that are growing are fine, no problems at all, thanks for all your help and advice you are amazing.🐞🍀 🍀🐞🍀.

[@xaiuon]

LEE, I just don't like moss pole at all. I really like the plank ladder pole she got..what a great idea. Oh my, she got a beautiful plant, love it!

[@jamieb7342]

I've used a plank even in my smaller plants.Thank you!

[@ayushshrestha1733]

I make a DYI moss pole from pvc pipe and potato sacks made of potato sacks and these are very cheap and little maintenance. All my climber plants are thriving on them.

[@KillThisPlant]

Sounds great!

[@jayelodell]

This is informative as well as fascinating! I was set on having my monstera on a moss pole but I now I think a plank is the way to go. Thank you for this video Lee!

[@flosch5444]

I find it important to differentiate between poles and actual spahnum moss poles (like sydneyplantguy does them) E plank is equivalent to a pole. But a moss pole is an extension to the pot and lets the plants mature relativly quickly

[@junekaplan165]

2:44 I have found, that if I start when the aerial roots are still small, I can use floral tape to slowly and carefully train them into position. I can get more of them into the soil this way

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Another top Monstera video Lee

[@KillThisPlant]

Thanks!

[@aazhie]

For a much smaller plant, like a pothos, a moss pole isn't bad. I've heard of enginering types who use PVC or un-useable plastic tubing, drill holes in it, and they pour water down the hollow middle! \ Monstera are just such beasts, I can't imagine a moss pole that wasn't made of rebar supporting such a hefty plant!

[@negative.infinity]

Thank you for this! I try telling people on the Monstera subreddit that they don't need moss on a pole and they have an aneurysm. Then they starve them of sunlight and try to "feed" them fertilizer, wondering why their plant is leggy and dying. Moss doesn't entice them to grow or attach their roots. I have a solid fiberglass plant stake to support mine and it grows just fine.

[@KillThisPlant]

They were very pro moss pole but things are changing slowly. Just like when every adansonii had Mosaic virus.

[@jaytee3557]

I just let mine roam, give it an extra planter here and there, it loves exploring. I never used to care for it very well until i found it on the floor crawling away from it's roots, now it roams free wherever it wants.

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

Oh my! That big boy is nuts...

[@mmp495]

Love your content. I can’t believe the size of Big Boi! ❤🌱🌿

[@Jearrod]

Picture me putting up two deliciosa, an adansonii, and a golden pothos all on moss polls last night 💀 😢

[@KillThisPlant]

Lol oh no. I'm not anti moss pole. I just think that it's so much more maintenance for 5-10% better results. Unless, like ChampionOfMediocrePlants said, you're trying to air layer.

[@E.P.7131]

I keep my monstera outside during the warm months and one morning I saw it knocked down & pot busted so I had to repot it. I had been meaning to install an Cedar branch I found. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the branch big enough for a 2 foot piece of bamboo, peeled the bark off because it was messy, then I stood the branch & bamboo stake in the post and tied the plant to it a grocery bag. I wish I could send a pic. One of the main stems broke while tying it to Cedar so I cut each leaf off at node and now I'm water propagating 7-8 plants. Its been a week and they have already drank a lot of the water in the vase.

[@KillThisPlant]

Unfortunate the plant broke. I hope they root quickly for you.

[@richardlawton1023]

My grandmother had a Monstra that grew 15' tall with huge leaves. She use a cedar pole with the bark on.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

This channel just confirmed to me the reason why I prefer planks! Subscribed!

[@KillThisPlant]

Confirmation bias is my favourite!

[@ProximaCentauri88]

@@KillThisPlant And you're so handsome as well. ❤

[@chandlerbingbong5773]

I was waiting on your next post! I’ve been binging on your Monstera Deliciosa videos. Since watching, mine is putting out it’s first perforated leaf! Your videos are just what i needed 🎉🎉 THANKS LEE!

[@KillThisPlant]

That's awesome!

[@E.P.7131]

Fenestrations

[@okami235]

Very interesting, i always like when common habits or views are challenged. i will try to find a piece of wood with Bark (purely for asthetic reasons) and give it a try

[@rosievega2710]

The channel name alone deserves a subscription

[@KillThisPlant]

🌱🌱

[@ThaPepperPlug]

Had to show my mom the macro nutrients I use for my peppers on her tiny little money tree. From may into July the new growth was massive, constant rotation and keeping airflow consistent a $12 money tree now need a 15 gallon container. She's now addicted and harassing me every week about when I'm going to change the pot 😆.

[@LeonardoLisboaBr]

I always guide the aerial roots to the ground because once they get there it will grow new roots

[@connieplieger3573]

Just wanted to add that I've been using old weathered fence rails for years. They look much better than new wood.

[@Jacobiano_]

3:56 I just remembered that time I saw a monstera for sale for 30€ That thing was HUGE, I'm talking like 2 meter stem, 10 giant leaves, and instead of a pot, it had a plastic 1 meter trash bin

[@steffd8822]

I agree! I started 1x3x4 (cut from 8ft) cedar furring lumber. So much cheaper than buying a premade moss pole or buying all the materials to make one. Mine is growing straight & somewhat climbing instead of bushing out from the bottom. (Aerial roots=none of your business 🤣) Also, Big Boy? Gargantuan? Collosal?

[@tude17]

Both are as good as each other...it depends on your living conditions/climate you live in.

[@ninab0bina]

Wow watching your videos really helped me understand how my monstera grows. I am currently dealing with my Maximo & now with all this newfound information, I can really help it reach its full potential.

[@KillThisPlant]

Glad you've been enjoying the videos.

[@lokirathehunter]

I usually monitor the roots and redirect them to the soil steadily as they grow.

[@meraki4324]

New sub and now I’m binge watching your videos 😅 great content !! Happy to have come across your channel

[@KillThisPlant]

😁 great!

[@silviap4478]

I started crying seeing the screws in the beautiful wooden floor

[@blackcanary3]

I was upset about that too

[@avrilteo8827]

I love the marks of use in wood, it gives it character for me

[@valerieclark5695]

I have always thought it was odd that moss poles became the standard. It is my impression that aroids in nature climb trees, not spongy, artificial versions of them, i.e. moss poles, and these trees are not perpetually wet, as moss poles are supposed to be. Thoughts?

[@KillThisPlant]

You hit the nail on the head. An actual perpetually moist moss pole will have your plant grow marginally faster, but I don't think it's worth all the extra work. a dry moss pole works the same as a plank if the plant is secure.

[@novahittingthegroundrunnin9933]

Good idea, the wide plank would be beneficial. I'd rather this idea than the moss pole.

[@pixievincent2478]

Aha! Now I know why my monstera looks like a monster! It has more than one "face." It is getting huge and out. of. control. I think this might take some serious reworking for the poor thing. Thanks for the excellent content.

[@mals6386]

Ok wait, Big Boi needs to be in a botanical garden, HE IS HUMONGOUS!! Gorg😍

[@annissa485]

Great video. I was just thinking to myself that I needed to make a moss pole next spring. I’m going to try your method.

[@Chucklessmiles]

I've been using small pieces of firewood! It works freaking great!

[@natasha8302]

I use those poles for smaller ivy plants. I do like the idea of a plank on larger plants that need support.

[@c2max99]

I’m so happy I found your channel! This video helped me so much!

[@wanderotter4667]

If you can't find big pots, go to the outside section of the garden centre and get those big flower pots. :)

[@Kaypocahicks]

Big boi is such a unit! Love himmmmm. Thanks for this info

[@MamiCitas]

Thank you for sharing such helpful information. I’ve had my monstera for years and I’m now learning how to take much better care of her thanks to your videos! Keep doing your thing, nature is love, Mother Earth is life and we should all know these skills. 🤍

[@kshermach]

I’m going to need you to come over and fix my gnarly monstera

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Time for a plank! Thank you

[@nicolascharalambous5164]

Sphagnum moss poles do serve a purpose for the aerial roots, as the moss serves as an extention of the growing medium. Allowing them to draw nutrients and water from the pole and then extending the roots down. As well as it anchors itself to the pole without the need of tying it.

[@OneantasTossGreathouse]

Thanks for all your plant knowledge you have helped me so much appreciate ya take care ❤🎉

[@waktukaksugeng9540]

Thanks for explaining how to care this plants

[@bessyurban3459]

That’s how my 4 pots of monstera looks like. Hey have a big trunk so I cut one of them and have five to be propagated in water.

[@LadyLingLing]

Yet all my monstera on moss poles are growing much much much faster than the ones on planks

[@BainesAdam]

I have a 55m2 and a 10m2 Monstera mothers outside that I acclimatise inside, both of them fruiting, We think the big one is well over 40 years old. I lay 30 segments (root cuttings) of plant under the small one last year. And hope to get most of them potted up shortly.

[@hs2874]

The plant at 4:36 is massive, it's going after our jobs next

[@cynthiajohnson6747]

I just ran across your KZbin. Wow, great, informative, succinct posts. Plus you have a great screen presence.

[@YukiTheOkami]

I always wait till my montmstera got a certain cice remove the sproud leafes replant to biger pot with the moss pole and then with each new shoot i turn the plant this forces the plant to gow on a spiral around the poll sure this could work with an plank but a plank has 2 wide and two slim sides sobi would have to make a sharp turn wich the plant cant pull up with

[@matthewwilson5319]

When she said lazy I was like "YAh exactly..." Being to expensive is bs and so is the misconception of high maintenance. If you know what you are doing you can make your own moss poles a better and cheaper way than the premade moss poles you see for sale. Make yourself a self water moss pole irrigation system and place a large pole in the correct place the first time planning for the plant to grow into it. Shaping the plant. Do whatever you want but you can't say it's expensive. Don't buy premade.

[@florencemcadam199]

Thank goodness someone has brought me to my senses. Goodbye moss pole. (Not working for me). Thank you for the info.

[@StormyAfterDark]

Thank you so much for your video. Frankly I'm so tired of hearing people saying the "only" thing you can do for your monstera is to use a moss pole. You know what I do? I go out in the forest and I grab gigantic branches that have fallen off trees and use them for my monstera's. They are natural, and they even have some natural moss that grows on the branches. I don't like the idea of dumping water in a moss pole once a week. Personally I would think that would cause some root rot in the actual plant in the pot. I really like the trellis idea also. You can also use tomato stakes and put them together like a ladder which would work well too.

[@shadesofidaho]

Love those Ladders.

[@kaldaka87]

Your monstera videos are very helpful and informative. Great work! Thanks.

[@blythe4336]

I just planked my monstera’s both last night thanks to your videos! It had crossed my mind in the past but I just didn’t do it, bc I’m a terrible plant mom 😂

[@meganpahl3612]

You gave me some advice a while back on my monstera and after a long deliberation, I have decided to chop and restart one of my plants. I do have a question though, If I do this and I cut all stalks with leaves, root them, and replant them, with they continue to grow as they had or will all new growth retrurn to a baby size?

[@KillThisPlant]

Top cuttings continue growing the same size. Everything else restarts.

[@meganpahl3612]

@@KillThisPlant Thank you! So, I am thinking I will be ok sop while the plant is tall, there really is only one or two bifurcations so essentially, they would all be top cuttings correct? Gosh, I wish I could send you pics. I have yet to locate your email as you suggested prior.

[@valeniusthekat]

Sheffield brought me here 🥰👍

[@blue_skyy345]

Big Boy taking over her whole house, reminds me of the plant from little shop of horror. Like one day, Big Boy is going to tell her "Feed me Seymore!!!"😂

[@heatherheight]

Oh no!! I'm a bad plant mom! My Monstera is over 20 years old and it's huge, but more bushy than tall. I think the plank is a good idea, I just have to figure out the logistics.

[@heathermj3620]

You are the best!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!❤

[@toon3885]

I just bought moss poles and staked my monstera yesterday, great timing lee 😂

[@KillThisPlant]

Any time! 😌🤣

[@SUN7SHINE25]

Mine get good sun and growing fast i need to control the direction it's growing caus mine is out of control but absolutely beautiful Thanks for the tips

[@jimjimgl3]

@4:04 When your Monstera Deliciosa needs to be put on your lease as a roommate.

[@Brian-qn2mx]

I use a moss pole for my albo so when I take cutting there will be nice roots already

[@martinweber3637]

Hi, just great videos. I´m living in Spain and I have a couple of monsteras outsite on my deck. I was looking for mosspoles here in the garden centers, they don´t have them. Now I will just use a plank. Thanks for the valuable information.

[@matthewglasgow4085]

You can always wrap the plank with a coco mat

[@devonhughes3805]

Very informative (and funny, too). Thanks for sharing!

[@4leafclover243]

Perhaps a good alternative is whole bamboo sticks if you can source them.

[@kellycasperhanson4426]

🤷‍♀️ Okay, sir... I just watched the video about your uniquely designed moss poles. And I was completely SOLD on them! Brilliant design! 🪚⛏️🔨I was all ready to go buy the supplies this weekend to build them. 😵‍💫 But after watching this video, my mind is going in circles again, trying to decide WHICH support goes with WHICH plant 🪴. Is there a chart or some simple rules that will facilitate making the right choices??? My indecision paralysis is returning...😶‍🌫️.

[@KillThisPlant]

Large form monstera deliciosa, plank. Other monstera and philodendron would benefit from a moss pole.

[@kellycasperhanson4426]

@@KillThisPlant 😀Thank you! You're the BEST!

[@PlantyBoyBo]

I don’t FULLY agree. aerial roots are meant to attach the plant to the tree, it’s how the plant climbs the tree and absorbs nutrients from water running down the trunk of the tree. Living in Miami, they grow EVERYWHERE and this is the case. I grow my own monstera and grow them on poles that I keep moist. I grow single plants on each pole and they attach themselves to the poles using their aerial roots as they climb. Once they reach a certain height, I’m able to cut the pole and plant it into a pot and it continues to grow since the roots are growing into the pole itself.

[@negative.infinity]

Go do a search of Monsteras growing on trees and you'll see that the vast majority of roots aren't attached. With that being said, I've yet to see a single image of a monstera's roots ever attaching to a moss pole. Why do you think they still have to secure their plants to them? Because their roots won't. Their roots grow straight out and don't wrap around their support.

[@Rainbow300182]

@@negative.infinity they grow into the mosspole. Have a look @sydneyplantguy

[@jessicafoster2699]

Think I'm gonna use a wooden painting ladder once mine is big enough to climb

[@avcrs8612]

NoooOOOooO Big Boi Noooo!!! Once again, loving the collabs - and the very informative content of course lol.

[@aytothakay]

Awesome alliteration, ascends above all 🤟🏽

[@darkter8071]

3:47 Did you rotate this plant? Because it looks amazing. How to get this looking monstera?

[@KillThisPlant]

@@darkter8071 no rotation. Just light and good care.

[@zaubergarden6900]

5:35 skittles!

[@ninana143]

I live on an island in the Caribbean called #curacao. Here it is 90F/33C every day. I have my monstera's in a room with a window casing (no actual window in there yet XD) facing south. They get INdirect sun all day. I water them ONCE a week! And they LOVE IT. I have been getting a new leaf every month (first month no leaves due to probs stress of new environment). They went from 3 fenestrations while in the nursery to 9 fenestration after 4 months at my home! :D I have them on a 1 meter bamboo "wide" pole. Your video's helped me a lot when I got them.