Why a wooden plank is better than a moss pole

A moss pole is not the be-all-end-all to get your Monstera Deliciosa to climb. While you do need some kind of support pole (along with good lighting and patience) to get larger leaves and more fenestrations, a plank might be the best choice to help mature your monstera.
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[@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.

[@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

[@sandragee2864]

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.

[@silviap4478]

I started crying seeing the screws in the beautiful wooden floor

[@blackcanary3]

I was upset about that too

[@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

[@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

[@yaboy_mole]

this guy has some of the best videos ive seen for plant tips on youtube. people make 20 minute videos on how to care for a monstera, and you dont need 20min of information, you just need the 3-5min. of info given in these videos. keep up the good work doode!!!

[@KillThisPlant]

Glad to help

[@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.

[@canileaveitblank1476]

So glad you popped into my feed! You’re style is great - no fluff, no annoying *loud* music, just straight to the point! ❤️❤️❤️ Happy new sub, that’s off to binge watch past vids! 🥰🍀

[@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.

[@Gxie]

Stop making me laugh out loud!! It’s 2 am on a Sunday here…..! 😂 But for real, if you see this, I just found you and I am subbing. ALL of your videos are to the point, informative, good paced, funny and no fillers! I LOVE it!!

[@noninoni9962]

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

[@ying_verse]

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

[@KillThisPlant]

Big boi forever. 🥲

[@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!

[@mama2agn301]

Thank you for validating my project from last weekend of making bamboo ladders for my philodendrons ($5 at Home Depot), it just makes more sense to let them climb and I can make them taller than the poles, and adds a little creativity to the plant set up. Great video, thanks!

[@KillThisPlant]

Great. Happy growing

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@dlsetaro]

I found a large branch I liked outside and covered the portion going in the soil with old paraffin wax from an old candle to prevent rot. I’m glad to hear a moss pole isn’t always necessary because I was hoping my Monstera would be okay with the branch instead of a moss pole. So far it is looking pretty good.

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Love your logical, clear explanation. Thank you 💚☺️ 💚

[@c2max99]

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

[@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 😅 😂 🤣 🤪

[@kaldaka87]

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

[@coriroo9323]

Absolutely! Moss poles are great, for some plants, in some cases. Monsteras, when properly fed and watered, would probably grow up just about anything. Cedar is a great choice, and if you want to extend the durability, you might consider spraying the bottom of the plank with an eco friendly sealant. :)

[@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.

[@mayfrost5189]

I have tried with a plank to my Epipremnum and it actually just took off. It is growing so fast now.

[@grantpowell5226]

I love this channel! My plants and I thank you.

[@OneantasTossGreathouse]

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

[@cynthiajohnson6747]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@upAcreekCAM]

I learned something useful from you today!! Thanks for the straightforward explanations and tips - Brooklyn Plantman

[@meraki4324]

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

[@KillThisPlant]

😁 great!

[@Kaypocahicks]

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

[@heathermj3620]

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

[@hlegler]

Just found your channel. Instant fan. ❤

[@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.

[@devonhughes3805]

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

[@waktukaksugeng9540]

Thanks for explaining how to care this plants

[@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. ❤

[@loreleimaid]

I've been growing some vines on sycamore branches that have fallen from our huge tree. The branches are about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and I have a couple that are 6 feet or more tall. Pothos 'Marble Queen' climbed right up one, and my Monstera esquilito is loving it by adhering the aerial roots to the branch. I love the "camo" look of the bark. I have also used dead branches of oak and pine with fair results, but they don't look as nice. My monstera deliciosa is huge and not staked. Instead I have used green vinyl staking wire to pull the branches together, towards the center. It works so far. I did use a rough cedar plank once, but didn't care for it.

[@TheYurisam]

Another great , informative video!

[@bizzhat]

this was hella eye-opening. my monstera is growing extremely lowkey since over a decade with naught more than ........ like 4 leaves. gotta go check that other video .

[@raymondgoodman9148]

really appreciate your content - cheers.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Another top Monstera video Lee

[@KillThisPlant]

Thanks!

[@hs2874]

Love the alliteration :D

[@debnoname4284]

Excellent video

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Time for a plank! Thank you

[@MuffinSeeker]

I'm so surprised that nobody uses cork bark. I have a bioactive vivarium and once noticed that a pothos growing near it had its aerial roots thoroughly embedded in the bark because it was so soft and easy to penetrate. You can also buy pretty big cork tubes for stability .

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 🤍

[@aytothakay]

Awesome alliteration, ascends above all 🤟🏽

[@natasha8302]

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

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

Oh my! That big boy is nuts...

[@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?

[@violetmoon141]

what a good idea!!! heading out to buy a plank now haha

[@Chucklessmiles]

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

[@Tminus89]

That big boy was one beautiful plant, don't have room to let mine get as big unfortunately. But I have it in a corner I want to fill it with up to the ceiling if possible, so I will keep the plank idea in the back of my head to deploy when needed

[@laurengilliland8355]

Thank you!👍

[@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

[@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 😂

[@richardlawton1023]

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

[@avcrs8612]

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

[@mistert2421]

Good video, thanks 👍🏼

[@KillThisPlant]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@shadesofidaho]

Love those Ladders.

[@Max2U]

You have very informative content.👏🏽👍🏼

[@KillThisPlant]

I appreciate that!

[@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!

[@janicemartinezdavis5020]

Awesome 👌 👏 👍 😍 💖 beautiful plant's healthy good father

[@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

[@toon3885]

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

[@KillThisPlant]

Any time! 😌🤣

[@OyaRevolutionary]

Thank you! On point! Succinct!

[@LeonardoLisboaBr]

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

[@florencemcadam199]

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

[@seewhatsnext]

That's beautiful 😍

[@madhavjpatel]

I have a decent sized monstera (2 plants in a 9inch pot) I'm planning on repotting this spring. I was thinking about a plank or cedar pole for support. Would ya recommend me separate the two plants into separate pots or keep them together. Not sure if two planks/rods would be too busy for one pot.

[@js8741]

I wanted moss poles for my golden pothos that is trailing to the floor( the longest vine extends to other side of the room & goes up the wall). I want it to climb instead now.....I don't know how many moss poles I'd need but a stake or several stakes seem to be more beneficial. I also have a large Monstera Adansonii that I got from Lowe's. It's supporting its self but will need a stake before it starts to trail as well. Thank you for your tutorial!!

[@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 😆.

[@RoseGlisson]

I was going to get a trellis but I really like the wood plank look! Maybe I’ll do that instead🤔

[@soulbonus859]

As a plant scientist, I can say that this video really is a stretch. Comparing a plank to a sphagnum moss pole is like comparing concrete with soil: a plank might hold up your plant, but it is impossible for the plant to gain any other benefits from it. Try growing your monstera 2 meters high while its top part has no means to gain additional nutrients.

[@KillThisPlant]

It's not practical for an average person to build and maintain a nearly 7 foot tall moss pole. Especially when you could suggest a foliar spray if there is some kind of nutrient deficiency. Corpse flower studio has an 11-12 foot Monstera growing up her wall indoors. While a moss pole would help deliver nutrients more evenly faster, to suggest a moss pole would be a better solution would be disingenuous. vm.tiktok.com/ZMYtcqhr8/

[@novahittingthegroundrunnin9933]

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

[@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.

[@sandyheredia3027]

I wish my monstera looked like that!!

[@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.

[@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

[@AsiyaAsiyaAsiya]

Hi, I'm so happy I found your channel. If my monstera is currently on a windowsill - can I put the plank towards the window? I have a grow light right in front of the window since I'm in Sweden where it's super dark in winters. Thanks, I'm preparing to replant and reposition this monstera and your channel is invaluable!

[@KillThisPlant]

The plank can face towards the window. Your leaves will always turn to the light regardless

[@Chris-op7yt]

i have a dwarf monstera, which i've just re-tied to hold onto moss pole, and the pole is providing less and less stability, as the plant also made jointed stems. what do you recommend for monstera adansonii? it went up and down several coco totem poles joined together, and also had to didlodge from wall, as it started clinging to wall. just keeps growing and growing one long stem.

[@lokirathehunter]

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

[@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.

[@rosievega2710]

The channel name alone deserves a subscription

[@KillThisPlant]

🌱🌱

[@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.

[@penchalreddy4517]

Makes sense ❤

[@sandravigo2717]

Just found your channel amd love it! thanks for sharing so much! Do you know she did with the top part she cht from big boy? I want to cut mine but not sure of i cut at the top, I dont want it to stop growing 😅

[@KillThisPlant]

It'll grow back but look out for my video on the 15th this month 🤫

[@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!