I had mold on my first few moss poles and few experiments later I found out the spores were already in the moss when it got here. I bought a huge 5 kilo pack so I could not just get rid of it and buy a different one. So I started to sterilize my moss before using it for poles or propagations. I use the biggest kitchen pot I have, boil water, submerge moss in it and boil covered for another 15- 20 minutes. I leave it to cool down, drain the water and my moss is ready. I’ve never had mould on my moss poles ever since.
Hi Nora! Thanks for that educational "discourse". The reality of what goes on behind the scenes is so important. We try to follow the advice of our favorite plant UA-camrs but when the plants fail it's hard to know why, did we do something wrong. This was raw and honest information to consider - there's always pros and cons. This was very much appreciated! Dee, NY, USA
Thank you for the kind words Dee. Sometimes we tend to gloss over the cons. They are real and can be a problem for some. Better to know what one is letting themselves in for.
Ok plant people! Opinions on this please - I made my own most pole for my pp philodendron with a pool noodle, soil, and some mesh fabric. Really cheap, I cut the pool noodle in half long ways, zip tied some of the mesh fabric all the way around the pool noodle and stuck it in the pot, and mounted the stalks with plant pins into the soil and locked the pins into the foam of the noodle. Then I just slowly filled the whole thing with soil and some cut up jute twine. It has already made some aerial roots and is growing a new leaf. This is my first time experimenting with humid plants all together. Opinions or possible future issues are welcome.
If you get mold on your moss pole, all you have to do is use 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 50% water and spray it down really well. The hydrogen peroxide will kill any mold, algae, and also any pests that you may have.
Hydrogen peroxide may take care of fungal issues (this has not worked for me), but it will not effectively kill mold on porous surfaces. It's found to be (moderately) effective on non-porous surfaces, but the mold will likely return unless the root cause is dealt with. :)
Absolutely love the way you cover ALL things - the good, the bad, the ugly - along with taking the time to educate on potential environmental impacts. Just discovered you and I’m so glad I did!!
Thank you for sharing these truths about moss poles for indoor plants. Providing a full picture of all aspects of plant care allows plant enthusiasts to make informed decisions, and I appreciate that.
I find hydrogen peroxide effective in removing algae from my plants in leca in glass vessels without drainage holes. I just mix a little amount of hydrogen peroxide to water (I don't measure). I pour that mixture enough to cover all of the leca and let that sit for a while then pour out. So I guess that would work for algae in moss poles too 🤷♀️ I personally don't use sphagnum moss because like you said, it's expensive. I put coco chips in my support poles.
Thanks Queen. I discovered I don't like premade moss poles. I learned a way to make some with the plain plastic back part of the clear plastic moss poles or acetate, moss, and plastic wrap. This makes it easier to water the moss even though it dries out faster. Thanks for this video. You and Sydney Plant Guy are at the top of your game.
For mold, I used a copper fungicide spray that you can find in any garden center (at least in the US). One or two applications and all the mold is gone.
Thank you for the PROs and CONs on the moss pole. I am still taking the plunge. I have all my materials, just waiting on liquid fertilizer. Your plants are absolutely STUNNING. My goals.
I have my pole, mulch and ties. I am wondering if I should use a wrap it with that coared wire fencing ( (similar ) around the mulch. Hope you can help me decide. Thank you..
Thank you, Dorinda. I appreciate it. I was a bit worried about putting this video out as I thought I might seem a bit hypocritical but knowledge is power.
Thank you for giving the pros and cons of the moss pole, I learned a lot, and from the comments too. But what would help me further is to know the tradeoffs: how do moss poles compare to say a wooden plank? If the plant has roots in the soil...getting nutrients to 6 or 10 feet in the air is something plants typically have pretty well figured out! Is there a resource (like a video) that shows how plants do on a moss pole relative to a regular supporting board? Is the main advantage of a moss poll that they get nutrients from the moss pole so one can use a smaller pot? Thanks again.
Hello Nora, it's a great idea that you, as a self-confessed mosspole user, are discussing the disadvantages.😀👍 Of course you have to invest in the materials at the beginning. With sphagnum moss, for example, the amount is also a factor. I pay 15€ for 150gr, but only 30€ for 1kg! I don't use Lecca so I don't watch every video, but I've learned a lot. Thank you and good luck with your channel
Thank you very much for your comment. I am a self-confessed user but still believe in letting people know what the cons are so they can make an informed decision. I hope this video helped you.
I absolutely LOVE the look of your plants on their poles but I live in a small cottage with low ceilings so I think I would be doing a lot of chopping very quickly😉 I’m going the bamboo/stick trellis route for now. Thank you for this honest and real explanation Nora
Thank you so much for talking about the environmental impact... i've seen a LOT of people saying that sphagnum was the perfect thing for our plants and just ignoring the fact that it's an environmental disaster, especially for peat...
Yes when I saw the price of a pretty small pack of moss in a local store, I thought, "naahhhh" 😅. I haven't got any climbing plants currently but will likely go with wooden planks once I get some going.
I didn't know about the harvesting of the moss, I've never used it before and now I think I won't because I don't really need to and I love to find different cheaper alternatives for my plants and that's what I'm going to do for my future poles!
Hey Nora thanks for another informative abd transparent video. I've just used my first moss pole today - potted up my new PhilodendronTricolour Princess. I've ordered the tree fern substrate you recommended in your other video. I'm torn now as I still have a new 5ltr bag of sphagnum moss and a 5ltr bag of the tree fern substrate in my possession right now. I was so encouraged by your enthusiasm for the tree fern and thought I'd keep the sphagnum moss for propagation (although i prefer perlite) and use the tree fern substrate going forward may be???
I know exactly what you mean Marcia! I have the same problem. I have about 2 bags of moss. I don't know what to do with it. Someone suggested mixing tree fern fibre and moss in the pole. maybe I will try that and see what happens. Might make a mixed pole this weekend. I will keep you posted.
Thank you for your very informative lecture. I just bought a bendable sphagnum moss pole 47” and tried to install it, only having it topple over breaking a few stems of my P.Congo. What a disaster! Now, have to save it for future projects when I am ready. Heavy pot etc..
My problem is my pole dries out fast and the plant gets to much water at the base. I haven’t figured out how to fix that. My plants have super well draining soil.
I have mixed in coco chips with moss & started using plastic backing. The poles without plastic the chips really help. Also have been thinking about adding some leca to the moss!🤷♀️
Muchismas gracias for the super-informed content on moss poles. My pre-made moss pole was costly and due to my lack of experience was a fail. I want to keep an open mind on re-introducing it in my small space. I have tried some of the mention alternatives too that did suit some of my climbers. Thanks to this video I may give it one more try. You theee best Leca Queen.
Love this video. Thanks. I never thought about the pros and cons of a moss pole. My P. Micans has out grown the moss pole last year and I haven’t cut it because it’s beautiful. Hanged a trellis with shivers about it. I know it needs cutting but it’s beautiful. Leaves still the same size. It’s a jungle name Junegle. Happy Planting 🪴💚🌿
You scared me with this video title, Nora! 😂 I spent probably 10 hours over the past week making moss poles for all my climbers and I was going to cry if this video was you denouncing moss poles 🤣
Same here,😂 I thought WHAT!!! 😮 I just got into moss poles and Oh my goodness,the plants are just going gang busters,and the leaves are sizing up as well! Good luck with your poles!😊
@pudik2008 glad to hear it's going well for you! I have a few plants on them but I'm trying the plastic backing this time, since it's so hard to keep them consistently moist otherwise!
Apparently I have to use scary click bait titles like this to get people to watch the video. I hope you are feeling alot better after having watched it 😊
@@TheLecaQueen Haha! I bypass the clickbait when it’s your channel Nora,Lol,but yes it did scare me! I’m scared I might get hooked on moss poles 😂😂 Great information you presented and lots of things to consider when choosing moss poles! TY Natalie 💚🪴
I'll stick with using long strand NZ sphagnum moss in my orchid pots. I water my orchids every 2-3 days and plan to change it out in around 1 year. I make sure I buy NZ sphagnum moss as they're making sure to harvest it in an eco-friendly manner. I don't buy anything with peat moss and have switched to coconut coir as it's a renewable resource. I keep my syngonium plants bushy and don't own any climbers. I do have a monstera adansonii but I'm using a coco coir pole. So far, it's supporting itself, and I may let it trail. I bought it as a tiny plug with 3 leaves, it's now up to 13.
Thanks for your great video! I’ve never had a moss pole. I have a, 4’ ft. arrowhead plant, like the one in your video.? Only it’s hanging at the moment, inside a plant hanger? Hanging at my kitchen window, the hanger is actually its support for now. I need to repot, and get some support for it? Have you ever used just a wooden stake, for support, for an arrowhead plant.? Thanks you! Debra
Plants will attach themselves to a moss pole just fine. You can strap it with garden strap at first but once it’s naturally attached there is no issues. These plants are natural climbers and look for every opportunity to cling to a surface and gather nutrients.
I don't have moss poles because I can't be keeping them moist all the time. I have made poles from thick bamboo sticks and hot glued thick jute string tightly around it. I wouldn't say that any plant attaches itself in to it with aerial roots but I just keep attaching the plant as it grows taller with string or velcro.
I have a shingle plant. I think that I'll stick to my popular wood plank. I thought about putting moss in a blender and coating my plank. Also, a wooden plank is best sanded with coarse sandpaper. It creates larger pores for the nodes to attach to. Wooden, unlike moss poles, have to be misted daily. 🪴🌿
Hi. I'm using forest moss for my poles (I think it's called like that)Is it better or worse? To be fair I don't understand if the moss I'm buying is alive or preserved if there is difference between these two. It comes in a small plastic container but it's not sealed. The moss looks very fresh and green and also has dirt. I was worrying bringing worms or incects in the house through the moss.
I learned the hard way how important good quality new zealand moss is. I got cheap stuff first and 1. It’s ugly and brown and full of sticks, 2. It dries out much faster than the good stuff, and 3. It degrades so fast! Within just a few months I had to keep pushing it down with chopsticks and adding more to the top because it was just shrinking back to where there were big empty air spots. I ended up throwing away all of those poles and starting over with good moss.
I use D-shaped moss poles with acetate backing, and one had mold, but spraying it with a 3:1 water & hydrogen peroxide solution eliminated it. I do have algae, but, as you said, that's a sign of health in a moss pole. I've started mixing tree fern fiber (responsibly sourced from NZ) in my poles and will be adding perlite and orchid bark, leaving the front covered with moss to keep everything from falling out! Memo at Houseplantygoodness came up with this solution, and it's brilliant. He even plugs the bottom of the moss section of the pole with some moss so that he can either float the pole above the substrate (kinda wobbly IMHO) or fill the bottom portion of the pole, buried in the substrate, with that substrate. I use mine with Pon, and his method is the best I've come across. I'm using your long method to prepare plants for life in semi-hydro and will soon be able to pot them up with their moss poles! Woot!
I switched to planks a while back and will never go back! I found a company that makes really nice looking planks that are more than just a 2x4 in your pot.
I know about them. Was in talks with them about 2 years ago but I can't try their products because they are made of wood. With our tough biosecurity laws here they are hard to get into the country, so I was told.
What do I do with a plant definitely needing to climb and that has some branches 4 meters long? I'm at a loss. Now all the branches are curled around 4 bamboo sticks, which is an o look, but not great for the plant
I just found a pink princess philodendron in a grocery store. Its in pretty rough shape. The stem seems pretty wiggly in a very wet mix and I am afraid it may be rot. Should I chop and prop in Leca? It would be my first Leca plant. I've seen you prop plants without rooting in water first, and I'm thinking this may be worth a try. My local Ikea has Leca.
Hi @TheLecaQueen I love your channel! I follow a few other accounts but this is my go-to for all things planty 😜 Recently, I’ve converted my plant collection to leca and I’ve had amazing success! Not to mention I quickly became fungus gnat free which is amazing. HOWEVER, since I’ve added moss poles to a few of my climbers now the fungus gnats are back 😩😩😩 What should I do?
Corunna, MICH USA here! Have you used Hypnum moss for anything?? I have a ton of it around my barn patio I've been letting grow cos it's always moist/wet there and it looks great. (no mowing there :-) ) I do take small pieces of it and put around a couple plants that are in dirt that require little water but I'd like to do more with it. Have you done a moss pole with it before?? Pros & cons abt it please :-) 1 con is that it has dirt attached to it.
i need to try, and have you tried, the medical liquids drip bags, which some plant enthusiasts are now using to drip water plants that benefit from that?
Well well well, apparently your click bait got me, as I am just starting my pole journey. New subscriber here, you popped up and I’ve gotta tell you your vid was super interesting and so so informative. Now I will get caught up by binging the others 😎 especially the one you suggested on moss poles. BTW your plants are amazingly beautiful. TFS
Hello Nora! Love your videos. I want to diy my own moss pole but moss is nor readily available in Nigeria 🇳🇬 where i live. Can i use cut up hemp fabric or rope to fill the pole instead?
Thank you very much! The plants are nice. I wanted to show the other side of moss poles that people who have not used them might not be thinking about. 🤔
I watched her videos that was made one year ago, and she was singing high praises for the use of moss poles . So I bought 5 sphagnum moss poles last week. And now I saw this video and she said it’s a lousy idea. Haizz
I encourage you to watch the whole video and find out exactly what I am saying. The essence of the video is for you to understand what moss poles are about. The full story. This is it. I know the full story, accept it and still use them. I hope you can see my message from that perspective. Happy planting.😊
@@TheLecaQueen Thanks for your reply. I did watch the full video and accepted the cons of using moss pole. I didn’t know that you continued using sphagnum moss; I thought you were now advising using tree fern fiber instead. I saw that video of yours regarding TFF that was made 8 months ago. Thanks for your clarification.
@@CoFFee123.. I do still use moss, I did try tree fern fibre poles but did not like them too much. My current favourite medium for poles is a mixture of sphagnum moss and tree fern fibre. I find this works the best for me at the moment. See this video where I explain more. ua-cam.com/video/Sk2WmmaZTYE/v-deo.html
Im using bamboo shish skewers and small hairtie rubber bands to make moss poles cause the majority of my plants arent large enough to need anything over 30cm like the pvc pole, although i did make one and have an adansonii on it, aswell as golden pothos on driftwood. However im noticing the bamboo skewer I've tied the spagmoss to is getting developing black spots at the top where the skewer is a little bit exposed. Im gonna spend about 60 and get 10 of the plastic ebay moss poles and make my future baby poles out of something plastic or metal which will hold me over for now but im worried the mould will sorta grow from the inside out in the 5 im using at the moment which is why I'm keen to replace them fast.
I am so sorry to hear that. Using Bamboo I think tends to be problematic. Anything organic starts to degrade and gets fungus and all sorts of things growing on them after a while. All the best with your changes.
Hi Nora, maybe a silly question or maybe you've answered this somewhere in another video but just wondering... If you use LECA why do you use moss poles? Why don't you use LECA? I'm still fairly new to LECA and trying to decide on Moss, LECA or Plank so just wondering.
Yes, moss poles do dry out quickly. Can they dry out a bit between watering? Otherwise I feel like I have to water them every other day. New to DIY moss poles and have transitioned many plants from simple stakes to moss poles.
Love the video but I stopped watering my poles on pothos because the grow up trees and I found that they didn’t need water 💦 your thoughts on that please? Love ya channel and your hair sister! You would be at home here in MPLS MN
Thank you for the kind words. I belong in the camp that believes you should water your moss poles to allow the aerial roots to absorb nutrients. Your plant will still grow without the watering but watering your pole maximises your plants growth potential.
Hello, Good day. After watching ur videos, i've purchased Leca....and now shifting my indoors in it. Really need your help. Please guide about fertilizer. Ive purchased masterblend 4-18-38 hydroponic fertilizer. Can I use it on my leca & how? Please guide and help. Thanks
I had mold on my first few moss poles and few experiments later I found out the spores were already in the moss when it got here. I bought a huge 5 kilo pack so I could not just get rid of it and buy a different one. So I started to sterilize my moss before using it for poles or propagations. I use the biggest kitchen pot I have, boil water, submerge moss in it and boil covered for another 15- 20 minutes. I leave it to cool down, drain the water and my moss is ready. I’ve never had mould on my moss poles ever since.
Exactly what I thought, the moss is already seeded with the mold. Thank you for sharing your quick fix method.
Thank you!
Wow.. thank you so much ❤
This is a great answer! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the info! I was wondering what else I could do. I tried the Hydrogen peroxide but it hasn't helped😢
Hi Nora! Thanks for that educational "discourse". The reality of what goes on behind the scenes is so important. We try to follow the advice of our favorite plant UA-camrs but when the plants fail it's hard to know why, did we do something wrong. This was raw and honest information to consider - there's always pros and cons. This was very much appreciated! Dee, NY, USA
Thank you for the kind words Dee. Sometimes we tend to gloss over the cons. They are real and can be a problem for some. Better to know what one is letting themselves in for.
@@TheLecaQueen Indeed!
Don't put words in quotes unless you mean them sarcastically. If you want to emphasize a word for no reason, use asterisks at both ends.
Ok plant people! Opinions on this please - I made my own most pole for my pp philodendron with a pool noodle, soil, and some mesh fabric. Really cheap, I cut the pool noodle in half long ways, zip tied some of the mesh fabric all the way around the pool noodle and stuck it in the pot, and mounted the stalks with plant pins into the soil and locked the pins into the foam of the noodle. Then I just slowly filled the whole thing with soil and some cut up jute twine.
It has already made some aerial roots and is growing a new leaf. This is my first time experimenting with humid plants all together.
Opinions or possible future issues are welcome.
Send us the results- youre a lil genius over there!
If you get mold on your moss pole, all you have to do is use 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 50% water and spray it down really well. The hydrogen peroxide will kill any mold, algae, and also any pests that you may have.
Hydrogen peroxide may take care of fungal issues (this has not worked for me), but it will not effectively kill mold on porous surfaces. It's found to be (moderately) effective on non-porous surfaces, but the mold will likely return unless the root cause is dealt with. :)
But why should you have to do that.. especially if you have several poles.
Was planning to switch some coco coir poles to moss.. After your video....not now. Thank you
Absolutely love the way you cover ALL things - the good, the bad, the ugly - along with taking the time to educate on potential environmental impacts. Just discovered you and I’m so glad I did!!
Thank you so much. My idea was to present the good, The bad and the ugly, no judgement and people can make their own minds up.
Thank you for sharing these truths about moss poles for indoor plants. Providing a full picture of all aspects of plant care allows plant enthusiasts to make informed decisions, and I appreciate that.
I spray water on my moss poles before I water them with my upside down bottle. So simple to just spray them down so they’re not hydrophobic.
I find hydrogen peroxide effective in removing algae from my plants in leca in glass vessels without drainage holes. I just mix a little amount of hydrogen peroxide to water (I don't measure). I pour that mixture enough to cover all of the leca and let that sit for a while then pour out.
So I guess that would work for algae in moss poles too 🤷♀️
I personally don't use sphagnum moss because like you said, it's expensive. I put coco chips in my support poles.
Thanks Queen. I discovered I don't like premade moss poles. I learned a way to make some with the plain plastic back part of the clear plastic moss poles or acetate, moss, and plastic wrap. This makes it easier to water the moss even though it dries out faster. Thanks for this video. You and Sydney Plant Guy are at the top of your game.
For mold, I used a copper fungicide spray that you can find in any garden center (at least in the US). One or two applications and all the mold is gone.
That is cool. Do you have the name please?
@@TheLecaQueen yes, I use Captain Jack's copper fungicide. Just a very light application.
did you spray it on the moss pole?
Thank you for the PROs and CONs on the moss pole. I am still taking the plunge. I have all my materials, just waiting on liquid fertilizer. Your plants are absolutely STUNNING. My goals.
Thank you! All the best with your pole journey.
I have my pole, mulch and ties. I am wondering if I should use a wrap it with that coared wire fencing ( (similar ) around the mulch. Hope you can help me decide. Thank you..
Thank you for touching on some of the cons to moss poles. I very much appreciate your way of teaching. Long love the queen! 💚
Thank you, Dorinda. I appreciate it. I was a bit worried about putting this video out as I thought I might seem a bit hypocritical but knowledge is power.
This is vastly informative. I am on a fence of using a spare wooden broom handle to stake one of my plants.
Wooden broom handle why not! Just make sure to waterproof the bottom before using it.😊
Thank you for giving the pros and cons of the moss pole, I learned a lot, and from the comments too. But what would help me further is to know the tradeoffs: how do moss poles compare to say a wooden plank? If the plant has roots in the soil...getting nutrients to 6 or 10 feet in the air is something plants typically have pretty well figured out! Is there a resource (like a video) that shows how plants do on a moss pole relative to a regular supporting board? Is the main advantage of a moss poll that they get nutrients from the moss pole so one can use a smaller pot? Thanks again.
Maybe this video is helpful. ua-cam.com/video/gFr0pVOtzr8/v-deo.html. 🌱
Hello Nora, it's a great idea that you, as a self-confessed mosspole user, are discussing the disadvantages.😀👍 Of course you have to invest in the materials at the beginning. With sphagnum moss, for example, the amount is also a factor. I pay 15€ for 150gr, but only 30€ for 1kg! I don't use Lecca so I don't watch every video, but I've learned a lot. Thank you and good luck with your channel
Thank you very much for your comment. I am a self-confessed user but still believe in letting people know what the cons are so they can make an informed decision. I hope this video helped you.
I absolutely LOVE the look of your plants on their poles but I live in a small cottage with low ceilings so I think I would be doing a lot of chopping very quickly😉 I’m going the bamboo/stick trellis route for now. Thank you for this honest and real explanation Nora
Great! I thought I NEEDED some moss poles for my plants but know I think I can go a little longer without them or find another solution ❤
Thank you so much for talking about the environmental impact... i've seen a LOT of people saying that sphagnum was the perfect thing for our plants and just ignoring the fact that it's an environmental disaster, especially for peat...
Good vid. But one other option for large plants, you can route it over the celing if it’s too large! That’s actually my goal
if you don't mind the aerial roots actually attaching to the ceiling go for it! Mine are doing that right now!
That is why i have switched to plastic poles and grafting tape. It keeps the nodes right on the moss and it keeps the pole moist.
Yes when I saw the price of a pretty small pack of moss in a local store, I thought, "naahhhh" 😅. I haven't got any climbing plants currently but will likely go with wooden planks once I get some going.
I didn't know about the harvesting of the moss, I've never used it before and now I think I won't because I don't really need to and I love to find different cheaper alternatives for my plants and that's what I'm going to do for my future poles!
Hey Nora thanks for another informative abd transparent video. I've just used my first moss pole today - potted up my new PhilodendronTricolour Princess. I've ordered the tree fern substrate you recommended in your other video. I'm torn now as I still have a new 5ltr bag of sphagnum moss and a 5ltr bag of the tree fern substrate in my possession right now. I was so encouraged by your enthusiasm for the tree fern and thought I'd keep the sphagnum moss for propagation (although i prefer perlite) and use the tree fern substrate going forward may be???
I know exactly what you mean Marcia! I have the same problem. I have about 2 bags of moss. I don't know what to do with it. Someone suggested mixing tree fern fibre and moss in the pole. maybe I will try that and see what happens. Might make a mixed pole this weekend. I will keep you posted.
@@TheLecaQueen oooo yes please Nora, thanks👌🏾😘
If you wanna reuse the mouldy moss, you can put it in boiling water, it will kill all pests and algae for sure as well
Thank you for that tip 🙏 👍
Will it not also kill the moss?
Thank you. Finally, I have all of my supplies to make my moss poles. However, I'm growing my plants in a coco coir mix, and I'm hoping for success.
I found its hard to keep them moist so added some moss. Has worked much better. Just an FYI!
Thank you for your very informative lecture. I just bought a bendable sphagnum moss pole 47” and tried to install it, only having it topple over breaking a few stems of my P.Congo. What a disaster! Now, have to save it for future projects when I am ready. Heavy pot etc..
That's why my cheep plants are on planks, but my majestic is doubling in size every leaf on the moss pole. My verrucosum is growing even faster!!!
My plants & I are having fun with moss poles , thanks to The Sydney Plant Guy & all his advice
Happy for you.
Great information ❤ I find I have no issues with mould if I pre make them, let them dry and go from there 😊
This was so helpful!!! I had never heard of these cons for moss poles, gives me some more things to think about before giving one to my pink princess
So glad it was helpful
My problem is my pole dries out fast and the plant gets to much water at the base. I haven’t figured out how to fix that. My plants have super well draining soil.
I have mixed in coco chips with moss & started using plastic backing. The poles without plastic the chips really help. Also have been thinking about adding some leca to the moss!🤷♀️
I love watching your channel grow and you develop as a creator. It’s like YOU’RE a plant, and WE get to watch you grow bigger and thrive!
🤭☺️🥰👑
Thank you so much. I love your analogy, it is so true. I am learning so much!
Thank you for such an informative video!!!! I now realize I am not a moss pole “person”, lol. I’ll just have to be fine with my trailing pothos. 😊
You are very welcome 🙏
Using H2O2 in the mixture you spray your pole with is helpful to keep the algae at bay.
Muchismas gracias for the super-informed content on moss poles. My pre-made moss pole was costly and due to my lack of experience was a fail. I want to keep an open mind on re-introducing it in my small space. I have tried some of the mention alternatives too that did suit some of my climbers. Thanks to this video I may give it one more try. You theee best Leca Queen.
I don’t have any moss poles but I still love learning from you.
Love this video. Thanks. I never thought about the pros and cons of a moss pole. My P. Micans has out grown the moss pole last year and I haven’t cut it because it’s beautiful. Hanged a trellis with shivers about it. I know it needs cutting but it’s beautiful. Leaves still the same size. It’s a jungle name Junegle. Happy Planting 🪴💚🌿
How’s it doing these days?
You scared me with this video title, Nora! 😂
I spent probably 10 hours over the past week making moss poles for all my climbers and I was going to cry if this video was you denouncing moss poles 🤣
Same here,😂 I thought WHAT!!! 😮
I just got into moss poles and Oh my goodness,the plants are just going gang busters,and the leaves are sizing up as well! Good luck with your poles!😊
Me too! I'm like... whew!!😆
@pudik2008 glad to hear it's going well for you! I have a few plants on them but I'm trying the plastic backing this time, since it's so hard to keep them consistently moist otherwise!
Apparently I have to use scary click bait titles like this to get people to watch the video. I hope you are feeling alot better after having watched it 😊
@@TheLecaQueen Haha! I bypass the clickbait when it’s your channel Nora,Lol,but yes it did scare me! I’m scared I might get hooked on moss poles 😂😂 Great information you presented and lots of things to consider when choosing moss poles! TY Natalie 💚🪴
I'll stick with using long strand NZ sphagnum moss in my orchid pots. I water my orchids every 2-3 days and plan to change it out in around 1 year. I make sure I buy NZ sphagnum moss as they're making sure to harvest it in an eco-friendly manner. I don't buy anything with peat moss and have switched to coconut coir as it's a renewable resource. I keep my syngonium plants bushy and don't own any climbers. I do have a monstera adansonii but I'm using a coco coir pole. So far, it's supporting itself, and I may let it trail. I bought it as a tiny plug with 3 leaves, it's now up to 13.
Thanks for your great video! I’ve never had a moss pole. I have a, 4’ ft. arrowhead plant, like the one in your video.? Only it’s hanging at the moment, inside a plant hanger? Hanging at my kitchen window, the hanger is actually its support for now. I need to repot, and get some support for it?
Have you ever used just a wooden stake, for support, for an arrowhead plant.?
Thanks you!
Debra
Plants will attach themselves to a moss pole just fine. You can strap it with garden strap at first but once it’s naturally attached there is no issues. These plants are natural climbers and look for every opportunity to cling to a surface and gather nutrients.
Moss poles stress me out
They dry out too fast in my house.
I would love a video about alternatives for moss poles!!!
I give some alternatives in this video, trellis iron bark, wooden plank are just some...
I don't have moss poles because I can't be keeping them moist all the time. I have made poles from thick bamboo sticks and hot glued thick jute string tightly around it. I wouldn't say that any plant attaches itself in to it with aerial roots but I just keep attaching the plant as it grows taller with string or velcro.
I feel you 😊
I have a shingle plant. I think that I'll stick to my popular wood plank. I thought about putting moss in a blender and coating my plank. Also, a wooden plank is best sanded with coarse sandpaper. It creates larger pores for the nodes to attach to. Wooden, unlike moss poles, have to be misted daily. 🪴🌿
Hi. I'm using forest moss for my poles (I think it's called like that)Is it better or worse? To be fair I don't understand if the moss I'm buying is alive or preserved if there is difference between these two. It comes in a small plastic container but it's not sealed. The moss looks very fresh and green and also has dirt. I was worrying bringing worms or incects in the house through the moss.
I got my first moss pole and measured out where the roots will touch the pole and layer moss and pumice so my pole isnt wasting moss lol
I learned the hard way how important good quality new zealand moss is. I got cheap stuff first and 1. It’s ugly and brown and full of sticks, 2. It dries out much faster than the good stuff, and 3. It degrades so fast! Within just a few months I had to keep pushing it down with chopsticks and adding more to the top because it was just shrinking back to where there were big empty air spots. I ended up throwing away all of those poles and starting over with good moss.
Love you, your accent and your attitude.
You are too kind, thank you 😊
I love moss poles. It's fun to watch them climb and grow!
I use a moss pole for containment only, and hopefully easy propagation
This video was excellent! I ordered my first moss pole, and this gave me a lot to consider!
Great to hear! Lots of food for thought.
Thanks for all your help Nora. i find you give very good advise
Happy to help! Thank you for your kind words 🙏 😊
I use D-shaped moss poles with acetate backing, and one had mold, but spraying it with a 3:1 water & hydrogen peroxide solution eliminated it. I do have algae, but, as you said, that's a sign of health in a moss pole. I've started mixing tree fern fiber (responsibly sourced from NZ) in my poles and will be adding perlite and orchid bark, leaving the front covered with moss to keep everything from falling out! Memo at Houseplantygoodness came up with this solution, and it's brilliant. He even plugs the bottom of the moss section of the pole with some moss so that he can either float the pole above the substrate (kinda wobbly IMHO) or fill the bottom portion of the pole, buried in the substrate, with that substrate. I use mine with Pon, and his method is the best I've come across. I'm using your long method to prepare plants for life in semi-hydro and will soon be able to pot them up with their moss poles! Woot!
I switched to planks a while back and will never go back! I found a company that makes really nice looking planks that are more than just a 2x4 in your pot.
Lucky you!
@@TheLecaQueen if you are interested the company is Treleaf. They make some neat stuff.
I know about them. Was in talks with them about 2 years ago but I can't try their products because they are made of wood. With our tough biosecurity laws here they are hard to get into the country, so I was told.
Very useful video, thanks for sharing 💕
My pleasure 😊
I had no idea my home country’s moss was considered the best! However in saying that I’m definitely sticking to my coconut fibre stake poles 😂
Thank u for your information, I how ever i use just a pole,and they grow just great!!
Off topic but I wish I could wear that lipstick shade! Lovely!
Lipstick is NEVER off topic!!! I love me some good lippy!!!
@@TheLecaQueen lol! My sentiments exactly!
What do I do with a plant definitely needing to climb and that has some branches 4 meters long? I'm at a loss. Now all the branches are curled around 4 bamboo sticks, which is an o look, but not great for the plant
Can you please show me? Use the free Facebook group semi-hydroponics with the leca queen
You have some gorgeous plants in your collection. They look very happy
Thanks so much 😊
Thanks for the info! I was thinking about getting some,but not any more
Glad I could help give some information to make an informed decision 👍 😀
I just found a pink princess philodendron in a grocery store. Its in pretty rough shape. The stem seems pretty wiggly in a very wet mix and I am afraid it may be rot. Should I chop and prop in Leca? It would be my first Leca plant. I've seen you prop plants without rooting in water first, and I'm thinking this may be worth a try. My local Ikea has Leca.
I also prop in perlite. Easier to transfer to soil if you don't want to continue growing in leca.
Would using vinegar from time to time help with algae and/or mold? I use vinegar to clean around the bathroom and kitchen.
Thank you for a great informative video. Very glad I found you.
Glad it was helpful!
Really enjoyed this video! So useful! Helpful comments as well.💚 Appreciate the environmental education.
I am glad.
Thank you for the reality check. Moss is expensive. 😂
Here in the Philippines is not expensive.
Hi @TheLecaQueen I love your channel! I follow a few other accounts but this is my go-to for all things planty 😜 Recently, I’ve converted my plant collection to leca and I’ve had amazing success! Not to mention I quickly became fungus gnat free which is amazing. HOWEVER, since I’ve added moss poles to a few of my climbers now the fungus gnats are back 😩😩😩 What should I do?
I always wondered if moss poles attract spider mites
Not if they are moist or the eggs came in the moss! That's my thought!
Corunna, MICH USA here! Have you used Hypnum moss for anything?? I have a ton of it around my barn patio I've been letting grow cos it's always moist/wet there and it looks great. (no mowing there :-) ) I do take small pieces of it and put around a couple plants that are in dirt that require little water but I'd like to do more with it. Have you done a moss pole with it before?? Pros & cons abt it please :-) 1 con is that it has dirt attached to it.
i need to try, and have you tried, the medical liquids drip bags, which some plant enthusiasts are now using to drip water plants that benefit from that?
I have not I really just can't be bothered to be honest.
I started my hawaiian potho on a moss pole had brought the vine up, and it tilted other leaves over will they grow back toward light
Very informative. Thanks a lot!
You are welcome!
When do you start using foliage focus 🤔
Thanx Nora another great teaching video ❤x
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, but what do you recomend instead?
Planks or trellis
@@DG-iw3yw great idea! like it 👍
Well well well, apparently your click bait got me, as I am just starting
my pole journey. New subscriber here, you popped up and I’ve
gotta tell you your vid was super interesting and so so informative.
Now I will get caught up by binging the others 😎 especially the one you
suggested on moss poles. BTW your plants are amazingly beautiful. TFS
Welcome aboard! I am so glad you watched it. I think it is important to know all the facts and then make a decision. I hope you enjoy your binge.
Hello Nora! Love your videos. I want to diy my own moss pole but moss is nor readily available in Nigeria 🇳🇬 where i live. Can i use cut up hemp fabric or rope to fill the pole instead?
If I notice mold on my moss poles I spray it with fungicide, a neem oil spray works too
That is interesting to know. The neem oil works?
@@TheLecaQueen yes its an antifungal
Nice video about moss poles! As you show all your beautiful plants with moss poles! Really beautiful plants though!
Thank you very much! The plants are nice. I wanted to show the other side of moss poles that people who have not used them might not be thinking about. 🤔
I watched her videos that was made one year ago, and she was singing high praises for the use of moss poles . So I bought 5 sphagnum moss poles last week. And now I saw this video and she said it’s a lousy idea. Haizz
I encourage you to watch the whole video and find out exactly what I am saying. The essence of the video is for you to understand what moss poles are about. The full story. This is it. I know the full story, accept it and still use them. I hope you can see my message from that perspective. Happy planting.😊
@@TheLecaQueen Thanks for your reply. I did watch the full video and accepted the cons of using moss pole. I didn’t know that you continued using sphagnum moss; I thought you were now advising using tree fern fiber instead. I saw that video of yours regarding TFF that was made 8 months ago. Thanks for your clarification.
@@CoFFee123.. I do still use moss, I did try tree fern fibre poles but did not like them too much. My current favourite medium for poles is a mixture of sphagnum moss and tree fern fibre. I find this works the best for me at the moment. See this video where I explain more. ua-cam.com/video/Sk2WmmaZTYE/v-deo.html
@@TheLecaQueen Thank you for taking the time to reply. 😊
Im using bamboo shish skewers and small hairtie rubber bands to make moss poles cause the majority of my plants arent large enough to need anything over 30cm like the pvc pole, although i did make one and have an adansonii on it, aswell as golden pothos on driftwood. However im noticing the bamboo skewer I've tied the spagmoss to is getting developing black spots at the top where the skewer is a little bit exposed. Im gonna spend about 60 and get 10 of the plastic ebay moss poles and make my future baby poles out of something plastic or metal which will hold me over for now but im worried the mould will sorta grow from the inside out in the 5 im using at the moment which is why I'm keen to replace them fast.
I am so sorry to hear that. Using Bamboo I think tends to be problematic. Anything organic starts to degrade and gets fungus and all sorts of things growing on them after a while. All the best with your changes.
So now that we know how horrid moss poles are, what to you recommend at the alternative to growing this types of plants?
Hi Nora,
maybe a silly question or maybe you've answered this somewhere in another video but just wondering...
If you use LECA why do you use moss poles? Why don't you use LECA? I'm still fairly new to LECA and trying to decide on Moss, LECA or Plank so just wondering.
I'm considering trying to make a pole with coco coir. Has anyone seen this?
Great information! Thank you 👏👏👏👏
You are very welcome and thank you 😊
Yes, moss poles do dry out quickly. Can they dry out a bit between watering? Otherwise I feel like I have to water them every other day. New to DIY moss poles and have transitioned many plants from simple stakes to moss poles.
Keeping it real. Thank you!
Here in NZ to concur that we have the best sphagnum moss
Indeed you do!!! 😍
Do you spray pole just where vine is until it starts growing
Moss poles should be watered with a weak solution of hypochlorus acid. That's what is used on the supermarket lettuce sprayer
Thanks for the information. I learned a lot.
Very welcome!
What about your big Monstera? Is yours on a moss pole? Yours is gorgeous
How do secure a moss pole into a leca pot? Is there only an iron bar sticking into the Leca?
Love the video but I stopped watering my poles on pothos because the grow up trees and I found that they didn’t need water 💦 your thoughts on that please? Love ya channel and your hair sister! You would be at home here in MPLS MN
Thank you for the kind words. I belong in the camp that believes you should water your moss poles to allow the aerial roots to absorb nutrients. Your plant will still grow without the watering but watering your pole maximises your plants growth potential.
Very thorough explanation, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
What about Fungus Gnats, are they drawn to them?
Hello, Good day. After watching ur videos, i've purchased Leca....and now shifting my indoors in it.
Really need your help.
Please guide about fertilizer.
Ive purchased masterblend 4-18-38 hydroponic fertilizer.
Can I use it on my leca & how?
Please guide and help. Thanks
Could getting mold on your Moss pulled beef from over stuffing your pole
What I mean by that is you pack the Moss so tight that it is not so spogy
What are your thoughts on coco coir moss poles (which is not moss at all)? I use these but have trouble keeping them moist.
I mix moss with coco chips. Coco coir sheets are impossible to keep moist I've found.