Adding a moss pole to your philodendron provides support, encourages larger leaf growth, and mimics its natural climbing habitat. Here's a guide on how to do it:
Steps to Attach a Moss Pole
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Gather Your Materials: You'll need a moss pole (pre-made or DIY), zip ties (or plant-safe velcro straps), and potentially some sphagnum moss to fill any gaps.
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Position the Moss Pole: Carefully insert the moss pole into the soil, as close to the base of the philodendron as possible without damaging the roots. Make sure the pole is stable. It's usually best to do this when repotting, if possible.
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Attach the Philodendron to the Pole: Gently guide the philodendron's stem towards the moss pole. Use zip ties or plant-safe velcro straps to loosely attach the stem to the pole. Don't tie too tightly, as this can damage the plant. The YouTube video snippet describes feeding a zip tie and pulling it tight, then moving about an inch to an inch and a half up the pole.
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Encourage Aerial Roots: If your philodendron has aerial roots, gently guide them to attach to the moss pole. You can lightly mist the moss pole to encourage the roots to grow into it. Maintaining humidity around the pole is beneficial.
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Maintenance: Regularly mist the moss pole to keep it moist, which will encourage the philodendron's aerial roots to attach and grow. As the philodendron grows, continue to gently attach it to the pole with zip ties or velcro straps. You can also extend your moss pole as the plant grows larger.
