Moss Pole Care

What you put in is what you get out. You’ve made the right move in purchasing a moss pole, but what do you do with it and how does it work?

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum Moss has a pH of 5.5 and is most widely used for its water retention and anti microbial properties. The Sphagnum Moss we use originates from Chile and is washed and processed before carefully being attached to the moss pole.

The Sphagnum Moss we use is not a living moss, however new green growth has been observed after several months of continuous watering under favourable conditions.

Hypnum Moss

The Hypnum Moss we use is a forest moss which grows as ground cover. It has a pH of 7.0 and is renowned for its fertilisation properties being rich in micro nutrients.

This moss is most easily identified by its rich green colour, however it is important to note that it is not a living moss, but rather, it is carefully preserved. As the micro nutrients are absorbed and the moss pole is exposed to sunlight, it will gradually loose its green tone and become a more natural looking brown, quite similar to the colour of Sphagnum.

Self Watering System

The water is wicked up to the top of the pole through capillary action and distributed evenly along the wicking material which is bound to the core of the pole. The water is then onward absorbed by the moss and delivered to your plant’s aerial roots as and when required.

Water Capacity

  •     Each 1m moss pole holds 315ml water
  •     Each 0.5m moss pole holds 150ml water
Traditional Moss Poles

Although traditional moss poles do retain water well, it’s important to maintain them by spritzing them with water when they begin to dry out. If your moss pole dries out though, don’t panic. You can easily leave it dry until your next plant watering day, and then carefully pour water over the top of the pole to saturate it. Do note that this method will also water your plant’s soil, so it’s best to use this only when your plant is due for watering.

What you will need

  • Your new moss pole
  • Gloves (or clean hands)
  • A clean space to work on

Installation

  • Carefully remove the plant from its soil
  • Empty the remaining soil out on to a clean surface
  • Place your new moss pole into your plant’s pot
  • Add some soil around the base of the moss pole and press down firmly to secure it in place
  • Place your plant back into its pot followed by the remaining soil
  • Secure your plant to its moss pole with the provided plastic coated wire. This is easily achieved by threading the wire tie through the wire mesh on the moss pole and around the plant’s stem to stablise it. Be sure not to tighten the wire too much so as to avoid damaging your plant’s stem.

Be sure not to compact the soil around the roots of your plant. Do not keep your moss pole in its packaging for extended periods as this may result in the moss’ degradation due to insufficient airflow.

Watering frequency will mostly depend on your geographic location, humidity levels, wind fluctuations, climate and ambient temperature.

  •     The self-watering Sphagnum range will require watering approximately once every 3 days.

Watering times are an indication only. It is always best that you perform both a visual and physical inspection of the moss prior to watering. Overwatering of your moss pole may result in excess water run-off, which may be avoided by watering less frequently.

It is best not to allow your self-watering moss pole to dry out completely, however if this is the case, you may need to fill the reservoir a few times to achieve even moisture distribution of the moss. If the entire moss pole has been dehydrated to the point where capillary action is disrupted, you may leave it dry until your next plant watering day, and then carefully pour water over the top of the pole to saturate it. Once saturated, fill up the reservoir and monitor your moss pole, filling up the reservoir as and when needed. Do note that this method will also water your plant’s soil, so it’s best to use this only when your plant is due for watering.

Hydrating your traditional Hypnum moss pole:

When you receive your traditional Hypnum moss pole, it will be dry. To rehydrate it, simply spritz it all over (preferably directly into the moss) until it is evenly moist. Then install your moss pole and ensure that you monitor it as it dries out. Mist it often to ensure your plants receive the relative humidity they require to thrive.

If you notice mould growing on your moss pole, it is likely due to over watering. Don’t panic though, this is easily remedied.

What you will need

  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
  • 250ml water (preferably RO)
  • A water mister
  • Teaspoon
  • Glass jar
  • Gloves

Note: Do not let the hydrogen peroxide sit on your skin when undiluted.

Treating your moss pole

  • Put on your gloves
  • Measure out 250ml RO water & place in a jar
  • Measure out 5ml 3% Hydrogen Peroxide & add to the jar of water
  • Carefully pour the water & Hydrogen Peroxide mix in to your water mister
  • Spritz your moss pole with this mix once every 3 days (or until mould disappears)

There is no need to remove your moss pole or plant from your pot as this Hydrogen Peroxide solution will not harm your plants. For more information on how 3% Hydrogen Peroxide assists plants, click here.

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