Indoor pests and moss/coco climbing poles

4 years ago

Looking for experienced opinions of those moss/coco stakes for climbers? My hardy jasmine and gardenias are really performing and at the point where need stronger support than have anticipated. They are at superhero strength like honeysuckle that will take down a gutter......

I had - and conquered! - a problem with spider mites in the section where it gets about 90F easy on a sunny day. Solved that.

But my zealousness to not underwater turned into much more serious infestation of fungus gnats/fruit flies, etc. Mother Nature helped me out by letting me freeze the soil by intensive repotting during the latest nor'easters and seasonably cold weather (it is very unusually warm for suburb of NYC where I live - at least in this apartment and terrace -- Heck! I actually have a few blueberries now).

Bottom Line: I'm concerned that this new craze on moss pole may encourage these pests - just like the "self watering" planters do.

Thoughts? Thank you in advance :)

Here is a link to a general product I'm referring to: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YN8Q8DV/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_5?ie=UTF8&smid=A2XGK8U942TKSR&th=1

Alphatool Full Length 68 Inch Coir Totem Pole- 6 Pcs 15.7 Inches Coco Coir Moss Totem Pole Indoor Plant Support Moss Stick Trellis for Training Potted Plants Climb & Grow Upwards

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Comments (5)

popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
4 years ago
I live in a dry climate so my experience may not match yours. But I have never had any issue with moss poles and pests. I have used the coco-coir ones, self-watering ones (that dont really water), moss covered ones, and I make my own with sphagnum moss inside of gutter mesh. Never seen a pest on any of them.

But if you are nervous about it, don't use them. Use an alternative. Plants also like wood planks to attach themselves and for support. I also have some of my plants on branches that I collected outside because I like the organic natural look of a branch rather than a pole.

There are many other choices besides moss poles.
Jill Milhorat
4 years ago
Thank you!
In thinking about it more, the jasmine would be lovely on a thin trellis; I’m thinking various shapes as some are prolific growers! The climbing gardenias I might use a moss pole as one is getting not just huge but really strong. Might name it “Audrey 3” 😂
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popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
4 years ago
Haha...Audrey 3! I like that.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The insect pests that bother most houseplants - aphids, scale, thrips, whitefly, spider mites - take residence on living plant material. The moss or coir support stakes are unlikely to be popular with them as they offer no immediate food source.

The fungus gnats are a factor of too moisture retentive a potting soil, so the support stakes do not really have any bearing on their presence either.
Jill Milhorat
4 years ago
Thank you!