As passionate houseplant enthusiasts, we are always on the lookout for ways to enhance our plant’s growth and health. One of the latest trends in the plant care world is the use of plant totem poles.
A plant totem pole is a vertical structure that is used to support and encourage the growth of climbing plants.
The use of plant totem poles has been a popular practice in the gardening world for centuries and has recently become more prevalent in the houseplant world. In this article, we will explore the science behind plant totem poles and how they can benefit the health and growth of your houseplants.
Understanding the Science Behind Plant Totem Poles
Plant totem poles work by providing climbing plants with structural support and a stable base to anchor their roots. The pole itself is typically made of materials such as moss, wood, or coir, and is designed to hold water and nutrients for the plant. As the climbing plant grows, it wraps itself around the totem pole, using it as a guide to reach higher and grow stronger. This not only helps the plant grow upward but also strengthens its stem, making it more resistant to damage from winds and other external factors.
Benefits of Using Plant Totem Poles
There are several benefits to using plant totem poles for your houseplants. One of the most significant advantages is the improvement in plant growth. With the use of totem poles, plants are encouraged to grow upward, making them more compact and bushy. This is especially beneficial for trailing plants that can become leggy and thin without proper support. Additionally, totem poles help to increase air purification by providing more surface area for the leaves to absorb toxins and release oxygen.
Another advantage of using totem poles is that they help to save space. By training plants to grow vertically, you can make the most out of your limited living space. This is particularly helpful for apartment dwellers who may not have access to outdoor garden space.
When Is a Plant Totem the Right Choice?
Not every indoor plant needs a totem, and that’s okay. Whether you use one comes down to how you want your plant to grow.
If you’re aiming for upright growth, larger leaves, and a more natural climbing form, a totem pole is usually the best option. Many popular houseplants grow up trees in the wild, and giving them vertical support indoors helps replicate those conditions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a trailing or cascading look, it’s perfectly fine to let the plant spill over the edge of the pot instead. The same plant can behave very differently depending on how it’s supported.
A good rule of thumb:
If your plant has aerial roots and keeps reaching upwards, it’s probably asking for something to climb.
Types of Plant Totem Poles
There are several types of plant totem poles that you can choose from, depending on your plant’s needs and the aesthetic you’re going for. One popular material for totem poles is moss. Moss totem poles are made by wrapping sphagnum moss around a pole and securing it with string. The moss helps to hold water and nutrients for the plant, while also providing a soft surface for the roots to anchor to.
Another popular material for totem poles is wood. Wooden totem poles are often made from bamboo or other types of wood and can be used both indoors and outdoors. These totem poles are sturdy and provide excellent support for climbing plants, while also adding a natural, rustic look to your decor.
Coir totem poles are another option that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Coir totem poles are made from coconut fibers and are a sustainable option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These totem poles are excellent for holding water and are lightweight, making them easy to move around as needed.
Totem Poles, Moss Poles, Coir Poles & Stakes: What’s the Difference?
Not all plant supports work the same way, and choosing the right type can make a noticeable difference to how your plant grows over time.
Moss poles are popular because they hold moisture well, which encourages aerial roots to attach and grow into the pole. This makes them ideal for plants like Monstera, Philodendron and other tropical climbers that naturally cling to tree trunks. The trade-off is that moss poles need more regular upkeep to stay lightly moist.
Coir poles are wrapped in coconut fibre, making them a more durable, lower-maintenance option. They don’t retain moisture quite as easily as moss, but they still provide a textured surface for roots to grip. Coir poles suit growers who want structure without frequent misting.
Timber stakes or natural wood totems are best used as structural supports rather than root-attachment surfaces. They help guide upright growth but won’t encourage aerial roots to cling in the same way moss or coir does.
In simple terms, if you want your plant to attach and climb, choose moss or coir. If you mainly want support and direction, a timber stake may be enough.
How to Use Plant Totem Poles
Using plant totem poles is relatively simple, and can be done with a few basic steps. First, choose the type of totem pole that best fits your plant’s needs and aesthetic. Next, place the totem pole in the pot and anchor it to the soil, making sure that it is securely in place. Finally, train the plant to grow around the totem pole by tying it to the structure with soft ties or string.
When using totem poles, it’s important to keep in mind that they need to be properly maintained. Regularly check to make sure that the totem pole is moist and provide additional water as needed. Additionally, make sure that the plant is properly trained around the totem pole to ensure that it grows in a healthy and controlled manner. Regular pruning may also be necessary to keep the plant from overgrowing the totem pole and taking over your living space.
Helping Your Plant Attach to the Totem
For a totem to work properly, the plant needs good contact points.
When positioning your plant, gently guide the stem so that nodes or aerial roots sit directly against the pole. These are the parts of the plant that will eventually anchor themselves.
Keeping the contact area lightly moist is key—especially with moss poles. Occasional misting or watering the pole itself helps signal to the plant that this is a surface worth attaching to. You’re aiming for damp, not dripping.
You’ll know it’s working when new roots begin to press into the pole and the plant starts holding itself upright with less assistance. At that point, the totem becomes more than just support—it becomes part of the plant’s growing system.
What Happens When the Plant Outgrows the Totem?
Eventually, healthy climbers reach the top of their totem. When that happens, you have a few options.
One approach is to take cuttings from the top growth, root them, and plant them back into the pot. This creates a fuller, more established look at the base.
Another option is to extend the support. Modular and extendable totem systems have become increasingly common, allowing you to add height as the plant grows rather than starting over.
There’s no single right answer—it depends on the space you have and the shape you want your plant to take. The important thing is recognising that reaching the top is a sign of success, not a problem.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plant Totem Pole
When choosing a plant totem pole, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your plant and space. One important factor is the type of plant that you have. Some plants, such as pothos and philodendrons, are excellent climbers and require a totem pole for proper growth. Other plants, such as snake plants and succulents, do not typically require a totem pole and may do better in pots without one.
Another consideration is the size and shape of the totem pole. Make sure to choose a totem pole that is the right size for your plant and space. For larger plants, you may need a taller and thicker totem pole to provide adequate support. Additionally, consider the shape of the totem pole, as some plants may grow better around a cylindrical structure, while others may do better around a more irregular shape.
Totem Size, Height & Stability
As a general guide, your totem should be at least the same height as your plant, with room for upward growth. Starting slightly taller than needed can save you from having to repot too soon.
Stability matters just as much as height. Taller totems need deeper anchoring and a pot with enough weight to counterbalance the plant as it grows. If the setup feels unstable early on, it usually gets worse as the plant gets bigger.
Planning ahead makes the whole process smoother and helps your plant settle in faster.
Common Problems with Plant Totems (and Simple Fixes)
My moss pole smells or looks mouldy
Moss that stays too wet can break down over time. Allow it to dry slightly between watering and ensure the pot has good drainage.
I’m getting fungus gnats
Over-watering the pole or soil is usually the cause. Reduce moisture slightly and let the top layer of soil dry out.
The plant isn’t attaching
Check that aerial roots are actually touching the pole. Increasing humidity and improving contact usually solves this.
The totem keeps tipping over
This often means the pot is too light. A heavier pot or deeper placement of the pole into the soil can improve stability.
Most issues are easy to correct once you know what to look for.
Modern Plant Totems: What’s New?
Indoor plant care has come a long way, and totem designs have evolved with it. Extendable poles are now more common, allowing growers to adapt as plants mature rather than replacing supports entirely.
There’s also a growing preference for natural, sustainable materials, such as coir and untreated timber, especially in indoor spaces.
Perhaps the biggest change is expectations. Today’s plant owners want supports that don’t just hold a plant up—but actively help it thrive.
Plant totem poles are an excellent tool for encouraging the growth and health of your houseplants. They provide plants with the support they need to grow upward and remain compact, while also purifying the air and saving space.
By choosing the right type of totem pole for your plant and space, you can ensure that your plants thrive and add a beautiful touch to your home decor.
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