Climbing to New Heights: A Guide to Moss Poles for Your Philodendron McColley's Finale

Mastering the Moss Pole: A Guide to Supporting Your Philodendron McColley’s Finale

One of the joys of indoor gardening is the ability to cultivate lush, thriving plants within the comfort of your home. Among the most popular choices are the vining philodendrons, prized for their diverse foliage and relatively easy care. Today, we’ll delve into a common question among philodendron enthusiasts: how to properly support a Philodendron McColley’s Finale with a moss pole.

Understanding the Philodendron McColley’s Finale

The Philodendron McColley’s Finale, often celebrated for its vibrant, glossy leaves that emerge in shades of orange and mature to a deep green, is a cultivar that captivates with its dramatic color changes. As a hemiepiphyte, it naturally climbs in its native habitat, using aerial roots to cling to trees and other supports. This climbing nature makes the moss pole an ideal tool for enhancing its growth and showcasing its unique beauty.

Why Use a Moss Pole?

Before we dive into the ‘how’, let’s explore the ‘why’. Using a moss pole offers several benefits:

• Support Natural Growth: It mimics the plant’s natural climbing behavior, encouraging larger leaf growth and a more mature appearance.
• Improved Aesthetics: It provides a structured, visually appealing display for your plant.
• Enhanced Air Circulation: By lifting the plant, you improve airflow around the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Moisture Retention: The moss pole can be moistened to create a humid microclimate around the aerial roots, stimulating growth.

Preparing Your Philodendron for the Moss Pole

Before introducing your Philodendron McColley’s Finale to its new support, consider the following steps:

1. Choose the Right Pole: Select a moss pole that is appropriately sized for your plant. It should be tall enough to accommodate future growth but not so overwhelming that it dwarfs the plant. Consider the diameter as well. A thicker pole will offer more support, especially as your plant matures.
2. Water Thoroughly: Water your philodendron a few hours before you plan to attach it to the pole. This ensures the plant is hydrated and less stressed during the process.
3. Gather Your Materials: You’ll need the moss pole, soft plant ties (like velcro plant ties or twine), and possibly some sphagnum moss if you want to fill in gaps for aesthetic and humidity purposes. Avoid using wire or anything that could damage the stems.

Determining the ‘Front’ and ‘Back’

One of the most common questions is, “Which side of the plant should face the moss pole?” Here’s how to figure it out:

• Observe Aerial Roots: Aerial roots are key indicators. They naturally grow from the stems and are designed to grasp onto supports. Identify where the majority of these roots are emerging. This is usually the side that will be facing the pole.
• Consider Leaf Orientation: While not always definitive, the direction the leaves are growing can offer clues. Generally, the ‘front’ of the plant is the side where the leaves are most visible and oriented outwards.
• Flexibility is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Philodendrons are resilient. If you’re unsure, start by attaching the side with the most aerial roots to the pole. You can always adjust later if necessary.

Attaching Your Philodendron to the Moss Pole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve determined the best orientation, follow these steps:

1. Position the Pole: Insert the moss pole into the soil, ensuring it’s stable and secure. If your plant is in a small pot, you might need to gently repot it into a larger pot to accommodate the pole.
2. Gently Arrange the Stems: Carefully guide the stems of your philodendron towards the pole. Don’t force them. If necessary, gently bend the stems to encourage them in the desired direction. Remember, patience is key.
3. Secure with Soft Ties: Begin securing the stems to the pole using your plant ties. Start at the base of the plant and work your way up. Tie the stems loosely but firmly enough to hold them against the pole. Avoid tying the ties too tight, as this can restrict growth and potentially damage the stem.
4. Encourage Aerial Root Attachment: Lightly moisten the moss pole with a spray bottle. This encourages the aerial roots to attach themselves to the pole, providing additional support. Regularly mist the moss pole to keep it slightly damp, especially during the growing season.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check the ties for tightness and adjust as needed. As your philodendron grows, you may need to add more ties to support new growth. Also, keep an eye on the aerial roots. If they’re not making contact with the moss pole, gently guide them towards it.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Leaves are in the Way: The dense foliage of the Philodendron McColley’s Finale can sometimes make it challenging to attach the stems to the pole. Gently move the leaves aside as you work, and use the ties to hold the stems against the pole without crushing the leaves.
• Roots Won’t Attach: If the aerial roots aren’t attaching, ensure the moss pole is consistently moist and consider gently guiding the roots towards the moss with a bit of sphagnum moss.
• Pole is Unstable: Ensure the pole is securely inserted into the pot. If the pot is too small, consider repotting into a larger pot to provide more stability.

Ongoing Care for Your Supported Philodendron

Once your Philodendron McColley’s Finale is thriving on the moss pole, continue to provide the care it needs to flourish:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
• Humidity: Philodendrons thrive in humid environments. Consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Pruning: Prune any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.

The Rewarding Journey

Supporting your Philodendron McColley’s Finale with a moss pole is an investment in both the plant’s health and your enjoyment of its beauty. By following these steps, you can create a thriving display that will bring joy to your home for years to come. Embrace the process, be patient, and enjoy the journey of watching your philodendron climb and flourish.