Why Monsteras Climb
Monstera plants exhibit a natural climbing tendency, which is deeply rooted in their origins within the tropical rainforests. These plants are hemiepiphytes, meaning they begin their lives rooted in the soil before often growing towards and attaching themselves to larger trees. This growth strategy allows them to ascend the rainforest canopy, where light is more abundant.
Their ability to climb is facilitated by specialized aerial roots that emerge from their stems. These roots are distinct from the typical subterranean roots; they are designed to anchor the plant to surfaces like tree trunks, providing stability as the plant grows upwards. Additionally, some aerial roots can absorb atmospheric moisture and nutrients, supplementing what the plant receives from the soil. This inherent drive to climb is a survival mechanism, ensuring the Monstera can reach optimal conditions for growth and photosynthesis.
Benefits of Encouraging Climb
Allowing a Monstera to climb offers several significant advantages for its health and development. When provided with vertical support, Monsteras often produce larger, more mature leaves, which frequently develop the characteristic fenestrations or splits. This process of maturation is directly linked to the plant’s ability to mimic its natural climbing habit.
Climbing also promotes more robust overall plant health. Vertical growth provides better air circulation around the foliage, which can help prevent fungal issues. Furthermore, an upright plant receives more consistent and even light exposure across its leaves, optimizing photosynthesis. This natural growth pattern ultimately results in a more vigorous and aesthetically pleasing specimen.
Selecting and Installing a Support
Choosing the appropriate climbing support is a crucial step in encouraging your Monstera’s vertical growth. Moss poles are a popular choice, constructed from a plastic or wire mesh cylinder filled with sphagnum moss. Coir poles, made from coconut fibers wrapped around a PVC pipe or wooden stake, offer a textured surface. Both retain moisture, which encourages aerial roots to adhere and penetrate the material, mimicking a tree trunk.
Alternatively, a sturdy wooden stake or a metal trellis can provide adequate support, though they do not offer the same moisture retention benefits as moss or coir. When installing the support, position it centrally or slightly behind the main stem of the Monstera within the pot. Ensure the pole is deeply embedded into the potting medium to provide stability, preventing it from toppling over as the plant gains height and weight. A heavier pot also adds stability for larger plants.
Training Your Monstera to Climb
Once a support is in place, actively training your Monstera is essential for successful climbing. Begin by gently guiding the main stems of the plant towards the chosen support. Identify the side of the stem where aerial roots are emerging, as this is the side that naturally seeks to attach. Position this side against the pole or stake.
Secure the stems to the support using soft plant ties, horticultural clips, or even twine. Avoid tying too tightly, as this can constrict growth and damage the stem. As the plant grows, continue to guide new upward-growing stems and secure them every 6 to 12 inches along the support. Regularly misting the moss or coir pole can encourage aerial roots to grow into the material, providing additional anchorage and moisture for the plant.
Ongoing Care for Climbing Monsteras
Maintaining a climbing Monstera requires some adjustments to a standard care routine. As the plant grows taller, its water and nutrient demands may increase due to the larger leaf surface area and increased biomass. Monitor the potting mix moisture more frequently, and consider slightly increasing the frequency or volume of watering. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every 2-4 weeks during the growing season will support its vigorous vertical development.
Aerial roots that emerge from the climbing stems can be left to grow freely, or they can be gently tucked back into the moist moss or coir pole. Allowing them to grow into the pole helps stabilize the plant and provides additional hydration. Light pruning can be performed to manage the plant’s shape or to remove any errant or unhealthy foliage, ensuring that the plant’s energy is directed towards its upward growth.