The Monstera deliciosa is a vining plant native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it thrives as an epiphyte upon larger trees. The plant utilizes specialized aerial roots to anchor itself to the host tree, allowing it to climb vertically toward the canopy. This upward growth habit is essential for the plant to achieve maturity and produce its signature large, perforated leaves, known as fenestrations. Without a vertical support structure indoors, the Monstera will typically sprawl outward, resulting in smaller, less developed leaves. Encouraging verticality is a method of mimicking the plant’s natural habitat to promote stronger growth and the development of mature foliage.
Choosing Appropriate Climbing Supports
Selecting the right support structure is a primary factor in successfully training a Monstera to climb. The best option is a moss pole constructed from sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss retains moisture effectively, which is crucial for encouraging the plant’s aerial roots to attach. As the aerial roots penetrate the damp moss, they gain physical stability and the capacity to absorb supplemental water and nutrients, mirroring their function on a humid tree trunk.
A more cost-effective alternative is a pole wrapped in coco coir, which also provides a textured surface for attachment. Coco coir tends to dry out much faster than sphagnum moss, requiring more frequent misting or wetting to maintain the moisture level necessary for aerial root growth. If the pole is not kept damp, the aerial roots will not be encouraged to anchor themselves firmly, limiting the plant’s ability to size up its leaves.
Non-moss supports, such as simple wooden stakes or decorative trellises, can offer basic physical support to keep the plant upright. While they prevent the stem from collapsing under the weight of the leaves, these materials do not retain moisture. This lack of humidity means the aerial roots will likely not adhere to the surface, resulting in the plant relying solely on ties for attachment rather than developing the robust climbing mechanism seen in nature. For a Monstera to reach its full potential for leaf size and fenestration, a support that actively encourages aerial root attachment is necessary.
Securing the Plant and Initial Training
Installation of the support is optimally done when the plant is being repotted, minimizing root disturbance. The pole should be inserted deep into the potting mix near the main stem, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the pot for maximum stability. If the plant is not being repotted, the pole can be gently worked into the soil, taking care not to damage the plant’s main root ball. Stability is important, as the support must bear the increasing weight of the mature plant over time.
Before securing the plant, identify the “back” of the Monstera, which is the side from which the aerial roots emerge. The main vine or stem should be positioned so this aerial root side is directly facing the moss pole. The aerial roots naturally grow away from the light and toward a dark, moist surface.
The plant must then be secured to the pole using soft, flexible materials, such as Velcro plant tape or gentle garden twine. The ties should be placed around the main stem or the thick, central vine at multiple points along the support. Fasten the ties loosely enough to avoid constricting the stem as it thickens, but securely enough to hold the plant firmly against the pole. The leaf petioles, which are the slender stems connecting the leaf blade to the main vine, should never be tied, as they are fragile and need to move freely to adjust the leaf position toward the light.
Maintaining Vertical Growth and Pole Extension
Once the support is installed, ongoing maintenance focuses on facilitating the integration of the aerial roots with the pole material. Keeping the moss or coir pole consistently damp, but not soaking wet, mimics the high humidity of the Monstera’s native environment. This moisture signals to the plant’s aerial roots that the support is a suitable, nutrient-absorbing surface, encouraging them to penetrate and anchor themselves. Regular misting or slowly pouring water down the length of the pole during routine watering helps maintain this necessary moisture level.
As the plant grows, it will inevitably approach the top of the support structure. To ensure continuous vertical growth, the pole must be extended before the newest growth point reaches the apex. This is done by stacking a new, slightly narrower pole directly onto the top of the existing one. Most commercially available moss poles are designed with a hollow center or a plastic sleeve to allow for this seamless extension, preventing a break in the plant’s upward momentum.
Directional Pruning
Directional pruning can be used to reinforce verticality by redirecting the plant’s energy. Any secondary vines or wayward stems that are growing horizontally or away from the pole can be trimmed back. This action concentrates the plant’s resources toward the main, climbing vine, encouraging the production of larger, more mature leaves at the top of the pole.