Monstera deliciosa, a popular houseplant recognized by its striking, perforated leaves, naturally behaves as a hemiepiphyte in its native tropical environment. The plant begins its life on the forest floor and seeks out a larger structure, typically a tree trunk, to climb toward the canopy. When grown indoors without appropriate vertical assistance, the Monstera tends to sprawl outward, resulting in smaller foliage and less pronounced fenestration. Providing a stable, upward structure encourages the plant to mimic its natural environment and achieve the large, dramatic leaves associated with mature growth. This guide details the methods and materials necessary to successfully train your Monstera to grow vertically.
Understanding the Monstera’s Climbing Mechanism
The Monstera’s drive to climb is rooted in skototropism, where the plant grows toward darkness, indicating the presence of a large, supportive object like a tree trunk. This innate behavior is supported by specialized aerial roots, which emerge from the nodes along the stem. Their primary role is to firmly anchor the stem to a vertical surface.
Aerial roots are distinct from subterranean roots; they do not absorb bulk water or nutrients from the soil. Instead, they seek out and adhere to moist, stable surfaces, providing the mechanical support needed to ascend. When the stem successfully anchors to a vertical support, the plant senses this stability and redirects energy. This triggers a phase shift toward maturity, leading directly to the development of larger leaves and characteristic fenestrations.
Choosing the Appropriate Vertical Support
The selection of the right vertical support dictates the long-term success of encouraging mature, upward growth. Sphagnum moss poles are the superior option because they closely replicate the organic, moisture-retentive bark of a host tree. The moss’s high porosity retains water, encouraging the plant’s aerial roots to penetrate the material and anchor naturally.
Coir, or coco fiber poles, are a common alternative that is more affordable and easier to source than sphagnum moss. While coir provides a rough texture suitable for initial attachment, it does not retain moisture as effectively. This reduced moisture retention means aerial roots are less likely to fully integrate, sometimes requiring more frequent manual re-tying of the stem.
Simple wooden stakes or plastic trellises are only suitable for very young plants that lack significant aerial roots. These solid, non-porous materials do not allow aerial roots to penetrate and anchor themselves. Using a non-porous stake forces the grower to continuously secure the stem with ties, limiting the plant’s ability to self-support. Choose a support system that can be easily extended by stacking additional poles as the plant grows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the Support
The best time to install a moss pole is during routine repotting, minimizing root disturbance and allowing for easy placement. Insert the pole deeply into the center of the pot, ensuring it is stable and rests against the back side of the Monstera’s main stem. Stability is paramount, as a wobbly pole will not provide the secure anchor required for vertical growth.
Proper orientation is crucial for effective support. Position the Monstera so the back of the stem, where aerial roots emerge, faces and touches the moss pole. Aligning the aerial roots directly with the porous material facilitates immediate attachment and integration into the structure. Incorrect alignment will delay the plant’s ability to self-anchor.
Once the pole is anchored, the main stem needs initial securing to encourage upward growth. Use soft, non-abrasive materials such as Velcro plant ties, flexible garden wire, or natural twine. Tie the main stem directly to the pole, leaving enough slack so the stem is not constricted as it thickens.
Avoid tying the petioles, which are the stalks connecting the leaf blade to the stem, as they need to move freely to adjust to light. Securing the petiole can restrict movement and potentially damage the delicate tissue. The initial ties serve only to hold the plant against the pole until the aerial roots have firmly attached, typically over a period of a few weeks to months.
Long-Term Care for Upward Growth
Maintaining the moss pole requires keeping the material consistently moist. If the sphagnum or coir dries out completely, aerial roots will cease efforts to penetrate the pole and may grow outward. Regularly misting the pole or slowly pouring water down the top of the moss when watering the soil encourages deep root integration.
As the Monstera produces new growth, emerging nodes need regular assistance to remain flush against the support structure. Check the top few inches of growth every few weeks and apply new, loose ties to secure the newest section of the stem to the pole. This ongoing process ensures a continuous, straight vertical growth pattern.
When the Monstera reaches the top of the current support structure, the pole must be extended. Most commercial moss poles are stackable, allowing a new pole to be inserted securely into the top of the existing one. Pruning older, lower leaves or leggy growth can help redirect the plant’s resources toward the actively climbing apex, promoting vigorous growth.