The Monstera deliciosa, recognized by its large, perforated leaves, is a popular houseplant. As a vining plant, it naturally seeks to spread out, which can quickly overwhelm an indoor space. Shaping a Monstera involves managing its vigorous, sprawling nature to maintain a manageable size and appealing aesthetic. This process relies on understanding the plant’s natural growth patterns and applying targeted support and strategic pruning techniques. This guide provides methods to control the plant’s size and appearance, ensuring it remains a beautiful, contained feature in your home.
Understanding Monstera Growth Habits
The Monstera is classified as a hemi-epiphyte, meaning it begins rooted in the soil but climbs up a host structure, such as a tree, to reach better light. This climbing is facilitated by nodes and aerial roots. Nodes are the swollen points along the main stem where new leaves, aerial roots, and potential new stems emerge. The characteristic sprawling growth comes from the length of the internodes, the segments of stem between the nodes. Aerial roots grow out from the nodes seeking moisture, nutrients, and anchor points, allowing the plant to stabilize itself as it matures.
Providing Vertical and Directional Support
To achieve an upright, contained structure, a Monstera must be trained to grow vertically. The most effective method involves providing a physical support structure, such as a moss pole, which is preferable to a simple wooden stake or trellis. Moss poles are beneficial because their material holds moisture, encouraging the plant’s aerial roots to grow into them for increased stability and supplemental hydration.
To secure the plant, the main stem—not the leaf petioles—must be tied directly to the support structure. Tying the petioles (the stalks connecting the leaf blade to the stem) can damage the delicate tissue and interfere with the leaf’s ability to adjust toward the light. Use soft, non-abrasive materials like gardener’s Velcro or soft plant ties to gently anchor the central vine to the pole at each node.
As the plant grows, its aerial roots will naturally emerge seeking attachment. Gently guide these roots toward the moss pole, or tuck them into the pole material to encourage attachment. Maintaining the moss pole’s moisture by misting it will further motivate the roots to penetrate the structure, providing stability and promoting larger, more mature leaf growth. This consistent training ensures the plant directs its energy upward rather than outward, resulting in a controlled, vertical silhouette.
Strategic Pruning for Size and Aesthetics
Pruning manages the Monstera’s overall size and refines its appearance. Always use sharp, sterilized tools to ensure clean cuts that minimize stress and reduce the risk of introducing pathogens. To encourage new, bushier growth, any cut on the main stem or a long runner should be made just above a node.
The node contains the axillary bud, which activates to produce a new stem or leaf after the growth tip above it has been removed. A general guideline is to avoid removing more than 25% of the plant’s total foliage at any one time, as excessive cutting can shock the plant and hinder its recovery.
Pruning is also useful for removing foliage that is no longer contributing to the plant’s health or beauty, such as yellowing or damaged leaves. These ailing leaves should be cut off near the main stem to redirect the plant’s energy toward producing healthy new growth. For cosmetic reasons, overly long or unruly aerial roots that dangle awkwardly can be trimmed back. Healthy stem cuttings removed during this process, provided they contain at least one node, can be placed in water or soil to propagate new, smaller Monstera plants.