The Monstera deliciosa, recognized for its large, perforated foliage, is a popular houseplant. In its native Central American environment, it is a natural climber, using vining stems to ascend large trees in the rainforest canopy. This upward growth is a biological necessity that triggers the development of the plant’s signature features. To achieve the mature look—characterized by significantly larger leaves and numerous splits, known as fenestrations—the Monstera must be trained to climb a vertical support indoors.
Understanding Monstera’s Climbing Habit
The drive for a Monstera to climb is linked to its quest for light and maturity. Young plants initially exhibit negative phototropism, growing toward darkness, which leads them to the base of a host tree. Once the plant finds a vertical structure, it switches its growth strategy to pursue the brighter light of the canopy.
To facilitate ascent, the plant develops aerial roots from its stem nodes. These roots serve a dual purpose: they act as anchors, attaching the vine to the host tree, and function as an extension of the root system. In the humid jungle, these aerial structures absorb moisture and nutrients. When a Monstera climbs vertically, the increased light exposure and structural stability signal that it is safe to invest energy into producing larger, more mature leaves with deeper fenestrations.
Selecting the Right Support Structure
Choosing the appropriate support structure is the first step in training and should align with your long-term goals for the Monstera’s size. The most effective option is a sphagnum moss pole, which replicates the moist, textured surface of a jungle tree trunk. Sphagnum moss retains moisture well, encouraging aerial roots to penetrate the pole, effectively turning the support into a secondary, nutrient-absorbing medium.
Coir poles, made from coconut husk fibers, offer a durable alternative requiring less maintenance than moss poles. While coir provides a rough surface for gripping, it does not retain moisture as effectively as sphagnum moss, making aerial root attachment less robust. Simple wooden stakes or metal trellises provide structural support but offer no moisture or nutrient retention. For owners seeking the largest leaves, selecting a moss pole tall enough to accommodate several years of growth is the best choice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training and Securing
Proper installation of the support structure is best done when repotting the plant to minimize root disturbance. Before placing the pole, identify the plant’s distinct “front” and “back” sides. The front is the side from which the leaves and petioles emerge. The back is the side where the aerial roots sprout from the main stem nodes.
The support structure must be positioned firmly into the soil directly against the back of the Monstera stem. This alignment ensures aerial roots immediately make contact and anchor into the pole, mimicking natural growth. If the plant is large and sprawling, gently bend the main stem to guide the back toward the pole.
Once installed, the main stem must be secured to the support using soft, non-abrasive materials like Velcro plant ties, flexible plastic clips, or soft twine. Secure the stem at multiple points along the pole, focusing on the nodes just below the newest growth. Avoid securing the petioles, as they need to move freely to adjust to light. The goal is to hold the stem firmly against the pole without constricting its ability to thicken. Newly emerging aerial roots should be directed to touch the moss or coir surface to encourage rooting into the support.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance of Vertical Growth
Maintaining the support structure is important, especially when using a moss pole to promote aerial root growth. The sphagnum moss must be kept consistently moist to encourage aerial roots to enter and function as a secondary root system. Water the pole regularly from the top, either by pouring water down the side or using a watering funnel, as simple surface misting is ineffective. Dry moss can become hydrophobic, so prevent the pole from drying out completely.
As the plant grows, periodically inspect and adjust the ties to ensure they are not damaging the stem. Upward-climbing growth requires strategic pruning to maintain shape and focus energy. Removing older, lower leaves and side shoots (stems growing horizontally) directs resources toward top growth and the production of larger leaves.
When the Monstera reaches the top of the support, the “chop and extend” process is the common solution. This involves stacking a new, taller pole section onto the old one or air-layering the top node that has rooted into the pole. The top section is then cut and repotted with the new pole, allowing the plant to continue its upward, maturing growth.