Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant and a tropical vine that relies on vertical support to thrive and mature. This popular houseplant, known for its iconic fenestrated or split leaves, is botanically classified as a hemiepiphyte. This means the Monstera spends part of its life rooted in the soil and part of its life growing upon another plant for support. Its climbing nature is a survival strategy inherited from its native environment.
The Monstera’s Natural Growth Habit
The Monstera’s need to climb is rooted in its ecology as a plant native to the dense, shaded tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The forest floor receives very little sunlight because the canopy blocks most of it. Seedlings start on the ground, but they must quickly find a structure to ascend and reach brighter conditions higher up.
The young Monstera exhibits a unique growth pattern called skototropism, meaning it grows toward darkness instead of light. This behavior helps the seedling locate the trunk of a large host tree, which represents a clear path to the canopy. Once the vine finds support, its growth shifts, and it begins to climb upward toward the light.
As the plant ascends the tree trunk, its leaves become progressively larger, and the characteristic fenestrations develop. This increase in leaf size and the formation of holes are directly linked to vertical growth and increased light exposure. In the wild, Monsteras can climb to heights of 60 feet or more. This climbing habit allows the plant to transition from a small, shade-tolerant ground cover to a massive, light-harvesting canopy plant.
Anatomy of Ascent: The Role of Aerial Roots
The physical mechanism enabling the Monstera’s climb is its specialized aerial root system, which develops from the stem nodes above the soil line. These roots perform two distinct functions that facilitate vertical growth and nutrient uptake.
Clinging Roots
The first type is the adventitious or clinging root, which is short, firm, and designed to physically attach the vine to a support like a tree trunk. These roots exude a sticky substance that hardens, providing a secure anchor to hold the plant’s weight as it grows upward.
Nutrient-Seeking Roots
The second type is the longer, thicker, nutrient-seeking root, which hangs freely or is directed toward the ground or surrounding organic matter. These roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the humid air and from the moss and detritus collecting on the host tree’s bark. When these roots reach the soil, they can become subterranean, supplementing the plant’s water and nutrient supply.
Providing Necessary Support for Indoor Growth
To encourage a healthy, mature appearance, indoor Monstera deliciosa plants require a support structure that mimics the host tree they would climb in nature. Allowing the plant to trail or sprawl will lead to smaller leaves that lack the impressive splits and holes. Providing vertical support signals to the plant that it is successfully climbing, triggering the production of larger, more fenestrated foliage.
The most effective support is a moss pole or a coco coir pole, as the rough, porous material offers an ideal surface for the clinging aerial roots to attach. Once the pole is installed firmly in the pot, the main stem should be gently tied to the pole using soft plant ties or twine. This initial attachment provides stability and directs the plant’s growth vertically.
The aerial roots should be encouraged to grow into the moist surface of the moss pole. Misting the pole regularly helps maintain a humid environment, prompting the roots to anchor themselves effectively. As the plant matures and outgrows the initial support, extendable poles can be added to increase the height, ensuring the Monstera continues its upward-climbing trajectory.