Why Support is Essential for Monstera
Monstera plants are natural climbers in their native Central American rainforests. They use aerial roots to cling to trees, growing upwards to reach sunlight. Mimicking this natural growth pattern indoors with a support system offers numerous benefits.
Support encourages vertical growth, preventing sprawling and saving space. Upward growth promotes larger, more mature leaves with distinct fenestrations. Supported plants also have better air circulation, contributing to overall health. Support helps prevent stems from breaking under the weight of heavy leaves, maintaining the plant’s structure and aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Support
Several support options are available for Monstera plants. Moss poles, often made from sphagnum moss or coco coir, mimic tree trunks and retain moisture, encouraging aerial roots to attach directly. Sphagnum moss poles offer superior moisture retention, helping aerial roots adhere more readily. Coco coir poles are a sustainable alternative, though they may dry out faster and aerial roots might not cling as enthusiastically. Both types often come in extendable sections, allowing the support to grow with the plant.
Trellises provide a lattice framework, offering multiple points of support for various stems. They are useful for smaller Monstera varieties or when a structured, decorative appearance is desired.
Stakes, typically bamboo or plastic-coated metal, offer simpler, discreet vertical support. Bamboo stakes are economical and blend naturally, while metal stakes are stronger for larger plants. Since stakes do not offer a surface for aerial roots to cling to, the plant will need to be tied to them. When selecting a support, consider the current and anticipated size of your plant, your preferred aesthetic, and desired moisture retention for aerial root encouragement.
How to Install and Train Your Monstera
Proper installation of a support structure ensures the Monstera’s stability and growth. If repotting, position the support pole deep into the pot, against the back of the plant, ensuring stability before adding potting mix. For existing plants, carefully create a hole in the soil with a trowel, then insert the support, taking care not to damage roots. The support should be deep enough to provide maximum stability.
Once the support is in place, gently begin training your Monstera by attaching its main stems to the structure. Use soft plant ties, twine, or Velcro straps to secure the stems, wrapping them around the support and the stem without tying too tightly. The ties should hold the stem close to the support but allow for slight movement; you should be able to slip a finger between the tie and the stem.
Tie only the main stems, not the leaf petioles, as restricting petioles can damage the plant and hinder their movement towards light. Position the “back” of the plant, where aerial roots emerge, towards the support to encourage natural attachment. Aerial roots are essential for the plant’s natural climbing and nutrient absorption.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After installing support, ongoing care helps your Monstera thrive. Regularly misting moss or coir poles is beneficial, especially in drier environments, as this moisture encourages aerial roots to attach and absorb hydration. This practice can also promote larger leaf development. Periodically check the plant ties, adjusting or replacing them as needed to ensure they are not too tight or restricting new growth.
As the Monstera grows, new stems will emerge and extend beyond the current support. Gently guide this new growth along the pole, securing it with additional ties. If the plant outgrows its support, add an extension to the existing pole or replace it with a taller one. Many moss poles are stackable. Occasionally rotating your plant ensures even growth and light exposure, contributing to a balanced and healthy appearance.