Monstera plants are known for their lush, tropical foliage and their stunning climbing abilities. However, these fascinating plants often require some assistance to achieve their full climbing potential. In this article, we will explore various methods to help your Monstera plant scale new heights and flourish indoors.
From using supports like moss poles, bamboo stakes, and trellises, to employing specific training techniques, we will guide you on how to encourage your Monstera plant’s vertical growth and develop larger leaves. By mastering these techniques, your Monstera is sure to become the centerpiece of your indoor garden, exuding an enchanting, jungle-like atmosphere.
Keep reading to discover step-by-step instructions for training your Monstera to climb, and learn how the right support mechanisms and care can help your plant reach its true potential as a captivating climber. Get ready to watch your Monstera take center stage as it thrives on its upward journey.
Why Monstera Plants Need Support
Monstera plants, native to tropical jungle environments, naturally grow and climb on trees, reaching for light in their dense habitat. In indoor settings, providing support for Monstera plants is essential to mimic their natural growth pattern and prevent problems that might arise due to lack of proper support.
Without adequate support, Monsteras may struggle to maintain their upright posture, leading to potential damage to the stem and leaves. Additionally, the plant’s large leaves can become heavy, causing the stem to bend or even break under the weight. Providing a support structure can alleviate these issues while promoting healthy, vertical growth and larger leaf development.
Supporting Monstera plants not only benefits their structural integrity but also has aesthetic advantages. A well-supported Monstera showcases its beautiful foliage and unique form, creating an eye-catching, lush centerpiece in any space. Moreover, vertical growth management helps keep the plant’s size in check, preventing it from overtaking and dominating the area.
Various types of support structures can be used for Monstera plants, including:
- Moss poles
- Trellises
- Bamboo stakes
- Coco coir poles
Choosing the right support for your Monstera plant will ensure it thrives and reaches its full potential while maintaining a healthy and sturdy structure.
Popular Climbing Supports
There are several options available when it comes to providing supports for your monstera plant to climb. In this section, we will discuss the most popular types of supports and their benefits.
Moss or Coco Coir Poles
Moss poles or coco coir poles are some of the most commonly used supports for monstera plants. These poles consist of a central stake, which is wrapped in either sphagnum moss or coco coir. The aerial roots of the monstera plant can easily grasp onto the moss or coco coir, allowing it to climb upwards.
These types of poles provide excellent moisture retention, which is beneficial for the overall health and growth of the monstera plant. To create a moss or coco coir pole:
- Select a sturdy central stake or pipe
- Wrap the stake or pipe with a layer of moist sphagnum moss or coco coir
- Secure the moss or coco coir using twine or wire
- Place the pole in the monstera’s pot, and guide the plant to the pole
Wooden Stakes
Wooden stakes offer a simple, yet effective, method for supporting a climbing monstera plant. They can be made from bamboo, hardwood dowels or even branches sourced from your backyard. Make sure the stake is tall enough and securely placed in the pot, so it can bear the weight of the plant as it grows.
To get your monstera to climb a wooden stake:
- Insert the stake into the soil close to the plant’s stem
- Tie or gently press a few aerial roots against the stake
- As the plant grows, guide the new growth towards the stake and attach it using twine or cloth strips
Trellis or Lattice
Another popular option for supporting monstera plants is to use a trellis or lattice structure. These can be either wall-mounted or freestanding and are available in various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Trellises and lattices provide a large surface area for the monstera plant to climb and spread, promoting the development of large, attractive leaves.
To train a monstera plant to climb a trellis or lattice:
- Position the trellis or lattice in close proximity to the plant or insert it into the pot
- Encourage the plant to climb by weaving new growth through the openings or attaching aerial roots to the structure with twine or cloth strips
- Regularly check and adjust the ties as the plant grows to prevent any constriction
Choosing the right support for your monstera plant is crucial for its overall growth and development. Consider the space available, the type of support you prefer, and how much time you’re willing to devote to training and maintaining your monstera as it climbs.
Installing the Support
Choosing the Right Position
When installing a support for your monstera plant, it’s important to choose the right position within your home. Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight to encourage its growth. Additionally, ensure the location has enough space for the plant to grow vertically without interfering with your living space or other plants.
Anchoring the Support
There are several types of support structures available for monstera plants, including moss poles, trellises, and bamboo stakes. When anchoring the support, ensure it is secure and stable, as heavy plants can topple if not properly secured:
- Moss poles: Insert the base of the pole into the plant’s pot, and fill in with soil to hold it in place. Moisten the moss to allow aerial roots to attach and grow.
- Trellises: If using a wall-mounted trellis, secure it to a wall or fence, ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the weight of the plant. Freestanding trellises should be placed in the pot and anchored with soil.
- Bamboo stakes: Drive the stakes into the soil at an angle, creating a tripod or grid structure for the monstera to climb.
Attaching the Plant
Once the support is anchored, begin attaching the monstera plant to it. Use soft ties or twine to bind the plant gently without restricting its growth:
- Hold the vine or stem of your plant against the support at the desired height.
- Use a tie or twine to loosely secure the vine to the support. Avoid tying too tightly, as this may choke the plant.
- Repeat this process for each stem or vine as the plant grows, ensuring that the support is evenly covered.
Attaching the aerial roots to the support structure is also beneficial. Doing so mimics the natural rainforest environment where aerial roots are used to climb up other plants.
Monstera Care Tips
Pruning and Trimming
To ensure the proper growth and well-being of your Monstera plant, it’s crucial to prune and trim it regularly. Pruning promotes healthier branching and removes any diseased, damaged, or dead parts of the plant. Make sure to trim the aerial roots, as this encourages new ones to grow and allows the Monstera to climb more efficiently. Use clean, sharp shears to avoid causing damage to the plant during the pruning process.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering plays an important role in the health and growth of a Monstera plant. It’s essential to provide adequate water to support the growth of healthy foliage and aerial roots. Monitor the soil moisture and make sure it is consistently moist, but not overly saturated or soggy. Typically, watering your Monstera once a week should be sufficient, but adjust accordingly based on your plant’s specific needs and environmental conditions.
Fertilizing your Monstera is necessary to encourage the plant to climb and develop vibrant leaves. Use a balanced and diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. In the winter months, lower the frequency to once every two months. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the proper dilution and application of the fertilizer.
Pest Control
Keeping your Monstera healthy also involves protecting it from pests. Common pests that affect Monsteras include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Regularly check the leaves and stems for any signs of pests, and take action accordingly.
- Mealybugs: Use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol to remove them from the plant. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
- Spider mites: Rinse the affected leaves with water and use a fine spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant.
- Aphids: Spray the plant with water to dislodge them and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventive measure.
- Scale insects: Gently scrape them off with a soft brush or use horticultural oil to control their population.
Consistently monitoring your Monstera for signs of pests and implementing these control measures will help maintain a healthy, thriving, and climbing plant.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
