The popular houseplant Monstera deliciosa, known for its large, intricately split leaves, is a tropical vine that requires vertical support to thrive indoors. While a young Monstera may appear self-sufficient, its inherent growth structure necessitates a climbing aid to prevent the plant from sprawling horizontally or collapsing under the weight of its own foliage. Providing a stable structure actively encourages the plant to mature, leading to the development of characteristic holes, or fenestrations, and significantly larger leaves. A properly supported Monstera grows upward, mimicking its natural jungle environment.
Understanding the Monstera’s Natural Growth Habit
A Monstera is classified as a hemi-epiphyte, meaning it starts on the ground and climbs onto a host plant, or begins high up and grows roots down to the soil. In the rainforest, these vines use thick, woody aerial roots that emerge from the stem nodes to anchor themselves securely to the rough bark of trees. Climbing toward the canopy and seeking brighter light triggers a significant increase in leaf size and the development of fenestrations.
These aerial roots are not just for stability; they also absorb moisture and nutrients from the humid air and organic debris clinging to the host tree. When grown without support, a Monstera’s stem vines across the soil, resulting in smaller leaves that lack the characteristic splits. Mimicking the verticality of a tree trunk with a support structure is the only way to activate the plant’s mature growth pattern indoors.
Choosing the Right Support Structure
Selecting the appropriate support is the first step in training your Monstera to climb vertically, and the choice should align with your plant’s size and care routine. Moss poles, made of sphagnum moss wrapped around a central stake, are the most effective option. The sphagnum moss retains moisture, which encourages the Monstera’s aerial roots to integrate into the pole, providing both support and a secondary source of hydration and nutrients.
Coir poles, made from coconut husk fibers, are another common choice, offering a durable and natural-looking surface for the plant to climb. While coir poles are sturdier and dry out less quickly than pure moss poles, the aerial roots may not attach as readily because coir does not hold moisture as well as sphagnum moss. For younger plants, simple wooden stakes or trellises offer sufficient stability, but they only provide structural support for the stem and do not facilitate the aerial root attachment necessary for leaf maturation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Support
The ideal time to install a support structure, particularly a moss pole, is best done during the repotting process to minimize root disturbance. Before installation, soak a new moss pole in water to ensure it is saturated, making it more welcoming for the aerial roots. When placing the plant in its new pot, position the main root ball slightly forward or off-center to allow space for the pole to be inserted at the back of the plant.
Insert the moss pole deep into the soil, pushing it to the bottom of the container for stability, avoiding puncturing the main roots. The pole should be placed directly behind the main stem, aligning with the side of the plant that features the aerial roots and nodes. Once the pole is secure, gather the main stem and any trailing vines and align them vertically against the pole’s surface.
Use a soft, non-abrasive material, such as jute twine, soft plant ties, or Velcro strips, to secure the stem to the pole at various points along its length. Tie the main stem and not the leaf petioles, as tying the petiole can restrict its movement and cause damage. The goal is to hold the stem flush against the pole to allow the aerial roots emerging from the nodes to make contact and begin climbing.
Maintaining Supported Growth
Once the support is installed, ongoing maintenance is necessary to facilitate the plant’s vertical climb. Keeping the moss pole moist encourages the aerial roots to grow into and attach to the structure. This can be achieved by pouring water directly down the pole during regular watering, or by misting the pole’s surface a few times a week, especially in dry indoor environments.
As the Monstera grows, ensure that the new aerial roots emerging from the nodes are guided toward the moist pole. Proper attachment converts the support from a simple stake to an active extension of the plant’s root system, allowing for the absorption of moisture and nutrients along the entire stem. When the plant eventually reaches the top of the pole, its vertical growth can be extended by securely connecting a second, identical pole to the top of the first, allowing the plant to continue its upward trajectory.