The Monstera deliciosa is prized for its dramatic, fenestrated leaves. When grown indoors, its natural growth habit often leads to sprawling, horizontal stems, taking up more space than desired. Providing vertical support through a moss pole addresses this issue, guiding the plant’s growth upward. This process mimics the plant’s tropical environment and encourages the development of large, split foliage in a compact, vertical shape.
Why Monsteras Need Vertical Support
In its native rainforest environment, the Monstera is a hemiepiphyte. It begins life on the forest floor before climbing a host tree to reach brighter canopy light. This upward movement is achieved using specialized aerial roots, which emerge from the main stem and cling to rough surfaces like tree bark.
If a Monstera sprawls horizontally, it remains juvenile, producing smaller leaves without fenestrations. Providing a moss pole satisfies the plant’s need for stable, vertical support. Once aerial roots attach and the plant ascends, it matures rapidly, channeling energy into producing larger, more fenestrated leaves.
Selecting and Preparing the Moss Pole
Vertical support options include sphagnum moss poles, coir (coconut fiber) poles, and simple wooden stakes. Sphagnum moss is preferred because it retains moisture, actively encouraging aerial roots to penetrate and anchor. Coir poles dry out quickly, and simple stakes only provide physical support.
The moss pole should be approximately the same height as the plant’s current tallest growth point, or slightly taller, to allow for future expansion. Modular moss poles allow a second section to be easily attached as the plant grows, eliminating the need for a full repotting. Before installation, the moss pole must be thoroughly hydrated by soaking it in water. This soaking activates the moss’s water-retention properties and makes it receptive to the plant’s aerial roots.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The moss pole should be installed when the Monstera is being repotted, as this minimizes damage to the root system. If repotting is not required, push the pole carefully into the soil next to the main stem. Ensure it is positioned deep enough to remain stable without severing a large portion of the root ball. The pole should be placed at the back of the plant, where the aerial roots and growth nodes are emerging.
Once the pole is firmly anchored, secure the main stem of the Monstera directly against the moss surface. Identify the main vertical stem and avoid tying the leaf stems, or petioles, as these need to move freely to adjust to light. Use soft, flexible plant ties, such as Velcro straps, soft garden twine, or reusable plant clips, to hold the stem against the pole. Focus on securing the stem near the nodes where the aerial roots are emerging to encourage them to grow into the moist moss.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
The moss must be kept consistently moist so that the aerial roots can attach and function. This is achieved by pouring water directly down the length of the pole until the moss is saturated, rather than simple misting. Depending on the home environment, this saturation process may need to be repeated every few days.
As the Monstera grows, new stems and leaves will emerge from the top. These new growth tips should be periodically secured to the pole to maintain the upward trajectory. Once an aerial root burrows into the moss, it should not be pulled out or cut, as this root is actively supporting the plant and absorbing supplemental moisture and nutrients. Keeping the moss pole hydrated is an ongoing commitment that allows the plant to develop large, mature foliage.