Monstera species, like Monstera deliciosa, are naturally hemi-epiphytic plants in their native tropical environments. They begin their lives rooted in the ground but require a structure to climb, using specialized aerial roots to adhere to tree trunks and grow toward the canopy light. Providing vertical support is necessary for the plant to achieve mature leaf size and fenestration (the characteristic splitting and hole formation in the leaves). The wood plank method offers a supportive surface that mimics a tree bark environment, encouraging aerial roots to attach and anchor the stem. This practice promotes healthier, more vigorous vertical growth compared to allowing the plant to trail or sprawl horizontally.
Materials and Plank Preparation
The choice of wood directly impacts the success of the support system, as the surface must facilitate root adhesion. Select a plank made from untreated lumber, such as cedar or pine, that has a slightly rough or textured surface. Smooth, sealed, or varnished woods inhibit the plant’s ability to grip with its aerial roots.
The plank needs to be sized appropriately for the current plant size and the pot dimensions. Generally, the plank should be about one-third taller than the current tallest leaf and wide enough to cover the main stem’s diameter. Before installation, use a wire brush or sandpaper to lightly roughen the wood surface, removing any splinters or sharp edges.
Preparation involves firmly anchoring the plank within the potting medium to ensure long-term stability. Bury the bottom end deep into the pot, aiming to submerge at least 25% of its total length into the soil mix. This deep burial prevents the plank from becoming unstable or tipping over as the Monstera gains weight and height.
Securing the Monstera to the Support
The initial placement of the plant against the plank is paramount for encouraging proper vertical alignment. Identify the “back” of the Monstera stem, which is the side where the aerial roots emerge and the nodes are most prominent. This back side should be positioned flush against the prepared wood surface, allowing the plant to feel the textural support it instinctively seeks.
Use soft, non-abrasive materials for securing the stem, such as Velcro plant tape, soft cotton twine, or strips of nylon stocking. Avoid thin wires or hard plastic ties, which can easily cut into the relatively soft stem tissue as the plant expands in girth.
Begin securing the stem at the lowest possible node, wrapping the tie around the stem and the plank in a figure-eight pattern. This technique prevents the tie from slipping up or down and maintains firm, gentle contact between the stem and the wood. The ties must be snug enough to hold the plant in place but loose enough to slide a pencil underneath, allowing for future stem expansion without causing constriction.
As you move up the stem, repeat the tying process at every significant node or every six to eight inches of vertical growth. The plant will naturally attempt to anchor itself through specialized aerial roots, which emerge from the nodes. Gently direct the tips of these roots toward the wood, encouraging them to latch onto the porous surface.
The goal is to provide temporary stability until the aerial roots fully adhere to the wood and take over the structural support role. This adhesion involves the roots flattening against the surface and sometimes secreting a sticky substance to improve grip. Once a root has firmly attached, you may remove the temporary tie near that node, though many growers leave ties in place for added security.
Long-Term Maintenance for Vertical Growth
Proper watering techniques encourage the aerial roots to adhere successfully to the wood. Since the Monstera uses these roots for structural support and water uptake, occasionally misting or lightly wetting the plank surface stimulates root growth and attachment. However, primary watering should still be directed toward the soil to hydrate the main root system.
As the plant matures, monitor the soft ties regularly to ensure they are not restricting the stem’s growth. If the stem begins to swell or indent around a tie, the material must be promptly loosened or replaced with a longer piece. This proactive adjustment prevents girdling, which can inhibit the flow of nutrients and water through the vascular system.
Providing high ambient humidity, ideally above 60%, helps keep the aerial roots soft and pliable, significantly improving their ability to flatten and attach to the wood. If the Monstera eventually outgrows the support, you have two primary options for continuation. You can either replace the entire plank with a taller piece, carefully detaching the adhered roots, or you can attach a second, similarly sized plank directly above the first, creating a continuous climbing surface.