Monsteras are tropical beauties that hail from the dense, rain-soaked jungles of Central and South America.
There, in its natural habitat, the Monstera has one mission: to climb skyward, embracing tree trunks and reaching for the forest canopy, basking in the dappled sunlight from high above the ground.
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But why should we let our domesticated Monstera replicate this climbing behavior? Let’s dive into the top four reasons.
Healthier, Happier Plants
Encouraging your Monstera to climb can lead to a healthier, happier plant.
In their native habitat, these plants scale large trees, using them as a support system.
This behavior is part of their nature and aids in their overall growth and development.
When a Monstera is allowed to climb, its leaves tend to grow larger and the distinctive splits and holes (called fenestrations) become more pronounced, enhancing its overall beauty.
This vertical growth also mimics the plant’s natural light gradient, with lower leaves being accustomed to less light and higher ones ready to soak up more.
This process in turn improves the plant’s photosynthesis efficiency and contributing to a vigorous plant.
Space Management
If you live in a small space, letting your Monstera climb can be an excellent way to manage your plant’s size and prevent it from taking over your room.
While Monsteras can grow to be very large, training them to climb a moss pole or trellis can help maintain control over their size and shape.
Instead of spreading out, they grow upwards, taking up less precious floor space.
Plus, a vertically growing Monstera can add an exciting visual element to your home, creating a living green tower that draws the eye upward.
Improved Air Quality
Monsteras are excellent air purifiers.
They absorb airborne toxins through their leaves and release fresh oxygen, significantly improving the indoor air quality.
By allowing your Monstera to climb and develop larger, more mature leaves, you’re increasing the surface area available for this air-cleaning process.
Larger leaves mean more toxins absorbed and more oxygen released, helping to create a healthier, fresher environment in your home.
Naturalistic Approach
Finally, allowing your Monstera to climb brings a touch of its natural rainforest habitat into your home.
This can be incredibly satisfying for plant enthusiasts who aim to mimic the natural growth habits of their indoor plants.
Observing your Monstera climb, develop mature foliage, and perhaps even bloom (yes, Monsteras can flower indoors!) can provide a deep sense of connection to nature.
This naturalistic approach to indoor gardening can also enrich our understanding of plant biology and foster a greater appreciation for the world’s varied ecosystems.
What is the Best Climbing Support for Monstera?
When it comes to supporting your Monstera’s innate climbing tendencies, there are several options you can explore.
Each has its own advantages and aesthetics, so the best choice depends largely on your personal preference and the particular needs of your space.
Here are some popular climbing supports that have proven effective for Monsteras:
Moss Pole
Moss poles are arguably the most common support system for Monsteras.
They’re made from a cylinder of wire or plastic mesh filled with long-fibered sphagnum moss.
The advantage of moss poles is that they can be dampened, providing the aerial roots of the Monstera with extra moisture.
Monsteras naturally cling to their support, and a moss pole provides an excellent surface for them to grip.
CHeck out this bendable moss pole for Monsteras on Amazon.
Over time, the plant will attach itself to the pole, growing upwards in its natural climbing fashion.
Coir Pole
Coir poles are similar to moss poles but are wrapped in coir fiber (made from the husk of coconuts) instead of moss.
Check out this coco coir pole on Amazon.
This provides a rough texture that the Monstera’s aerial roots can easily attach to, and like moss poles, they can be moistened to provide extra hydration.
Coir poles also tend to be more durable and long-lasting than moss poles.
Wooden Trellis
A wooden trellis can provide a stylish, sturdy support for your Monstera.
The plant’s aerial roots will cling to the wood, and the open design of a trellis allows the plant to grow in multiple directions.
Check out this beautiful wooden planter box trellis lattice on Amazon.
While trellises might not hold moisture like moss or coir poles, they do offer a strong structure for Monsteras to climb, especially larger plants that need more robust support.
Bamboo Stakes
If you’re looking for a more minimalist and unobtrusive support, bamboo stakes can be a great option.
They’re lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive.
Check out these 25 pcs bamboo garden stakes on Amazon.
You can use one or several stakes, depending on the size and spread of your plant, and tie the stems to the stakes as the plant grows.
However, unlike moss or coir poles, bamboo stakes won’t provide any extra hydration.
DIY Lattice
A DIY lattice can bring a rustic and personal touch to your indoor garden. Using strips of wood, you can create a lattice design for your Monstera to climb.
The size, shape, and finish are completely up to you, allowing you to match the lattice to your home decor.
Like a trellis, a lattice provides a sturdy structure and allows for multidirectional growth.
Reach for the Skies
Embracing the wild spirit of your Monstera and providing it with a platform to climb is more than just a gardening strategy, it’s a celebration of the marvelous adaptability of nature itself.
Whether you opt for a classic moss pole, a rugged coir pole, a beautiful trellis, minimalist bamboo stakes, or a custom-made lattice, you’re not just supporting your plant, you’re engaging in a vibrant dialogue with nature right within your own home.
We hope your Monstera grows well and tall!
But if you notice that it doesn’t seem to be growing upward, read the possible reasons here: The Reason Your Monstera Isn’t Climbing (& How To Support It)
