How Do You Train Monstera Deliciosa to Climb? - Plant Care Guide

The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a beloved houseplant admired for its large, fenestrated leaves and ability to grow to impressive sizes. In its natural environment, the Monstera is a climbing plant, using its aerial roots to attach to trees and scale upwards. When grown indoors, however, it needs a bit of assistance to replicate this climbing behavior. Training your Monstera to climb not only encourages healthier growth but also helps showcase its stunning, lush foliage.

If you want your Monstera to grow vertically and become a striking focal point, this guide will walk you through the steps of training it to climb using tools like moss poles, trellises, and proper care techniques.

Understanding the Climbing Nature of Monstera Deliciosa

In the wild, Monstera Deliciosa climbs tall trees, reaching for sunlight in the dense jungle canopy. It does this by producing long aerial roots that anchor it to tree trunks and support its upward growth. These roots also help absorb moisture and nutrients from the surrounding air and surfaces.

While Monstera plants can grow in a sprawling or bushy manner when left to their own devices indoors, training them to climb will better mimic their natural growth habits. Encouraging your plant to grow upwards not only makes better use of vertical space in your home but also promotes larger, healthier leaves.

If you want to learn more about general Monstera care, check out our Monstera Deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant Care Guide.

Why Train a Monstera to Climb?

Training your Monstera to climb comes with several benefits:

• Healthier Growth: Climbing helps the plant grow taller and more robust, leading to larger leaves with more dramatic fenestrations.
• Improved Air Circulation: Vertical growth allows for better air circulation around the leaves, reducing the risk of mold or pests.
• Space Management: Climbing helps you utilize vertical space efficiently, especially if you're limited on floor space.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A climbing Monstera adds visual interest to your home, making the plant a stunning feature in any room.

1. Selecting the Right Support Structure

The first step in training your Monstera to climb is choosing the right support structure. The plant will need something to grab onto as it grows vertically. There are several options, each with its own advantages depending on your aesthetic preferences and space constraints.

Moss Poles

Moss poles are the most popular option for supporting Monstera Deliciosa. These poles mimic tree trunks, giving the plant something natural to cling to as it climbs. Moss poles are made from a sturdy material, usually wrapped in sphagnum moss, which provides moisture for the aerial roots to attach to.

To use a moss pole:

1. Insert the moss pole into the pot, ensuring that it's securely anchored in the soil.
2. Gently guide the Monstera's aerial roots and vines towards the pole, securing them with soft plant ties or twine. Be careful not to tie them too tightly.
3. Mist the moss pole regularly to keep it moist. This will encourage the aerial roots to cling to the pole for support.

Trellises

Another option is using a trellis to train your Monstera to climb. Trellises are great for those who prefer a more structured and geometric look. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to create a custom climbing pattern for your plant.

To train your Monstera with a trellis:

1. Secure the trellis in the pot or behind the plant, depending on the type of trellis you’re using.
2. Gently weave the Monstera's vines through the trellis, securing them with plant ties as they grow.
3. As the plant grows, continue training new growth to follow the pattern of the trellis.

Wall Hooks and Stakes

For a minimalist approach, you can use wall hooks or plant stakes to support your climbing Monstera. Wall hooks allow you to train the plant to grow up walls or other vertical surfaces, making it a unique, living piece of art.

To use wall hooks or stakes:

1. Attach the wall hooks to your wall in strategic locations, ensuring they can support the plant’s weight as it grows.
2. Use plant ties to secure the vines to the hooks, guiding them as they grow upwards.
3. For stakes, insert the stake into the pot and gently tie the Monstera's vines to it.

2. Positioning Your Monstera for Optimal Light

Proper lighting is essential for the growth of a climbing Monstera Deliciosa. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which helps them grow strong, healthy leaves. Without enough light, the plant’s growth will slow, and the leaves may not develop their characteristic splits and holes.

Indirect Light

Place your Monstera in a location where it receives plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing the plant in a window where it gets full sun for extended periods. If you don’t have enough natural light in your space, consider using grow lights to provide supplemental light.

Rotating the Plant

Rotate your Monstera every couple of weeks to ensure even light distribution. This prevents the plant from leaning towards one side and encourages balanced growth.

3. Encouraging Aerial Root Growth

Aerial roots play a crucial role in helping your Monstera climb. These roots, which grow along the stem, allow the plant to latch onto surfaces like moss poles, trellises, or walls. If your Monstera isn’t producing many aerial roots, there are a few things you can do to encourage their growth.

Increase Humidity

Higher humidity levels will encourage the growth of aerial roots, as Monstera plants are native to tropical environments where humidity is high. You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier or placing a tray of water and pebbles underneath the pot. Misting the plant regularly can also help create a more humid environment.

Moisture for Aerial Roots

If you’re using a moss pole, regularly mist the pole to keep it moist. Aerial roots will be more likely to attach to the pole when there’s moisture available. The roots will absorb water from the moss, mimicking the plant’s natural environment and promoting healthy climbing behavior.

Fertilization for Root Development

Using a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season will give your Monstera the nutrients it needs to develop strong roots and vibrant leaves. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots.

4. Pruning and Training the Vines

To keep your Monstera climbing in the desired direction, it’s important to prune and train the vines as they grow. This will help you control the shape of the plant and prevent it from becoming too unruly.

Pruning for Growth Control

Regular pruning encourages fuller growth and allows you to shape the plant as it climbs. Use clean pruning shears to trim back leggy or excessive growth, especially if the plant is producing too many vines that are difficult to train.

Focus on pruning older stems that are not contributing to the climbing structure or are growing in unwanted directions. Cutting back the plant also encourages new growth and larger leaves.

Securing Vines to the Support

As your Monstera grows, continue securing the vines to the support structure with plant ties. Be gentle when handling the vines, as they can be delicate, and avoid tying them too tightly to prevent damaging the plant.

Recheck the ties regularly and adjust them as the plant grows to ensure the vines are climbing in the desired direction.

5. Repotting and Soil Requirements

To ensure your Monstera Deliciosa grows strong and healthy, it’s essential to use the right potting mix and repot the plant when necessary. A Monstera that’s growing in too small a pot or poor-quality soil may struggle to climb.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Monstera plants prefer well-draining soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A good mix for Monstera includes a combination of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This blend provides the plant with aeration and allows the roots to grow freely.

Repotting for Growth

Repot your Monstera every 1-2 years, or when you notice the roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Be careful when repotting to avoid disturbing the plant’s aerial roots or climbing structure.

After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help it settle into its new soil. Ensure the plant’s support structure, such as a moss pole or trellis, is securely in place to guide its upward growth.

6. Common Issues When Training a Monstera to Climb

As you train your Monstera Deliciosa to climb, you may encounter a few challenges. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Vines Not Climbing

If your Monstera's vines are not latching onto the support structure, it may be due to insufficient humidity or a lack of aerial root development. Try misting the plant more frequently and ensuring the support structure is moist and easy for the plant to grip.

Leaves Turning Yellow or Brown

Yellow or brown leaves can be a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Make sure your plant is receiving bright, indirect light and that the soil is well-draining. If the plant’s leaves are burning, move it to a location with less direct sunlight.

Slow Growth

If your Monstera isn’t growing as quickly as expected, check the light conditions and fertilization routine. Ensuring the plant gets the right balance of nutrients and light will promote faster, healthier growth.

For more tips on keeping your Monstera Deliciosa healthy and vibrant, be sure to visit our Monstera Deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant Care Guide. By following these steps, you’ll soon have a beautifully climbing Monstera that thrives indoors.