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Yes, you can train a monstera to grow up.
Training a monstera to grow up is one of the most rewarding things you can do for this beautiful climbing plant.
Monsteras are naturally vining plants that want to climb, so when you give them the right support, they grow taller, healthier, and more dramatic.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how to train a monstera to grow up, what supplies you need, and the common mistakes to avoid.
What Does It Mean to Train a Monstera to Grow Up?
Training a monstera to grow up means encouraging its stems to climb a support structure instead of trailing over the edge of the pot.
In the wild, monsteras grow up the trunks of trees, using their aerial roots to anchor themselves.
When you train a monstera to grow up indoors, you mimic that natural process.
This not only makes your plant look stunning but also helps it produce larger, more fenestrated leaves.
Many plant parents ask if you can train a monstera to grow up, and the answer is yes.
Why Bother Training Your Monstera?
Monsteras are climbers at heart, so they genuinely thrive when they have something to grip.
If you let them sprawl, you might end up with a lopsided plant and smaller leaves.
By training your monstera to grow up, you’re giving it the structure it craves.
Plants that climb toward the light tend to develop bigger leaves with those iconic splits.
A trained monstera takes up less floor space and looks like a living piece of art.
When Is the Best Time to Start Training a Monstera?
The best time to train a monstera is when it’s young and flexible, but you can start at any age.
If you have a mature monstera that’s already leaning, you can still train it to grow up with patience.
Early spring through summer is ideal because the plant is actively growing.
If you’re wondering can you train a monstera to grow up in winter, you can, but growth will be slower.
Just give it plenty of warmth and light during the process.
How to Train a Monstera to Grow Up
Learning how to train a monstera to grow up is easier than you think.
1. Choose the Right Support
The most common support for training a monstera is a moss pole.
You can also use a coco coir pole, a trellis, or even a sturdy wooden stake.
Moss poles are great because they hold moisture, and the aerial roots can dig into them.
Whichever support you pick, make sure it’s tall enough for your monstera to keep growing up.
A support that’s too short means you’ll have to replace it quickly.
2. Position the Pole Securely in the Pot
Stick the pole into the soil as close to the base of your monstera as possible without damaging the roots.
If your pole wobbles, your monstera won’t want to climb it.
Press the soil firmly around the base so the pole stands steady.
This is a critical step when you train a monstera to grow up because the plant relies on the support being stable.
3. Gently Attach the Stems to the Support
Use soft plant ties, velcro strips, or even twine to secure the main stems to the pole.
Start by tying the lowest stem first and work your way up.
Wrap the tie around the stem and the pole, but leave a little room for growth.
You never want to cut into the stem because that can damage the plant.
Regularly check the ties as your monstera grows and loosen them if they get tight.
4. Guide the Aerial Roots Toward the Pole
Monsteras produce aerial roots that are looking for something to grab onto.
Just tuck those roots against the moss pole, and they will naturally attach over time.
If the roots are too dry, misting the moss pole helps them grip better.
Guiding the aerial roots is the secret to training a monstera to grow up successfully.
Eventually, these roots will anchor the plant so well that it climbs on its own.
5. Give It the Right Light and Rotation
Monsteras need bright, indirect light to grow upward strongly.
If the light is uneven, your monstera will lean toward the window.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week so all sides of the plant get even light.
This encourages a straight, upright growth habit, which is exactly what you want when you train a monstera to grow up.
Don’t forget to keep watering and feeding it during the growing season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Training a Monstera to Grow Up
Even experienced plant parents make mistakes when training a monstera to grow up.
Waiting Too Long to Start Training
If you wait until your monstera is huge and floppy, training it can be tricky.
It’s still possible to train a monstera to grow up at that stage.
You may need to be extra gentle when bending stems back toward the support.
Start training as early as possible to make the process easier on both of you.
Tying Stems Too Tightly
Tight ties can strangle the stem and restrict water flow.
Always leave a small gap between the tie and the stem.
Check the attachments every couple of weeks, especially during active growth.
Loose ties are better than tight ones, so aim for a snug but comfortable fit.
With the right technique, you can train a monstera to grow up without causing any harm.
So, Can You Train a Monstera to Grow Up?
Yes, you can train a monstera to grow up.
Training a monstera to grow up is a simple process that involves giving your plant the right support, gently securing the stems, and guiding the aerial roots.
With patience and consistent care, your monstera will climb proudly and reward you with larger, more beautiful leaves.
With a stable pole, bright indirect light, and a bit of pruning, your monstera will grow up just the way you imagined.
Happy planting.