Do Monstera Adansonii Like To Climb Or Hang

Monstera adansonii likes to climb, and it will always be happiest when you give it something to scale.
 
While this plant can hang beautifully from a basket, climbing is in its true nature.
 
In this post, we will explore whether monstera adansonii likes to climb or hang, how to support its natural growth habits, and what happens when you let it trail instead.
 
The short answer might surprise you because this plant is far more than just a pretty trailing vine.
 
Let’s dive into the world of this beloved Swiss cheese vine.
 

Why Monstera Adansonii Prefers to Climb

Monstera adansonii likes to climb because it’s a hemiepiphyte that naturally grows up trees in the wild.
 
Here are the main reasons climbing is better for your monstera adansonii than hanging.
 

1. It Mimics Their Natural Habitat

In the rainforests of Central and South America, monstera adansonii uses its aerial roots to attach itself to tree trunks.
 
As it climbs upward, it seeks out the bright sunlight that filters through the canopy.
 
So when you ask does monstera adansonii like to climb or hang, the answer points to climbing because that’s exactly what it does in the wild.
 

2. Climbing Produces Bigger, More Fenestrated Leaves

A monstera adansonii that climbs will reward you with larger leaves and more pronounced holes.
 
When the vine is allowed to grow upward, it receives more consistent light and airflow.
 
This encourages the plant to mature, and mature monstera adansonii leaves develop those gorgeous fenestrations.
 
Hanging plants often stay in a juvenile state with smaller, less dramatic foliage.
 

3. Stronger Stems and Healthier Growth

Climbing gives monstera adansonii a natural support system that keeps its stems sturdy.
 
When you let the vine climb, the nodes root into the support and draw in extra moisture and nutrients.
 
A hanging monstera adansonii may look lovely, but the long trailing stems can become leggy and sparse over time.
 

How to Train Your Monstera Adansonii to Climb

If you want to encourage your monstera adansonii to climb, you don’t need to do anything complicated.
 
You just need to give it the right structure and a little patience.
 
Here are the best ways to help your monstera adansonii climb successfully.
 

1. Provide a Moss Pole or Coir Pole

A moss pole mimics the tree bark that monstera adansonii naturally climbs in the wild.
 
The aerial roots will happily sink into the damp moss, giving the plant a secure grip.
 
You can also use a coir pole, a wooden plank, or even a trellis that’s fixed directly into the pot.
 
The key is choosing a support that’s tall enough for your monstera adansonii to climb over time.
 
You can find moss poles at most garden centers or online plant shops, or you can make your own at home.
 

2. Gently Guide the Vines Toward the Support

When you first introduce a moss pole, your monstera adansonii might not know it’s there.
 
Use soft plant ties or clips to attach the stems loosely to the pole.
 
Make sure you’re not tying too tightly because the stems need room to expand.
 
As the aerial roots find the pole, they’ll anchor the vine all on their own.
 
Check the ties every few weeks and adjust them as the vine grows to prevent any damage.
 

3. Keep the Moss Pole Moist

A dry moss pole won’t encourage your monstera adansonii to climb as eagerly.
 
Spray the moss with water regularly to keep it slightly damp.
 
It also mimics the humid rainforest environment where monstera adansonii naturally thrives.
 

Can Monstera Adansonii Grow as a Hanging Plant?

Now, does monstera adansonii like to climb or hang when you only have room for a hanging basket?
 
The good news is that monstera adansonii can absolutely grow as a hanging plant.
 
However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you choose to let it hang.
 

1. Trailing Vines Will Still Look Beautiful

A hanging monstera adansonii is a stunning sight with its delicate cascading stems.
 
The heart-shaped leaves with their distinctive holes create a lovely draping effect.
 
Many plant parents successfully grow monstera adansonii in hanging baskets and enjoy the lush waterfall of foliage.
 
In fact, many plant lovers are first drawn to monstera adansonii because of how gorgeous it looks in a hanging planter.
 

2. Leaves May Stay Smaller and Less Fenestrated

The trade-off is that a hanging monstera adansonii often produces smaller leaves.
 
Without the cue to climb, the plant tends to stay in a more juvenile growth pattern.
 
The fenestrations may be less dramatic, and the internode spacing can become longer.
 
This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s different from the robust growth you get from climbing.
 
If you want the biggest leaves possible on a hanging plant, you’ll need to find a way to give it some upward support.
 

3. You Can Combine Climbing and Hanging

Who says you have to pick one or the other?
 
You can let your monstera adansonii climb up a moss pole for a while and then allow the vines to cascade down.
 
This gives you the best of both worlds and keeps the plant happy and full.
 
You can even train a few stems upward and let a few trail for a really dynamic look.
 

So, Does Monstera Adansonii Like to Climb or Hang?

Monstera adansonii likes to climb, and it will always be happiest when you give it something to scale.
 
Climbing mimics its natural habitat, produces bigger leaves, and keeps the plant healthier overall.
 
But monstera adansonii can also hang beautifully if you don’t have space for a moss pole.
 
The best approach is to let your monstera adansonii climb whenever possible.
 
And if you want the best outcome, give it a moss pole, keep it moist, and enjoy watching those aerial roots take hold.
 
Whether you choose to let your monstera adansonii climb or hang, you’re giving this amazing plant a chance to thrive in your home.
 
Happy planting, and may your Swiss cheese vine grow wild and wonderful.