Do Monstera Adansonii Like To Climb

Monstera adansonii like to climb, and it’s not just a preference—it’s their natural instinct.
 
When you understand this one simple fact, you can completely transform how your plant looks and grows.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself, do monstera adansonii like to climb?
 
The short answer is absolutely yes, but the longer answer is even more exciting.
 
In this post, we’ll dive into why monstera adansonii like to climb, how climbing changes their growth, and what you can do to give your plant the support it craves.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Monstera Adansonii Like to Climb

Monstera adansonii like to climb because they are epiphytes by nature.
 
In the wild, these plants grow up the trunks of larger trees to reach brighter light.
 
This climbing behavior is hardwired into their DNA, so when you keep them indoors, they still have that same urge.
 
Here’s why giving in to their climbing instinct is the best thing you can do for your plant.
 

1. It’s in Their Epiphytic DNA

Monstera adansonii are what botanists call epiphytes.
 
This means they naturally attach themselves to other plants for support instead of rooting in the soil below.
 
In their native rainforest habitat, monstera adansonii like to climb up trees to get closer to the sun.
 
Their aerial roots grab onto bark and branches, anchoring them securely as they grow upward.
 
So when you see your monstera adansonii reaching out with those little roots, that’s just the plant looking for something to climb.
 

2. Climbing Leads to Bigger Leaves

One of the most exciting reasons to let your monstera adansonii climb is the leaf size.
 
When the plant is allowed to climb, it invests more energy into producing large, lush foliage.
 
A monstera adansonii that climbs can develop leaves that are significantly bigger than one that trails.
 
If you want those impressive, fenestrated leaves, encouraging your monstera adansonii to climb is the way to go.
 

3. More Fenestrations and Holes

Fenestrations are the signature holes and splits that make monstera adansonii so unique.
 
When monstera adansonii climb, they tend to develop more of these beautiful holes.
 
The plant produces fenestrations as a way to manage light and wind in the canopy.
 
By climbing, your monstera adansonii mimics its natural environment, which encourages those gorgeous leaves.
 
So if you’ve been wondering how to get more holes in your adansonii, the answer often comes down to climbing.
 

How to Encourage Your Monstera Adansonii to Climb

Now that you know monstera adansonii like to climb, let’s talk about how to actually make it happen.
 
Providing the right support is easier than you might think.
 
Here are some of the best options for giving your plant something to climb.
 

1. Use a Moss Pole

A moss pole is one of the most popular supports for monstera adansonii.
 
These poles give the aerial roots something to grip, and the moss retains moisture that encourages root attachment.
 
You can simply place the pole in the pot and gently guide your plant toward it.
 
As the plant grows, keep securing it to the pole until the roots take hold.
 
This is the closest you can get to recreating the tree trunks they climb in the wild.
 

2. Try a Wooden or Plastic Trellis

Trellises are another fantastic way to satisfy your monstera adansonii’s climbing habit.
 
These supports can be pushed into the soil and provide a wide surface for the plant to lean on.
 
Whether you choose wood, plastic, or even metal, a trellis gives your plant room to grow upward.
 
Just make sure the trellis is sturdy enough to handle the weight of mature leaves.
 

3. Give It a Plank or Cocoa Fiber Support

Some plant parents swear by using a simple wooden plank or a cocoa fiber support.
 
These flat surfaces work beautifully for monstera adansonii because the aerial roots can easily press against them.
 
Cocoa fiber has a rough texture that roots love to grab.
 
You can mount the plank in the pot or lean it against a wall for stability.
 
Whatever you choose, your monstera adansonii will appreciate having something to climb.
 

What Happens If Monstera Adansonii Don’t Climb?

You might be wondering what happens if you never give your monstera adansonii a climbing support.
 
The plant will still survive, but it won’t reach its full potential.
 
Here’s what you can expect.
 

1. Smaller, Fewer Leaves

Without support, monstera adansonii tend to produce smaller leaves.
 
The plant’s energy gets spread out along long, trailing vines instead of being focused on leaf development.
 
This can give the plant a leggy, sparse appearance over time.
 
So if you want a fuller, more impressive plant, climbing is definitely the better route.
 

2. A Trail Instead of a Climb

In the wild, monstera adansonii like to climb, but indoors they’ll happily trail from a hanging basket.
 
This trailing habit is beautiful in its own way and can be a lovely look for a bookshelf or shelf.
 
However, trailing plants will rarely develop the same large leaves and fenestrations as climbing ones.
 
You have to decide which look you prefer for your space.
 

3. Aerial Roots Might Dry Out

If there’s nothing for the aerial roots to attach to, they can dry out and become brittle.
 
These roots help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
 
Giving your monstera adansonii a climbing support keeps those roots healthy and active.
 
It’s one more good reason to let your monstera adansonii climb.
 

So, Do Monstera Adansonii Like to Climb?

Yes, monstera adansonii like to climb, and they do it naturally when given the chance.
 
Their epiphytic instincts drive them upward toward light, and climbing produces bigger, healthier leaves.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether monstera adansonii like to climb, the answer is a definite yes.
 
By providing a moss pole, trellis, or plank, you’re helping your plant be its best self.
 
Remember to check on your plant regularly and adjust the support as it grows.
 
Thanks for reading, and happy growing.