How To Get A Monstera To Climb

You can get a monstera to climb by giving it the right support and a little patience.
 
Monsteras are natural climbers in the wild, where they scale trees to reach brighter light.
 
If you have been wondering how to get a monstera to climb indoors, the short answer is that they need a structure they can grip and the right conditions to encourage vertical growth.
 
The key is understanding how to get your monstera to climb using a moss pole, a trellis, or even a simple wooden plank.
 
These plants have aerial roots that latch onto surfaces, and once you give them something to grab, they will happily grow upward.
 
In this post, we will cover why you should get a monstera to climb, the best ways to get a monstera to climb, and mistakes to avoid so your plant thrives.
 
Let’s dig in and help your monstera reach new heights.
 

Why You Should Get a Monstera to Climb

Getting a monstera to climb is not just about looks, though the vertical display is stunning.
 
There are real benefits to encouraging your monstera to climb rather than letting it sprawl.
 
When you get a monstera to climb, the plant produces larger leaves with more dramatic splits and holes.
 
It also keeps the stems tidy and prevents the plant from taking over your entire floor space.
 

1. Bigger and Better Leaves

Monsteras grow fenestrations, those iconic splits and holes, as a way to handle strong winds and heavy rain in their natural habitat.
 
When you get a monstera to climb, it mimics its native jungle environment, which signals the plant to mature faster.
 
Mature monsteras produce much larger leaves with deeper fenestrations.
 
So if you want those gorgeous, Swiss cheese-style leaves, getting your monstera to climb is the way to go.
 

2. Healthier Aerial Roots

Aerial roots are those brown, vine-like tendrils that grow from the stem.
 
When you get a monstera to climb, these roots have something to attach to, and they dig into the support like tiny anchors.
 
This creates a stronger, more stable plant overall.
 
It also helps the monstera absorb extra moisture and nutrients from the air, which keeps it healthier.
 

3. Saves Precious Floor Space

A monstera that sprawls can easily take over a corner of your living room.
 
But when you get a monstera to climb, it grows upward, which is a much better use of vertical space.
 
This is especially helpful if you live in an apartment or a smaller home.
 
You can get a monstera to climb in a compact area without sacrificing its lush, tropical look.
 

How to Get a Monstera to Climb: The Best Methods

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to get a monstera to climb.
 
There are several effective methods, and the best one depends on your plant and your space.
 
Here are the tried-and-true ways to get a monstera to climb successfully.
 

1. Use a Moss Pole

A moss pole is the most popular tool to get a monstera to climb, and for good reason.
 
Moss poles mimic the texture of tree bark, which monsteras love to grip.
 
You can get a monstera to climb a moss pole by inserting the pole into the pot near the base of the plant.
 
Make sure the pole is firmly anchored in the soil so it can support the weight of the plant.
 
Then, gently attach the stem and aerial roots to the pole using soft plant ties or twist ties.
 
Keep the moss slightly damp, and the aerial roots will eventually grow into the moss on their own.
 

2. Try a Wooden Plank or Board

Cedar planks and other untreated wood boards are excellent natural supports.
 
Wood has a rough texture that aerial roots can cling to easily.
 
To get a monstera to climb a plank, simply rest the plank against a wall or secure it in the pot.
 
Place the plant close enough that the stem touches the board.
 
Over time, the aerial roots will press flat against the wood and create a strong attachment.
 
This method gives a beautiful, rustic look to your plant display.
 

3. Use a Trellis or Ladder

A trellis or a small ladder is a great option if you want to guide your monstera upward in a structured way.
 
You can get a monstera to climb a trellis by weaving the stems and aerial roots through the rungs.
 
This provides multiple points of support along the plant’s length.
 
Ladders are especially nice because they allow light to reach the lower leaves, which helps whole plant stay healthy.
 
Just be sure the trellis or ladder is sturdy enough to hold a mature monstera.
 

4. Secure the Stem Gently

No matter which support you choose, you will need to tie the plant at first.
 
You can get a monstera to climb by using soft ties, velcro plant tape, or even old pantyhose.
 
Avoid using wire or thin string because it can cut into the stem as the plant grows.
 
Tie the stem loosely, leaving room for the stem to thicken.
 
Check the ties every couple of weeks and loosen them as needed.
 

5. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Light is one of the most overlooked factors when you want to get a monstera to climb.
 
In nature, monsteras climb toward brighter light near the forest canopy.
 
Place your monstera near a bright window with filtered sunlight.
 
More light encourages faster growth, which means your monstera will climb more quickly.
 
Be careful to avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves.
 

Common Mistakes When You Get a Monstera to Climb

Even with the right tools, you can accidentally slow down your monstera’s climbing progress.
 
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for so you can get a monstera to climb without setbacks.
 

Adding Support Too Late

The sooner you introduce a support, the easier it is to train the monstera.
 
If you wait until the plant is huge and sprawling, the stems may have already hardened in a horizontal direction.
 
It’s much easier to get a monstera to climb when it’s young and flexible.
 

Ignoring the Aerial Roots

Don’t cut off those aerial roots if you want your monstera to climb.
 
These roots are essential for the plant to attach itself to the support.
 
Guide them toward the moss pole or wood plank instead.
 
With the roots anchored, you will have a much easier time getting your monstera to climb upward.
 

Forgetting to Rotate the Pot

Monsteras grow toward the light, so they tend to lean one way if you never rotate them.
 
Give the pot a quarter turn every time you water.
 
This keeps the growth even and helps you get a monstera to climb straight up the support.
 

So, How Do You Get a Monstera to Climb?

You can get a monstera to climb by giving it a support structure and the right growing conditions.
 
But the process doesn’t happen by magic.
 
The best ways to get a monstera to climb include using a moss pole, a wooden plank, or a trellis, and gently securing the stem.
 
You also need to provide bright, indirect light and keep the aerial roots healthy.
 
In this post, we covered why you should get a monstera to climb, the best methods, and mistakes to avoid.
 
And if you have been asking yourself how to get a monstera to climb, the answer is simple: give it something to grab, be patient, and watch it grow.