How To Get A Monstera To Grow Upwards

You can get a monstera to grow upwards by giving it a climbing support like a moss pole or trellis.
 
Monsteras are naturally vining plants that want to climb, so helping them grow upwards isn’t just possible, it’s actually what they’re designed to do in the wild.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to get a monstera to grow upwards, the short answer is to provide a structure and guide the stems toward it.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why monsteras love to climb, the best supports, and simple training tricks to help your monstera grow upwards beautifully.
 
Plus, a climbing monstera takes up less floor space and looks absolutely stunning.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Monsteras Want to Grow Upwards

Monsteras grow upwards naturally in the wild by climbing tall trees in the jungle.
 
They use aerial roots to attach themselves to bark and reach toward the bright light at the canopy.
 
Indoors, though, a monstera can’t grow upwards on its own without something to grip.
 
That’s why you might see your plant flopping over or spreading wide instead of reaching for the sky.
 
Understanding this natural behavior is the first step to helping your monstera grow upwards successfully.
 

Climbing Is in Their DNA

Monstera deliciosa is an epiphytic climber, which is a fancy way of saying it loves to climb.
 
In its natural habitat, it starts at the forest floor and climbs up tree trunks to access better light.
 
To get a monstera to grow upwards, you need to mimic that tree trunk with a support structure.
 
When the plant has something to climb, it naturally sends its growth upward instead of sideways.
 
This is why a monstera left without support will often look wild and messy.
 

Aerial Roots Are the Secret to Climbing

You’ve probably noticed the long, wiry roots growing out of your monstera’s stem and nodes.
 
Those are called aerial roots, and they’re the key to helping your monstera grow upwards.
 
When you provide a moss pole or a rough surface, aerial roots will grab on and anchor the plant firmly.
 
This keeps the plant stable as it climbs higher and gives it access to extra moisture and nutrients.
 
Once your aerial roots dig into a moss pole, your monstera will grow upwards faster and stronger.
 

Best Supports to Get a Monstera to Grow Upwards

There are several types of supports you can use to help your monstera grow upwards.
 
Each one has its pros and cons, so pick what fits your space, your budget, and your plant’s size.
 
Here are the most popular options that really work.
 

Moss Poles

A moss pole is the most popular choice for helping a monstera grow upwards, and for good reason.
 
The moss holds moisture, which encourages aerial roots to dig in and attach themselves firmly.
 
Keep the moss slightly damp by misting it regularly, and your monstera will cling to it like a tree in the wild.
 
Moss poles also give you the authentic jungle look that monstera lovers enjoy.
 

Wooden Stakes or Coco Coir Poles

If you want a low-maintenance option, a wooden stake or coco coir pole works well for supporting your plant.
 
These options are drier than moss, so aerial roots may take longer to attach themselves.
 
You can still get a monstera to grow upwards with these supports by tying the stems loosely to the stake.
 
Just remember that without moisture, the aerial roots won’t grip as aggressively.
 

Trellises and Wall Mounts

A trellis or a wall-mounted support can also guide your monstera to grow upwards in style.
 
These are great for larger, more mature plants that have outgrown a single pole.
 
You can mount a trellis against a wall or place it inside a large decorative pot.
 
Just make sure the trellis is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a fully grown monstera.
 

How to Train Your Monstera to Grow Upwards

Once you have a support, training your plant is actually pretty simple.
 
You just need a little know-how and some consistency.
 
Here’s how to get your monstera to grow upwards the right way.
 

Position the Support Correctly

Place the moss pole or stake right against the main stem of the plant.
 
Don’t put it too far away, because the stem needs to be able to reach it easily.
 
For best results, position it on the side where the aerial roots point.
 
This encourages the plant to grab on naturally and start climbing without much effort.
 

Tie Stems Loosely to the Support

Use soft plant ties, velcro strips, or twine to attach the stem to the support.
 
Make sure the tie is loose enough to allow the stem to thicken as it grows.
 
You can also guide the aerial roots onto the moss pole by gently pressing them against the damp moss.
 
Over time, the roots will do the work themselves and hold the plant firmly in place.
 

Rotate the Plant for Even Growth

To help your monstera grow upwards evenly, turn the pot a quarter turn every couple of weeks.
 
This prevents the plant from leaning too heavily toward the light source and falling away from the support.
 
Even growth also keeps your monstera looking full and balanced as it climbs.
 
Rotating is an easy habit that makes a big difference.
 

So, How Do You Get a Monstera to Grow Upwards?

You can get a monstera to grow upwards by giving it the right support and a little patience.
 
The best way to help your monstera grow upwards is to provide a moss pole, tie the stems loosely, and keep the pole moist.
 
Once your monstera starts climbing, you’ll notice bigger leaves and a much happier plant overall.
 
So if you’ve been wondering how to get a monstera to grow upwards, just remember that it’s all about mimicking their natural climbing environment.
 
Give your monstera something to hold onto, and it will do the rest on its own.
 
Your monstera will thank you with tall, lush growth.
 
Happy growing.