How To Get Monstera To Grow Upright

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You can get a monstera to grow upright by giving it a proper support structure like a moss pole, stake, or trellis.

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Monstera plants are natural climbers in the wild, but they won’t automatically grow upright when kept indoors.

If you’ve been wondering how to get monstera to grow upright, the secret is mimicking the trees they normally climb in their natural habitat.

Without support, your monstera will start sprawling outward instead of reaching upward.

Understanding how to get monstera to grow upright isn’t complicated once you know what this plant needs to thrive.

In this post, we’ll explore why monstera plants need help, the best methods for getting monstera to grow upright, and how to keep them standing tall long-term.

Let’s dig in.

Why Your Monstera Needs Help to Grow Upright

Monstera plants are epiphytes, which means they naturally attach themselves to larger trees in the jungle.
 
They use their aerial roots to grip bark and climb toward the sunlight filtering through the canopy.
 
When you keep a monstera in a pot indoors, there’s no tree for it to climb.
 
That’s why getting monstera to grow upright requires a little intervention from you.
 
If you don’t provide support, the heavy stems and large leaves will simply flop over the side of the pot.
 
Your plant won’t die, but it won’t look as lush or impressive as it could.
 
Learning how to get monstera to grow upright will also improve airflow around the leaves, which reduces the risk of pests and rot.
 

Monstera Has A Natural Climbing Habit

The monstera’s instinct is to climb, not to stand on its own.
 
Its stems are flexible and can grow several feet long, but they lack the rigid strength of a tree trunk.
 
This is why monstera to grow upright needs a companion structure to lean on.
 
By working with this natural habit, you can train your monstera to grow upright without stressing the plant.
 

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Aerial Roots Are Your Best Friends

Monstera plants produce aerial roots from their stems, and these roots are key to helping monstera grow upright.
 
These roots will grab onto whatever support you give them, just like they would grab a tree in the wild.
 
Encouraging these aerial roots to attach to a moss pole or trellis is one of the most effective ways to get a monstera to grow upright.
 

Best Methods to Get Monstera to Grow Upright

Now that you know why support is essential, let’s talk about the best tools and techniques for growing monstera upright.
 
Different methods work for different setups, so pick the one that fits your space and plant size.
 
Here are the top ways to get your monstera to grow upright successfully.
 

1. Use a Moss Pole for Maximum Climbing Success

A moss pole is arguably the gold standard when you want to know how to get monstera to grow upright.
 
These poles are usually made of sphagnum moss wrapped around a sturdy core, and they mimic the tree bark monstera naturally climbs.
 
To get monstera to grow upright using a moss pole, insert the pole into the soil close to the base of the plant.
 
Then gently guide the stems toward the pole and secure them loosely with plant ties or soft twine.
 
Keep the moss moist by misting it regularly so the aerial roots are encouraged to dig in.
 
Once those roots attach, your monstera will climb on its own, and you’ll see it grow upright with very little help.
 

2. Try a Sturdy Plant Stake for Quick Support

If you’re dealing with a smaller monstera, a simple wooden or bamboo stake can also help monstera to grow upright.
 
Place the stake near the main stem and tie the stem to it at several points.
 
This method won’t encourage aerial root attachment like a moss pole, but it will keep your monstera growing upright instead of drooping.
 
As your plant grows taller, you may need to replace the stake with a taller option or upgrade to a moss pole.
 
Stakes are great for beginners still figuring out how to get monstera to grow upright on a budget.
 

3. Add a Trellis for a Natural Look

A trellis provides a wide surface area that gives your monstera plenty of places to anchor its aerial roots.
 
This is a lovely option if you want to get a monstera to grow upright in a decorative way.
 
Trellises work best when placed slightly behind the pot, so the monstera can lean back and climb as it reaches for light.
 
You may need to weave the stems through the trellis openings as the leaves get bigger.
 
Getting monstera to grow upright with a trellis takes a bit more patience, but the payoff is a gorgeous, jungle-like display.
 

How to Train Your Monstera to Keep Growing Upright

Once you’ve chosen your support, you still need to be consistent with training to help monstera grow upright over time.
 
A monstera won’t always cooperate on its own, especially if it’s been growing sideways for a while.
 
Here’s how to get monstera to grow upright and stay that way.
 

Tie the Stems Gently and Loosely

When securing your monstera, always use soft materials like fabric strips, plant velcro, or twist ties with a coating.
 
Avoid anything that cuts into the stem because that will damage the plant and stop it from growing upright.
 
Check your ties every few weeks and loosen them as the stem thickens.
 

Turn the Plant Regularly for Even Growth

Monstera plants naturally lean toward the light source, so they can start bending to one side.
 
To keep monstera growing upright and straight, rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water.
 
This encourages balanced growth and helps the plant stay centered on its support.
 

Repot for a Stronger Root System

A monstera with weak roots will struggle to support a tall upright stem.
 
If your monstera isn’t standing upright despite having support, check if it’s root-bound.
 
Repotting into a larger container gives the roots room to anchor the plant firmly, making it easier for the monstera to grow upright.
 
Do this in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
 

So, How Do You Get Monstera to Grow Upright?

You get monstera to grow upright by providing a support structure that mimics the trees it naturally climbs in the wild.

Using a moss pole, stake, or trellis combined with gentle tying and consistent rotation will help monstera to grow upright beautifully.

And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.

Remember that this plant wants to climb, so the more you work with its natural instincts, the easier it will be to get monstera to grow upright.

Start with a sturdy support, keep the aerial roots moist, and your monstera will reward you with tall, healthy leaves reaching for the sky.

Now that you know how to get monstera to grow upright, you can confidently transform your sprawling plant into a striking vertical centerpiece.

Happy planting, and enjoy watching your monstera grow upright and proud.