How To Get Your Monstera To Climb

You can get your monstera to climb by giving it the right support and training it consistently.
 
A monstera won’t naturally climb on its own without something to grab onto.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to get your monstera to climb, the good news is that these plants are natural climbers in the wild.
 
They use their aerial roots to attach to trees and reach toward the light.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to get your monstera to climb with simple steps, the best support options, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Get Your Monstera to Climb

Getting your monstera to climb starts with understanding why it wants to climb in the first place.
 
In their natural habitat, monstera plants grow upward along tree trunks and branches.
 
They produce aerial roots that attach to surfaces and help the plant grip as it climbs.
 
When you bring a monstera indoors, you have to recreate that environment if you want it to grow vertically.
 
So how to get your monstera to climb indoors?
 
The answer is to provide a support structure it can latch onto and then guide the stems toward it.
 

1. Give It a Moss Pole

A moss pole is the most popular way to get your monstera to climb.
 
These poles are filled with sphagnum moss and mimic the tree bark monstera naturally climbs in the wild.
 
The moisture in the moss encourages aerial roots to attach and dig in.
 
Simply place the moss pole in the pot near the base of the plant.
 
Then gently tie the main stem to the pole with soft plant ties.
 
As the monstera grows, keep adjusting the ties so the stem stays in contact with the pole.
 
Your monstera will send aerial roots into the moss and start climbing on its own.
 

2. Secure the Aerial Roots

Aerial roots are key when you want to get your monstera to climb.
 
These are the brown, root-like tendrils that emerge from the stems.
 
Many people cut them off, but that’s a mistake if you want vertical growth.
 
Instead, guide these aerial roots toward the moss pole or support.
 
You can tuck them into the moss or gently wire them to the structure.
 
Once the aerial roots take hold, your monstera gets a natural anchor to climb.
 
This is how to get your monstera to climb like it would in the wild.
 

3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Light plays a huge role in how to get your monstera to climb.
 
Monstera plants climb toward light in nature.
 
When your monstera gets enough bright light, it produces larger leaves and longer stems.
 
If your monstera is in a low-light corner, it will grow slowly and won’t be motivated to climb.
 
Place it near an east or north-facing window for the best results.
 
Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides of the plant get even light exposure.
 

Best Support Options for a Climbing Monstera

When you’re thinking about how to get your monstera to climb, choosing the right support matters.
 
There are several types of structures that work well for monstera plants.
 

1. Moss Poles

Moss poles are the top choice because they hold moisture.
 
This moisture encourages aerial roots to attach quickly and securely.
 
You can buy a moss pole or make your own with a PVC pipe and sphagnum moss.
 
Either way, a moss pole is one of the best ways to get your monstera to climb.
 

2. Coco Coir Poles

Coco coir poles are similar to moss poles but use coconut fiber instead.
 
They’re a bit less moisture-retentive but still give aerial roots a rough surface to grip.
 
Many plant owners find coco coir poles easier to maintain and less messy.
 

3. Trellises and Stakes

A trellis or wooden stake can also help your monstera climb.
 
These work by giving the plant a physical guide to lean against.
 
You can attach the stems with soft ties and let the aerial roots wrap around the wood.
 
Trellises are great if you want a more decorative look in your space.
 

Training Your Monstera to Climb the Right Way

Knowing how to get your monstera to climb is only half the battle.
 
You also need to train your plant consistently so it grows in the right direction.
 

1. Start When the Plant Is Young

It’s much easier to train a young monstera to climb than an old, sprawling one.
 
Young plants have flexible stems that adapt quickly to a support structure.
 
If you start early, the monstera will naturally grow upward as it matures.
 

2. Tie Stems Gently

Use soft plant ties, velcro straps, or twine to secure stems to the support.
 
Avoid tying too tightly because you can damage the stem or restrict growth.
 
Leave a little room for the stem to thicken over time.
 
Check the ties every few weeks and loosen them as needed.
 

3. Guide the Back of the Plant Toward the Support

Monstera plants have a front and a back.
 
The aerial roots grow from the back of the stems.
 
When you position the back of the plant against the moss pole, the aerial roots naturally grip the support.
 
This is the trick to how to get your monstera to climb effectively.
 
If you place the front against the pole, the plant will struggle to attach.
 

So, How Do You Get Your Monstera to Climb?

You can get your monstera to climb by providing the right support, securing aerial roots, and training the plant consistently.
 
The key is to recreate the natural conditions monstera experience in the wild.
 
Start with a moss pole and place the back of the plant against it.
 
Tie the stems gently and mist the pole to encourage aerial root attachment.
 
Give your monstera bright, indirect light so it grows vigorously and reaches upward.
 
With a little patience and the right setup, you’ll see your monstera climb beautifully.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand exactly how to get your monstera to climb.