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You can grow a monstera upwards by giving it a moss pole or another sturdy support to climb.
This isn’t just a fun trick—it’s actually the best way to keep your monstera healthy and happy.
Monsteras are natural climbers in the wild, and they really thrive when they get the chance to grow upward in your home.
If you’ve been wondering how to grow a monstera upwards, the good news is that it’s simple once you understand what this plant needs.
In this post, we’ll talk about why growing a monstera upward is so beneficial, how to do it step by step, and common mistakes to skip.
Let’s get into it.
Why Grow a Monstera Upwards?
Growing a monstera upwards is one of the best things you can do for your plant.
When you grow a monstera upward, you’re giving it the support it naturally craves in the jungle.
Here are the top reasons why this method works so well.
1. Mimics Their Natural Climbing Habit
In the wild, monsteras climb up trees to reach more sunlight.
By growing monstera upwards on a pole, you’re recreating that original environment.
This encourages the plant to follow its natural instincts and send out stronger stems and aerial roots.
When they have something to grip, the plant feels secure and puts more energy into vertical growth.
2. Bigger, Healthier Leaves
One of the first things you’ll notice when you grow a monstera upwards is that the new leaves get bigger.
Monsteras only produce their signature fenestrations—those beautiful holes and splits—when they’re allowed to climb.
Growing a monstera upward gives the plant the vertical space it needs to develop those gorgeous, mature leaves.
The leaves will also develop more splits and slits as the plant climbs higher.
3. Saves Floor Space
If you’re short on room, learning how to grow a monstera upwards is a smart solution.
Instead of trailing out across your floor, the plant grows tall and compact.
That means you can enjoy a lush monstera in a corner without sacrificing too much space.
It also makes the plant a beautiful focal point in any room.
You can even grow a monstera upwards in a small apartment with just a bright corner.
How to Grow a Monstera Upwards Step by Step
Here’s how to grow a monstera upwards the right way.
It’s a straightforward process, but each step matters.
Follow these tips and your monstera will start climbing in no time.
1. Choose the Right Support
The easiest way to grow a monstera upwards is to give it a moss pole.
A moss pole holds moisture and gives aerial roots something to dig into.
You can also use a wooden plank or a wire trellis, but a moss pole works best when you need to grow a monstera upwards faster.
Make sure your support is tall enough—at least a few feet taller than your plant.
The key is to choose something sturdy that won’t wobble or fall over.
2. Secure the Stems Gently
You don’t need to tie your monstera too tight—just gently attach the main stem to the pole using soft plant ties or twine.
As the plant grows, you’ll keep securing the newer growth upward.
This tells the monstera which direction to grow, and eventually it will climb on its own.
Use a figure-eight loop to tie the stem loosely to the pole.
That way, the stem has room to thicken without getting choked.
3. Keep the Moss Pole Moist
If you’re using a moss pole, mist it regularly or water the top of the pole.
The aerial roots will naturally start growing into the damp moss.
That’s when you know you’ve successfully figured out how to grow a monstera upwards, because the plant starts holding itself up.
You can also use a spray bottle to moisten the moss whenever it feels dry.
Keeping the pole slightly damp mimics the humid tree bark monsteras climb in nature.
4. Provide Good Light and Humidity
To grow a monstera upwards, you’ll want bright, indirect light.
More light helps the plant produce the energy it needs to climb and mature.
Humidity also helps, so consider a humidifier or regular misting to encourage aerial roots.
Aim for a spot near an east or north-facing window.
With the right light and humidity, your monstera will climb faster and produce healthier growth.
Common Mistakes When Growing a Monstera Upwards
Even when you know how to grow a monstera upwards, a few slips can slow things down.
Let’s look at common errors to avoid.
1. Tying Too Tightly
Don’t strangle the stem with your ties.
If the tie digs into the stem, it can damage the tissue and stop upward growth.
Check the ties every few weeks and loosen them as the monstera thickens.
A good rule of thumb is to leave a little gap between the tie and the stem.
You want to guide the plant, not squeeze it.
2. Ignoring the Aerial Roots
When you grow a monstera upwards, those little brown roots pointing out of the stem are important.
Guide them toward the moss pole instead of cutting them off.
They’ll grab the support and help the plant climb.
If you trim them, you’re taking away the plant’s natural grip.
Gently tuck them into the moss and they’ll start anchoring themselves.
3. Putting the Pole in the Wrong Spot
Place the pole right behind the main stem, not off to the side.
If the pole is too far away, the monstera won’t know to grow up it.
You want the stem and the pole to be touching so the plant can grab hold.
Also, make sure the pole is firmly anchored in the soil.
A wobbly pole will frustrate your monstera and slow down its climb.
Positioning the support correctly is half the battle when you grow a monstera upwards.
4. Forgetting to Rotate the Pot
When you grow a monstera upwards, the plant will naturally reach toward the light.
If you never rotate the pot, one side can become lopsided and leggy.
Give your monstera a quarter turn every week or two.
This keeps the growth even and helps the plant stay balanced as it climbs.
A well-balanced monstera is also less likely to topple over.
So, How to Grow a Monstera Upwards?
You can grow a monstera upwards by giving it a moss pole, securing the stem, and letting it do what it naturally does.
The key is to be patient and consistent while this beautiful plant climbs toward the light.
With the right support and care, your monstera will reward you with larger leaves and a stunning vertical presence.
Now you know exactly how to grow a monstera upwards—so get that pole ready and enjoy the journey.