How To Make My Monstera Grow Upwards

You can make your monstera grow upwards by giving it a support to climb, bright indirect light, and consistent care.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make my monstera grow upwards, you’re not alone.
 
The good news is that a monstera grows upwards naturally in the wild, so you just need to recreate those conditions indoors.
 
Monstera plants use aerial roots to grip onto trees and climb toward the sunlight.
 
When you understand this climbing behavior, figuring out how to make my monstera grow upwards becomes much easier.
 
In this post, we’ll cover why monstera climbs, the best methods to encourage upward growth, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Your Monstera Wants To Grow Upwards

Understanding why these plants climb is the first step in learning how to make my monstera grow upwards.
 

1. Monstera Is a Natural Climber

In the wild, monstera grows upwards by attaching itself to trees in the rainforest.
 
Those aerial roots you see on your plant aren’t just for show.
 
They’re designed to grip onto bark and pull the plant upward toward sunlight.
 
So when you’re trying to make your monstera grow upwards, you’re simply working with its natural instincts.
 

2. Upward Growth Means Bigger Leaves

Another reason to encourage your monstera to grow upwards is the leaf size.
 
Monsteras that climb tend to produce much larger leaves with those iconic splits and holes.
 
When they stay on the ground or trail, the leaves often stay smaller.
 
So if you want that jungle look, helping your monstera grow upwards is the way to go.
 
The fenestrations, or those beautiful splits, develop more prominently when the plant is climbing.
 

3. It’s Healthier for the Plant

When your monstera grows upwards, it gets better airflow around the leaves.
 
This reduces the risk of fungal issues and pest problems.
 
Plus, an upright monstera gets more even light exposure.
 
That means more photosynthesis and healthier growth overall.
 
So making your monstera grow upwards isn’t just about looks, it’s about plant health.
 

4. It Saves Space

A monstera that grows upwards takes up less floor space than one that sprawls.
 
If you live in a small apartment, training your monstera to grow upwards is a smart way to keep a big plant in a tight spot.
 
The vertical growth habit makes it easier to fit your plant in a corner or next to a window.
 

How To Make My Monstera Grow Upwards: The Best Methods

Now let’s get to the practical part of how to make my monstera grow upwards.
 

1. Use a Moss Pole

A moss pole is the most popular tool to make a monstera grow upwards.
 
Simply insert the pole into the pot near the base of the plant.
 
Then gently tie the stem and aerial roots to the pole with soft plant ties or twine.
 
As the monstera grows upwards, keep guiding it toward the pole and mist the moss regularly.
 
The moisture encourages the aerial roots to dig into the moss, which naturally helps your monstera grow upwards.
 

2. Try a Coir or Wood Stake

If you don’t want to deal with moss, a coir pole or a simple wooden stake works too.
 
These provide a rough surface that the aerial roots can grab onto.
 
The key is to make sure the support is sturdy because a mature monstera can get heavy.
 
A flimsy stake will tip over as your monstera grows upwards.
 

3. Position It Near a Bright Window

Light is a huge factor in how to make my monstera grow upwards.
 
Monsteras grow toward light, so placing your plant near a bright, indirect light source will naturally encourage it to reach upward.
 
Just avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
 
A spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is perfect.
 
If you notice your monstera leaning, it’s probably reaching for more light.
 

4. Rotate Your Monstera Regularly

To keep your monstera growing upwards in a straight shape, rotate the pot a quarter turn every week.
 
This prevents the plant from leaning too far toward the light source.
 
An evenly lit monstera is more likely to grow upwards instead of sideways.
 

5. Keep the Aerial Roots Moist

Those aerial roots play a big role in helping the plant climb.
 
You can guide them toward the moss pole and mist them regularly.
 
Some plant parents even wrap the aerial roots in damp sphagnum moss to encourage them to attach.
 
Once those roots grab on, your monstera will grow upwards almost on its own.
 

Common Mistakes That Stop Monstera From Growing Upwards

Even with good intentions, some habits can prevent your monstera from growing upwards.
 

1. Not Providing Any Support

If you don’t give your monstera something to climb, it will eventually flop over.
 
Without a pole or stake, the heavy stems can’t hold themselves upright as the plant matures.
 
Make sure you add support before the plant gets too large.
 

2. Overwatering

Overwatering weakens the roots, and weak roots can’t support upward growth.
 
Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings.
 
A healthy root system is essential for your monstera to grow upwards confidently.
 

3. Ignoring the Aerial Roots

Some people trim off aerial roots because they look messy.
 
But those roots are the plant’s climbing tools.
 
Instead of cutting them, tuck them into the moss pole or let them trail toward the soil.
 
This simple change can make a huge difference in how to make my monstera grow upwards.
 

4. Too Little Light

In low light, your monstera will stretch and become leggy, but it won’t grow upwards the way you want.
 
Instead, it might grow sideways or produce smaller leaves.
 
Give your plant enough bright, indirect light to fuel upward growth.
 

So, How Do I Make My Monstera Grow Upwards?

You can make your monstera grow upwards by providing a moss pole or stake, giving it bright indirect light, and guiding its aerial roots onto the support.
 
It’s really that simple when you understand how these plants naturally climb.
 
Start with a good support system, keep the light bright, and be patient with your plant as it learns to climb.
 
Within a few months, you’ll see your monstera growing upwards with bigger, more beautiful leaves.
 
Happy planting, and enjoy watching your monstera grow upwards toward the sky.