This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can stop monstera from growing sideways by giving it the right structural support and ensuring it gets even light from all directions.
Monstera plants naturally lean and stretch toward their light source, which is why so many owners end up with a plant that’s sprawling sideways instead of growing upward.
The good news is that this isn’t a sign of a sick plant, it’s just a sign that your monstera is doing what comes naturally.
In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to stop monstera from growing sideways, why it happens in the first place, and how to keep your plant looking full and upright.
Let’s dive in and fix that sideways growth for good.
Why Your Monstera Is Growing Sideways
Before we talk about how to stop monstera from growing sideways, it helps to understand the root cause.
Monstera plants are climbers in the wild, and they grow toward the nearest tree trunk to climb up toward sunlight.
In your home, the “tree” might be a window, a wall, or even a piece of furniture that offers support.
Your monstera will lean sideways when it’s reaching for light that’s coming from one side only.
It also happens when the pot is placed against a wall, so the plant can only stretch outward on one side.
Another reason monstera grows sideways is that the stems get heavy and long, and without support, they simply flop over.
Understanding these triggers is the first step to stopping monstera from growing sideways effectively.
1. Light Is the Biggest Culprit
Monstera plants are phototropic, which means they grow toward light.
If your monstera gets light from a window on one side, it will gradually bend in that direction.
To stop monstera from growing sideways, you need to make sure light is coming evenly from above or from multiple sides.
Turn your plant a quarter turn every week so each side gets equal exposure.
This simple habit alone can dramatically reduce lopsided growth.
If you have a grow light, position it directly above the plant rather than to one side.
Above-light mimics the sun’s natural path and encourages upward growth instead of sideways stretching.
2. Lack of Support Causes Collapse
A monstera with no support will naturally start growing sideways as its stems lengthen and droop.
In the wild, monstera climbs trees using aerial roots, and it needs that vertical anchor to stay upright.
At home, you can provide a moss pole, a coir pole, or even a sturdy wooden stake.
By training your monstera to climb a support, you effectively stop monstera from growing sideways and encourage vertical growth.
Make sure the support is firmly planted in the soil and reaches up past the tallest leaf.
Gently tie the stems to the pole using soft plant ties or twine, leaving a little room for growth.
As the aerial roots attach to the pole, your monstera will hold itself up more naturally.
Effective Ways to Stop Monstera From Growing Sideways
Now that you know why it happens, let’s get into the actionable fixes to stop monstera from growing sideways.
These methods work well together, so pick the ones that fit your space and plant size.
1. Rotate Your Plant Consistently
Rotating your monstera is the easiest and most affordable way to prevent sideways growth.
Mark one side of the pot with a small sticker or note so you remember which side faces the window.
Every time you water, give the pot a quarter turn so a new side faces the light.
Over a few weeks, you’ll notice the plant starting to straighten out.
This works because it forces the monstera to constantly adjust its growth direction.
If you want to stop monstera from growing sideways, consistency is key here.
2. Use a Moss Pole or Trellis
A moss pole is the closest thing to a natural tree trunk for your monstera.
When you insert a moss pole into the pot, your monstera has something to climb.
Guide the stems toward the pole and gently attach them with soft ties.
Keep the moss slightly damp to encourage aerial roots to dig into it.
As the roots grab hold, the monstera will pull itself upright and stop growing sideways.
This method not only fixes sideways growth but also promotes bigger, fenestrated leaves.
3. Prune Heavy or Wayward Stems
Sometimes a stem grows so far sideways that it can’t be easily trained back.
In that case, pruning is your best bet to stop monstera from growing sideways.
Cut the stem just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
You can propagate the cutting in water to create new plants.
Pruning encourages the monstera to push out new growth from the base.
These new shoots tend to grow more upright, especially if you provide support from the start.
4. Reposition Your Monstera for Even Light
If your monstera is right next to a window, move it a few feet away.
This reduces the intensity of directional light and makes the plant grow more uniformly.
Alternatively, place it in a corner where light comes from two windows.
You can also hang sheer curtains to diffuse the light.
Diffused light reduces the plant’s urge to reach dramatically toward one point.
This simple repositioning can stop monstera from growing sideways without any extra equipment.
5. Stake Early Before It Becomes a Problem
The best time to stop monstera from growing sideways is before it even starts.
If you have a young monstera, insert a stake or small moss pole into the pot now.
Even a simple bamboo stick can guide the main stem upward.
As new leaves emerge, they’ll naturally grow toward the stake.
This early intervention saves you from having to fix a drastically sideways plant later.
Staking early also keeps the plant compact and manageable.
Common Mistakes That Make Sideways Growth Worse
Even with the best intentions, some habits can actually encourage monstera to grow sideways.
Avoid these common mistakes to make your training efforts more effective.
1. Overwatering Weakens the Stems
Overwatered monstera stems become soft and weak.
Weak stems can’t hold themselves up, so they flop sideways easily.
Only water when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
Healthy, firm stems are much easier to train upright.
2. Ignoring the Aerial Roots
Monstera aerial roots are not just decorative, they’re functional climbing tools.
If you cut them all off, your monstera loses its ability to grip a support.
Instead of trimming them, direct them toward the moss pole.
This will help anchor the plant and stop monstera from growing sideways.
3. Forcing a Straight Line Too Quickly
You can’t bend a heavily curved monstera stem overnight.
Trying to force it straight will snap the stem.
Instead, gradually adjust the tie over a few weeks.
Slow, incremental training is safer and more effective.
Be patient and let the plant adapt.
So, How to Stop Monstera From Growing Sideways?
You can stop monstera from growing sideways by providing even light, sturdy support, and consistent rotation.
A moss pole or stake gives your monstera something to climb, just like it would in the wild.
Rotating the pot weekly ensures each side gets equal sunlight so the plant grows straight.
Pruning wayward stems and repositioning the plant also work wonders.
And the most important part, start training your monstera early before it develop bad habits.
With these tips, your monstera will grow tall, full, and beautifully upright.
Remember, a little daily attention goes a long way in keeping your monstera looking its best.
Now go give your monstera the support it needs and enjoy a straight, thriving plant.