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You can train a monstera plant to climb by giving it the right support and gently guiding its aerial roots toward that support.
If you’ve been wondering how to train a monstera plant to climb, you’re in the right place because this is one of the most rewarding ways to grow a fuller, more dramatic houseplant.
Training a monstera to climb isn’t just about looks, it actually mimics how it grows in the wild where it scales trees to reach brighter light.
When you train a monstera plant to climb, the leaves tend to grow larger, the fenestrations (those iconic splits) become more pronounced, and the whole plant looks healthier.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to train a monstera plant to climb, from choosing the right support to tying it properly without damaging the stems.
Let’s dig in and get your monstera reaching for the sky.
Why Training a Monstera Plant to Climb Matters
Training a monstera plant to climb is one of the best things you can do for its long-term health and appearance.
When you train a monstera plant to climb, you’re essentially giving it a structure that replaces the tree trunk it would naturally use in the rainforest.
Monsteras are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants for support rather than rooting deep into the ground.
Here’s why this climbing habit is so important:
1. Bigger Leaves and Better Fenestrations
The most exciting reason to train a monstera plant to climb is the leaf size.
When a monstera climbs upward, it receives more air circulation and light exposure, which signals the plant to produce larger leaves with deeper splits.
A monstera left to sprawl on the floor will often stay small and produce fewer fenestrations, so training it to climb directly impacts its signature look.
Because you train a monstera plant to climb, you’re encouraging that natural upward growth that leads to those stunning, Swiss cheese style leaves.
2. Better Light Access for Every Leaf
Another reason to train a monstera plant to climb is that vertical growth helps all the leaves get their fair share of light.
When a monstera trails along a table, the lower leaves get shaded and may yellow or drop off.
But when you train a monstera to climb, each leaf stacks above the next, so sunlight reaches the entire plant evenly.
That means a happier, bushier monstera from top to bottom.
3. Healthier Stems and Stronger Roots
Training a monstera plant to climb also strengthens the plant physically.
The aerial roots that monstera produces are designed to grip onto surfaces, and giving them something to attach to allows them to grow long and thick.
These roots then help support the weight of the stems, reducing the risk of snapping or bending.
So when you train your monstera to climb, you’re not just fixing its posture, you’re building a more resilient plant.
Best Supports to Train a Monstera Plant to Climb
Now that you know why it’s worth it, let’s talk about the actual tools you’ll need to train a monstera plant to climb.
The support you choose matters because monsteras attach using their aerial roots, and not every surface works well.
Here are the most popular options:
1. Moss Poles (The Classic Choice)
Moss poles are the go-to option when you want to train a monstera plant to climb naturally.
These poles are filled or wrapped with sphagnum moss, which holds moisture and gives the aerial roots something soft to dig into.
To train a monstera plant to climb a moss pole, simply place the pole close to the main stem and secure the stem to it with soft plant ties.
As the aerial roots grow, they’ll naturally grip the moss, and the moisture encourages the roots to stay attached.
2. Coir Poles and Wooden Stakes
If you don’t want the hassle of misting a moss pole, a coir pole or a simple wooden stake is a great alternative to train a monstera plant to climb.
Coir poles are made from coconut fiber and offer a rougher texture that’s easy for roots to latch onto.
Wooden stakes are even simpler, just push the stake into the pot and tie the monstera stem to it at several points.
The downside is that wooden stakes don’t hold moisture, so the aerial roots won’t attach as firmly, but they still provide excellent structural support.
3. Trellises and Wall Mounts
For a more decorative approach, you can train a monstera plant to climb a trellis or even mount it directly onto a wall.
Trellises work well if you have a wide pot, and they let you fan the monstera out horizontally while still climbing.
Wall mounts are great for saving floor space, but keep in mind that once you attach a monstera to a wall, moving it becomes difficult.
Whichever you choose, make sure the support is sturdy because a top-heavy monstera can topple a flimsy pole.
Step-by-Step Guide to Train a Monstera Plant to Climb
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s exactly how to train a monstera plant to climb without damaging it.
Follow these steps and your monstera will be scaling its support in no time.
1. Start with the Right Side of the Plant
Before you secure anything, take a look at your monstera and identify the back of the plant, which is the side where the aerial roots are most abundant.
Place the moss pole or support against this back side, because that’s where the roots naturally grow from.
When you train a monstera plant to climb, you always want the aerial roots facing the support so they can attach easily.
If you put the pole on the front, you’ll have to twist the stems awkwardly, which can stress the plant.
2. Secure the Main Stem, Not the Leaves
Use soft plant ties, velcro strips, or even twist ties wrapped in cloth to attach the monstera stem to the pole.
Never tie the petioles, which are the long stalks that hold the leaves, because they naturally move to face the light.
If you tie a petiole, you’ll restrict that movement and the leaf may yellow or droop.
Instead, tie the main stem (the thick, central vine) in at least two or three spots along the pole.
Make the ties snug but not tight, leaving a little room for stem growth.
3. Guide the Aerial Roots Toward the Moss
This is the trickiest part of how to train a monstera plant to climb, but it’s also the most effective.
Gently take any aerial roots that are sticking out and tuck them against the moss pole.
You can use a small piece of wire or a hairpin to hold the root against the moss.
Keep the moss slightly damp, and within a few weeks, the roots will start to grow into the moss on their own.
Once those roots anchor in, your monstera will basically hold itself up, and you can loosen the ties.
4. Keep Repositioning as It Grows
Training a monstera plant to climb isn’t a one-time task.
Every few months, check your plant and add new ties higher up the pole as the stem grows.
If your pole is too short and the monstera outgrows it, you can add an extension or swap it for a taller pole.
Just be careful when removing an old pole that’s already got roots attached, you may need to cut some roots to free the plant.
Common Mistakes When You Train a Monstera Plant to Climb
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few errors when you train a monstera plant to climb.
Here’s what to avoid so your monstera stays happy:
1. Using a Support That’s Too Short
A tiny moss pole that only reaches halfway up your monstera is nearly useless.
Because once the plant passes the top, it has nothing to grab and will start leaning again.
Always choose a pole that’s taller than your current plant height, ideally at least a foot or two above the tallest leaf.
That way, you won’t have to replace it right away.
2. Tying Leaves Instead of Stems
It’s tempting to grab the leaf stalks because they’re easier to see, but this is a common rookie mistake.
Leaves need to rotate toward the light, and fixing them in place can cause them to twist and look deformed.
Stick to tying only the main stem whenever you train a monstera plant to climb.
3. Neglecting Moisture on the Pole
If you’re using a moss pole, you absolutely must keep it damp.
A dry moss pole won’t encourage aerial roots to attach, which defeats the whole purpose.
Mist the pole every couple of days or water the top of the pole when you water your plant.
This moisture is the secret that makes training a monstera plant to climb so effective.
So, How Do You Train a Monstera Plant to Climb?
You can train a monstera plant to climb by giving it a sturdy support, placing it on the backside of the plant, and securing the main stem with soft ties.
You also need to guide the aerial roots toward a moist moss pole and keep adjusting the ties as the plant grows taller.
This process takes a bit of patience, but the payoff is huge, bigger leaves, more fenestrations, and a stunning centerpiece for any room.
Remember to keep the pole moist, avoid tying leaves, and choose a support that’s tall enough from the start.
Now that you know how to train a monstera plant to climb, grab a pole and give your monstera the vertical life it craves.
Your plant will thank you with its most beautiful growth yet.