How To Train Monstera Deliciosa To Climb

You can train monstera deliciosa to climb with a moss pole, a stake, or a trellis, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your plant.
 
When you train monstera deliciosa to climb, you’re mimicking how it grows in the wild, where it scales towering trees in tropical forests.
 
This not only makes your monstera look stunning but also encourages larger, more fenestrated leaves with those iconic splits and holes.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to train monstera deliciosa to climb, what supplies you need, and the common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dive in and get your monstera reaching for the sky.
 

Why You Should Train Monstera Deliciosa To Climb

Training monstera deliciosa to climb isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about plant health.
 
When you train monstera deliciosa to climb, you give it the support its aerial roots are naturally looking for.
 
In its natural habitat, this plant attaches itself to tree trunks and grows upward toward sunlight.
 
By recreating that environment indoors, you unlock the plant’s full potential.
 
Let’s look at the key reasons why climbing matters for your monstera.
 

1. Bigger Leaves and More Fenestrations

A monstera that climbs will produce significantly larger leaves than one that trails or flops over.
 
When you train monstera deliciosa to climb, the plant senses it’s in a vertical, competitive position and invests more energy into leaf size.
 
Those beautiful fenestrations, the splits and holes in the leaves, also become more pronounced.
 
This happens because the plant is trying to capture more light while withstanding wind and rain, just like it would in the jungle.
 
So if you’ve been wondering why your monstera has small, solid leaves, lack of climbing support is likely the culprit.
 

2. Healthier Aerial Roots

Monstera deliciosa naturally grows aerial roots from its stems, and these roots are designed to grip onto surfaces.
 
When you train monstera deliciosa to climb, those aerial roots can dig into a moss pole or rough bark.
 
This anchoring helps the plant stabilize itself and absorb extra moisture and nutrients from the moss.
 
Unsupported aerial roots often dry out or get tangled, which isn’t harmful, but it’s not ideal either.
 
Climbing gives those roots a purpose and keeps them hydrated and active.
 

3. A More Compact and Manageable Shape

Without support, monstera deliciosa tends to sprawl outward, taking up a lot of floor space.
 
When you train monstera deliciosa to climb, you keep the plant growing upward rather than sideways.
 
This makes it fit better in corners or next to furniture without overwhelming the room.
 
It also makes the plant easier to care for because you can reach the leaves and soil without bending awkwardly.
 
Plus, a climbing monstera just looks more intentional and polished in your home decor.
 

How To Train Monstera Deliciosa To Climb Step by Step

Now that you know why you should train monstera deliciosa to climb, let’s get into the actual process.
 
It’s not complicated, but it does require the right materials and a bit of patience.
 
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your monstera climbing.
 

Step 1: Choose the Right Support

The most common and effective support is a moss pole, which is a cylinder filled with sphagnum moss.
 
You can also use a wooden stake, a coco coir pole, or even a trellis.
 
The key is that the support must be rough and moisture-retentive so the aerial roots can grip it.
 
A smooth plastic stake won’t encourage climbing because the roots can’t latch onto it.
 
Choose a pole that’s at least a few inches taller than your current plant so it has room to grow.
 

Step 2: Insert the Pole Close to the Stem

Place the moss pole into the pot, pushing it down into the soil right next to the main stem of your monstera.
 
Make sure it’s snug and stable so it won’t wobble when the plant grows heavier.
 
The pole should be positioned on the back side of the plant, opposite where the light comes from.
 
This encourages the plant to lean toward the pole as it reaches for light.
 

Step 3: Secure the Stem to the Pole

Gently tie the main stem of your monstera to the pole using soft plant ties, twist ties, or even velcro strips.
 
Don’t tie it too tightly because the stem needs room to thicken as it grows.
 
Start by securing the lowest part of the stem and work your way up, leaving a little slack between ties.
 
You want to guide the plant upward, not force it into an unnatural position.
 

Step 4: Guide the Aerial Roots Into the Moss

As your monstera grows, you’ll notice aerial roots extending toward the pole.
 
You can gently tuck these roots into the moss to help them anchor.
 
Keep the moss pole slightly moist by misting it regularly or pouring a little water over the top.
 
This moisture signals the aerial roots to dig in and attach, which is a huge part of how to train monstera deliciosa to climb effectively.
 

Step 5: Keep Adjusting as the Plant Grows

Training monstera deliciosa to climb isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing process.
 
Every few weeks, check your plant and add new ties higher up the stem.
 
If the pole becomes too short, you can add an extension on top.
 
Just keep redirecting any wayward stems back toward the pole, and the plant will naturally follow.
 

Common Mistakes When You Train Monstera Deliciosa To Climb

Even with the best intentions, a few common mistakes can derail your training efforts.
 
Avoiding these will save you frustration and keep your monstera thriving.
 
Let’s go over what not to do when you train monstera deliciosa to climb.
 

1. Using a Support That’s Too Short

If your pole is only slightly taller than the plant, you’ll have to replace it quickly.
 
A short pole also gives the plant less incentive to grow upward because it runs out of space.
 
Always start with a tall pole, ideally one that’s 2 to 3 feet taller than your plant’s current height.
 
This gives plenty of room for new growth to climb.
 

2. Tying Leaves Instead of Stems

A common rookie mistake is tying the leaf petioles to the pole.
 
Leaves naturally move toward the light, so tying them down can stress the plant.
 
Instead, always secure the main stem, which is the thick, rigid part of the plant.
 
The leaves will follow on their own as the stem climbs.
 

3. Ignoring the Light Source

Your monstera will always grow toward the brightest light source.
 
If you place the pole on the wrong side, the plant may try to lean away from it.
 
Make sure the pole is between the plant and the light, or rotate the pot periodically.
 
This keeps the plant clinging to the pole rather than reaching away from it.
 

4. Keeping the Moss Pole Dry

A dry moss pole is useless because the aerial roots won’t attach to it.
 
To train monstera deliciosa to climb successfully, you need to keep that moss damp.
 
Mist it a few times a week, or use a spray bottle to moisten the surface thoroughly.
 
You’ll know it’s working when you see roots gripping the moss and even growing into it.
 

So, How To Train Monstera Deliciosa To Climb?

You can train monstera deliciosa to climb by providing a moss pole, securing the stem, and keeping the support moist.
 
It’s a straightforward process that delivers incredible rewards in the form of bigger leaves and a healthier plant.
 
Start with the right support, guide the aerial roots, and stay consistent with your adjustments.
 
Avoid short poles, don’t tie leaves, and never let the moss dry out completely.
 
With a little time and attention, your monstera will reward you with a stunning vertical display.
 
So go ahead, give your monstera something to climb, and watch it transform into the jungle beauty it was meant to be.