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You can train your monstera to climb by giving it the right support, like a moss pole or trellis, and gently guiding its aerial roots toward that structure.
Training your monstera to climb isn’t just about looks, it’s actually how the plant grows best in its natural jungle habitat.
When you learn how to train your monstera to climb, you’ll unlock bigger leaves, more fenestrations (those iconic splits), and a healthier overall plant.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly why training your monstera to climb matters, the best supports to use, and the step-by-step method to get it done.
Let’s dig in and get your monstera reaching for the sky.
Why You Should Train Your Monstera to Climb
Understanding why training your monstera to climb is so important helps you appreciate the process and do it right.
In the wild, monsteras are epiphytes, meaning they grow up trees and use their aerial roots to anchor themselves.
By training your monstera to climb indoors, you’re recreating that natural condition, which signals the plant to produce larger, more mature leaves.
Untrained monsteras often sprawl, and while they’ll still survive, they tend to have smaller leaves that lack the dramatic splits people love.
Training your monstera to climb also improves airflow around the foliage, which reduces the risk of pests and fungal issues.
Plus, a climbing monstera just looks stunning as a vertical focal point in any room, and it saves valuable floor space.
So yes, learning how to train your monstera to climb is one of the best things you can do for your plant’s long-term health.
1. Bigger Leaves and More Fenestrations
When you train your monstera to climb, the plant receives a clear signal that it’s time to mature.
As the stem climbs upward, each new leaf tends to be larger than the last, and the fenestrations become more pronounced.
These splits and holes aren’t just decorative, they help the plant withstand wind and let sunlight reach lower leaves in the wild.
By training your monstera to climb, you’re encouraging this natural maturation process that sprawling plants miss out on.
So if you’ve been wondering why your monstera’s leaves are small and solid, training it to climb is likely the missing piece.
2. Stronger Root System and Stability
Training your monstera to climb also encourages the development of aerial roots, which can grow into the support structure.
These roots help the plant grip the pole, but they also absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and surrounding moss.
A monstera that’s trained to climb becomes more stable and less likely to topple over as it grows taller.
This stability is especially important for larger specimens that can get top-heavy with big, heavy leaves.
Training your monstera to climb essentially gives it a skeleton to lean on, which is exactly what it craves naturally.
3. Easier Maintenance and Better Light Exposure
A climbing monstera is easier to prune, water, and inspect compared to one that’s sprawling across the floor.
When you train your monstera to climb, every leaf gets more even access to light, which prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
Vertical growth also means you can rotate the pot easily to ensure all sides receive equal sunlight.
Plus, a tidy climbing form makes it simpler to spot early signs of pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Training your monstera to climb turns plant care into a more manageable and enjoyable routine.
Best Supports for Training Your Monstera to Climb
Choosing the right support is crucial when you decide to train your monstera to climb.
Not all poles are created equal, and the material you pick can make or break your plant’s success.
Here are the most effective options for training your monstera to climb, from classic to modern.
1. Moss Poles
Moss poles are the gold standard for training your monstera to climb because they mimic tree bark.
The moist sphagnum moss gives aerial roots something to grip and also provides humidity right at the root zone.
To train your monstera to climb with a moss pole, keep the moss slightly damp and gently press the aerial roots against it.
Over time, the roots will dig into the moss, making the pole a permanent part of the plant’s structure.
Just remember to extend the pole as your monstera grows, so it always has something new to climb.
2. Trellises and Obelisks
If you prefer a freestanding option, a trellis or obelisk works beautifully for training your monstera to climb.
These structures allow the stem to weave through the openings, and they’re great for bushy, multi-stemmed monsteras.
You can easily train your monstera to climb a trellis by using soft plant ties to secure the stem at intervals.
One advantage is that trellises don’t need watering like moss poles, making them lower maintenance.
The downside is that aerial roots have a harder time latching onto smooth wooden or metal surfaces.
3. Coco Coir Poles
Coco coir poles are a drier alternative to moss poles, but they still work for training your monstera to climb.
The coarse texture provides decent grip for aerial roots, though they won’t root into the pole as deeply.
These poles are lighter and cleaner, which makes them easy to install in decorative pots.
When you train your monstera to climb on a coco pole, you may need to tie the stem more frequently.
It’s a solid choice if you don’t want the hassle of misting a moss pole regularly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Train Your Monstera to Climb
Now that you’ve picked your support, let’s walk through the actual process of training your monstera to climb.
Follow these simple steps, and your monstera will be scaling its pole in no time.
1. Insert the Support Near the Base
Place the pole or trellis close to the main stem of your monstera, about an inch away from the base.
Push it deep into the soil so it’s sturdy and won’t wobble under the plant’s weight.
This position is key for training your monstera to climb because the stem needs to be in direct contact with the support.
If the pole is too far away, the plant will keep growing sideways instead of upward.
2. Secure the Stem Loosely
Use soft plant ties, velcro strips, or even twine to gently attach the monstera’s stem to the pole.
Start with the lowest stem section and secure it just below a node, that’s where the aerial roots emerge.
Don’t tie too tightly, as the stem needs room to thicken over time, and tight ties can cut into the tissue.
This step in training your monstera to climb is all about guidance, not force, so keep it gentle.
3. Guide the Aerial Roots
Take any aerial roots and press them against the moss pole or wrap them around the trellis.
For moss poles, you can even tuck the root tips into the moss to encourage them to grow in.
This is the most satisfying part of training your monstera to climb because the plant actively cooperates.
Once those roots latch on, your monstera will essentially support itself, and you’ll need fewer ties.
4. Adjust and Retie as It Grows
Check your monstera every couple of weeks and retie any stems that have shifted away from the support.
As new leaves emerge, train your monstera to climb by securing the newest growth to the pole.
Keep the pole moist if you’re using moss, and rotate the pot periodically for even light.
Patience matters here, but within a few months, you’ll see your monstera naturally reaching for the pole.
Common Mistakes When Training Your Monstera to Climb
Even with the best intentions, you can accidentally sabotage your efforts to train your monstera to climb.
Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid so your plant thrives.
1. Using a Support That’s Too Short
If your pole is only a couple of feet tall, your monstera will quickly outgrow it.
To properly train your monstera to climb, start with a pole that’s at least 3–4 feet tall.
You can always extend it later, but a short pole interrupts the plant’s upward momentum.
That interruption can cause leaves to droop and the stem to bend awkwardly.
2. Tying the Stem Too Tightly
A tight tie is one of the fastest ways to damage your monstera while training it to climb.
The stem needs to expand, and a rigid tie will eventually strangulate it, cutting off water flow.
Always leave a little slack, and check ties monthly to loosen them as the stem thickens.
Remember, training your monstera to climb is a gentle art, not a wrestling match.
3. Ignoring the Aerial Roots
Some growers make the mistake of trimming aerial roots off, which is counterproductive when you train your monstera to climb.
Those roots are the plant’s natural climbing tools, and removing them leaves the stem with no grip.
Instead of cutting them, guide them toward the pole and let them do their job.
Healthy aerial roots are the key to successful training your monstera to climb.
So, How to Train Your Monstera to Climb Effectively?
You can train your monstera to climb effectively by providing the right support, securing the stem loosely, and guiding aerial roots into the structure.
Start with a moss pole or trellis, insert it near the base, and tie the stem gently at multiple points.
Keep the support moist and adjust ties as the plant grows, and you’ll see your monstera climb naturally.
Avoid short poles, tight ties, and trimming aerial roots, and your plant will reward you with big, fenestrated leaves.
So give it a try, because training your monstera to climb is the single best way to transform a droopy plant into a majestic indoor tree.
Happy climbing, and enjoy watching your monstera reach new heights.