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To support a monstera, you should use a moss pole, a trellis, a stake, or a sturdy wall mount, depending on the size of your plant and the look you’re going for.
Monstera plants are natural climbers, and in the wild, they use their aerial roots to latch onto trees and climb toward the sunlight.
When you bring one into your home, it still has that same urge to climb, so giving it the right support is key to keeping it healthy and looking its best.
In this post, we’ll break down the best options for what to use to support monstera plants, how to choose the right one, and how to train your plant to use it properly.
Let’s dig into the world of monstera support so your leafy friend can thrive.
Why Monstera Plants Need Support
Monstera plants need support because they are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants in their natural habitat rather than in the soil alone.
Without support, your monstera will start to sprawl outwards, and those big beautiful leaves will flop over as the stems get longer and heavier.
When you provide the right support, you encourage the plant to grow upright, which not only saves floor space but also promotes larger leaves with more of those iconic splits and holes.
A supported monstera also gets better airflow around its leaves, which helps prevent fungal issues and keeps the foliage dry and happy.
So, if you’re wondering what to use to support monstera, understanding the why makes the decision much easier.
1. Aerial Roots Need a Grip
Monstera plants grow aerial roots from their stems, and those roots are designed to cling onto rough surfaces like tree bark.
When you give your monstera a support structure, you’re giving those aerial roots something to grab onto.
This natural grip helps the plant hold itself up, so it doesn’t have to rely solely on the strength of its stems.
Without a proper grip, the plant will lean and topple over, especially as it matures.
2. Mimicking the Jungle Environment
In the wild, monstera climbs high into the canopy, searching for brighter light above the forest floor.
By supporting your monstera, you’re mimicking that jungle environment, which tells the plant it’s safe to keep growing upward.
This upward growth signal also triggers the plant to produce larger leaves, which is what most monstera lovers are after.
So, the right support isn’t just about keeping the plant upright, it’s about unlocking its full potential.
Best Options For What To Use To Support Monstera
When it comes to what to use to support monstera, you have several solid choices, and each has its own set of pros and cons.
Here are the most effective support structures you can use for your monstera, starting with the most popular.
1. Moss Poles Are the Classic Choice
Moss poles are arguably the most popular option for monstera support, and for good reason.
They’re made of a central pole (often PVC or wood) wrapped in sphagnum moss, which provides a rough texture that aerial roots can easily grip.
The moss also holds moisture, which encourages the aerial roots to dig in and attach themselves to the pole.
When you use a moss pole, you can moisten the moss occasionally, and your monstera will thank you by climbing steadily up the pole.
This is the most natural-looking support and works wonders for medium to large monstera plants.
2. Trellises for a Wide, Airy Look
If you prefer a more decorative approach, a trellis can be a fantastic support option for your monstera.
Trellises are typically made of wood or metal and feature a grid or lattice pattern that the plant can weave through.
You can train the monstera’s stems and aerial roots through the trellis openings, which gives the plant a wide, airy, and almost artistic appearance.
Trellises are great for smaller monstera varieties or for plants that you want to grow more horizontally than vertically.
Just keep in mind that trellises don’t provide a moisture-rich surface like moss poles, so your monstera may not attach as aggressively.
3. Simple Stakes for Young Plants
For a young monstera that’s just starting to grow, a simple stake made of bamboo or plastic can be all the support you need.
You can gently tie the stem to the stake using soft plant ties or twine, which helps keep the plant upright while its roots establish.
Stakes are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to move around, making them perfect for small pots and recently propagated cuttings.
However, as your monstera grows larger and heavier, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a sturdier support like a moss pole.
4. Wall Mounts and Climbing Hooks
If you want to save floor space and let your monstera climb up a wall, wall mounts and climbing hooks are an excellent option.
You can attach hooks or brackets to the wall and then guide the monstera’s stems along the surface using soft ties.
This works best if you have a rough-textured wall, like brick or plaster, that the aerial roots can somewhat grip.
You can also use small wire grids or plant clips designed for wall training, giving your monstera a beautiful, vertical accent piece.
Just be prepared to regularly redirect new growth and mist the wall area to encourage root attachment.
How To Choose The Right Support For Your Monstera
Choosing the right support for your monstera depends on a few key factors, and getting it right will save you a headache later.
First, consider the size of your plant, as a massive monstera will crush a flimsy stake but thrive on a tall, sturdy moss pole.
Second, think about your space and whether you want the plant to grow tall or wide.
Third, factor in your own maintenance habits, because moss poles need occasional misting while trellises are essentially zero-maintenance.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide what to use to support monstera in your specific situation.
1. Matching Support Height To Plant Size
A monstera with a few small leaves and short stems will do fine with a 2-foot stake or small trellis.
But a mature monstera with 2-foot-long leaves needs a support that’s at least 3 to 4 feet tall, so the plant has room to keep climbing.
It’s always better to provide a taller support from the start, as you can train the plant to climb it gradually, rather than having to swap supports later.
When you upgrade supports too late, you risk breaking stems that have already attached to the old structure.
2. Consider The Pot Size And Weight
A heavy, large monstera in a big pot will need a support that’s securely anchored into the soil, or it will topple over.
Moss poles and trellises usually come with a base that you push into the pot, but you might need to add extra weight to the bottom.
You can use a heavy ceramic pot or place some pebbles in the bottom of the pot to keep the support stable.
If you’re using a wall mount, make sure your wall can handle the weight of the plant as it grows larger.
How To Train Your Monstera To Climb Its Support
Once you’ve chosen what to use to support monstera, you need to help the plant actually use it, and that takes a little patience.
You can’t just place a moss pole next to your monstera and expect it to climb on its own right away.
Instead, you’ll need to gently guide the stems and aerial roots toward the support structure.
Here’s how to get your monstera climbing like a pro.
1. Attach The Stem To The Support
Using soft plant ties, garden twine, or even velcro strips, loosely attach the main stem of the monstera to the support.
Make sure the ties are not too tight, as you want to allow for growth and avoid cutting into the stem.
Position the stem so the aerial roots are touching the support surface, whether that’s moss, wood, or a trellis grid.
This direct contact encourages the roots to start latching on within a few weeks.
2. Mist The Support And Roots
If you’re using a moss pole, mist it thoroughly with water a couple of times a week to keep the moss damp.
You can also mist the aerial roots themselves, which will signal to the plant that it’s in a humid, tropical environment.
High humidity is a major trigger for root attachment, so don’t skip this step if you want the plant to really grab on.
For trellises or stakes, you can still mist the stems and roots, but it won’t be as effective since the surface isn’t water-retentive.
3. Adjust The Ties As The Plant Grows
As your monstera climbs, new aerial roots will emerge from higher up on the stems.
Check your plant every couple of weeks and add more ties as needed to keep the new growth close to the support.
You might also need to loosen old ties that are getting tight as the stem thickens over time.
This ongoing adjustment is normal, and after a few months, the plant will hold itself up with its roots alone.
So, What To Use To Support Monstera?
To support a monstera, you can use a moss pole, a trellis, a stake, or a wall mount, and the best choice depends on your plant’s size and your space.
Moss poles are the go-to for most monstera growers because they offer moisture and texture that roots love, but trellises and stakes are great for smaller setups.
Whichever you choose, the key is to install it early, secure the stems gently, and mist the support to encourage climbing.
So, if you’re wondering what to use to support monstera, now you have a full toolbox of options to get that plant standing tall.
Go ahead, pick your support, and watch your monstera reach new heights.