Monstera plants do like to climb, and they will naturally want to grow up and along trellises, stakes, or string towards the sun if given the opportunity. They are a vining plant, so given that they have something secure to climb up, they will happily grow and fill in along their support structures.
It is important that whatever you decide to use for a Monstera to climb up is secure and strong. Monstera has a large root system, so it will not look for stability in the soil like other plants might.
It also grows relatively fast, so the support needs to be able to sustain the added weight. Monstera leaves also get larger as it grows, which make it more susceptible to wind, so securing it to a stable support is important to ensure your Monstera thrives.
Does Monstera need a climbing pole?
No, Monstera does not necessarily need a climbing pole. While a climbing pole can help direct the plant’s growth to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing shape, Monstera Deliciosa plants are also happy without one.
To achieve a more even and full shape in the absence of a climbing pole, Monstera Deliciosa plants should be frequently turned, so that all of the stems grow towards the light. Additionally, weighted materials like stones and driftwood around the base of the stems can act as a temporary support and encourage even growing.
Ultimately however, Monstera are a hardy plant species, and are therefore content in either situation.
Will Monstera climb walls?
No, Monstera plants, also known as Swiss cheese plants, will not climb walls. Monstera plants typically grow as a ropelike vine that typically sprawls across the ground. They love to climb up trees and poles though, and will find any and all available structures to climb.
Once mature, the vines can reach up to 10 feet in length and even longer. If you want your Monstera to climb, you can encourage it by providing it with a moss pole or a trellis to climb. The tightly-packed moss fibers will allow the plant to latch on as it grows.
How do you make Monstera stand up?
To make a Monstera stand up, you will need to support its main vine and provide it with a structure to cling to. Start by finding a stake or trellis that fits the size and shape of your Monstera and securely set it up near your Monstera.
Then, very carefully hold the main vine of the Monstera so it wraps around the stake or trellis. Make sure the vine is secured snuggly. Also, help the Monstera stand up straight by offering additional support in the form of ties, twist ties, or pieces of string that you can attach to the vine and the trellis.
If your Monstera is really tall, you may need to secure it from the top as well as the bottom to prevent it from tipping over. Creating a habit of gently pruning and trimming the roots and leaves will help your Monstera gain strength and stability.
It will also encourage new, upright leaves to form. Lastly, make sure your Monstera is in a well-draining pot and is able to receive the proper amount of sunlight.
Should you rotate your Monstera?
Depending on your Monstera and the space you have available, you may want to rotate it occasionally so that all parts of the plant get some light. This will help ensure the top of the plant doesn’t get too lanky or the bottom of the plant stays too shaded.
Additionally, it helps promote even growth in your Monstera and prevents it from getting an uneven, lopsided shape. It’s best to do this every day or two because light is constantly shifting. For best results, place your Monstera in an area where it will receive an equal amount of direct light and indirect light throughout the day.
If your Monstera’s leaves start to droop, it’s a sign that it needs more light. However, be careful not to put your Monstera in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
Why is my Monstera falling over?
The most common reasons are due to insufficient light, incorrect watering, overfertilizing, and repotting issues.
Light: Monstera need bright, indirect light with some sun exposure in order to thrive. Too little light and the plant will start to stretch in an effort to reach the light and become weak, causing it to fall over.
Watering: Monstera are very sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot and a weakened stem that can’t support the weight of the plant, thus causing it to fall over. The soil should be kept lightly moist and allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
Overfertilizing: Too much fertilizer can also cause your Monstera to fall over as it results in a fertilizer build up in the soil and can burn the plant’s roots and weaken the stem. To avoid this, only feed your Monstera during the active growing season (spring and summer) and always dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repotting: If your Monstera is top-heavy and falling over, it may be time to repot it in a larger container. Make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes to avoid the plant’s roots from sitting in standing water and rotting.
Place a layer of gravel or medium-sized rocks in the bottom of the container before adding in new potting soil.
How do you train Monstera to climb a wall?
Training Monstera to climb a wall is relatively simple and requires only a few materials. First, it is important to purchase a trellis that is firmly attached to the wall you’d like the plant to climb.
Many businesses sell Monstera-specific trellises made from natural materials such as wood, cane, or rattan. Once the trellis is securely attached to the wall, place your Monstera near the base and incorporate two main techniques— tieback-training and nodes-tipping.
Tieback-training is an old and effective technique in which you create small plant clips with string and loop them onto the main stem of the Monstera. This technique helps the stem to climb gradually up the wall, with the stem eventually attaching itself to the trellis.
Nodes-tipping is a similar technique in which you carefully pinch the top part of the stem, causing the stem to bend. It is important to be gentle when employing nodes-tipping, as the stem can break easily.
After a few weeks, you should see the plant gradually climbing the trellis.
In addition to the main training techniques, you may want to prune your Monstera periodically as it grows in order to keep it neat. Simply use sharp garden shears or a small pair of scissors to trim away any leaves, aerial roots, and stems that aren’t needed.
Regularly pruning your Monstera will ensure it maintains its shape and the stems don’t become too dense or tangled. With these techniques and a bit of patience, your Monstera will be climbing your wall in no time!.
How often should I water Monstera?
Generally, your Monstera should be watered twice a week or when the top 2-3 inches of soil in the pot are dry. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as your Monstera won’t like that and may go into shock.
If you’re not sure when to water, it’s best to feel the soil before you water to determine if your Monstera needs more water. It is also important to pay attention to how much you water: be careful not to overwater.
If the soil remains soggy and wet for too long, your Monstera’s roots will start to rot, making your plant susceptible to disease. To prevent overwatering, make sure the pot you are using has at least one drainage hole at the bottom and place a tray beneath it to catch any excess water or soil.
Paying attention to the size of the plant and the size of your pot is also important – if your Monstera is in a pot that is too small, it might be harder to determine when to water and you may end up overwatering.
If you live in a humid climate, you can water your Monstera a bit less. If you live in a very dry climate, however, you may need to water your Monstera more often.
How do you make a climbing pole in Monstera?
Making a climbing pole for Monstera plants is a simple and useful tool for helping your plant reach its fullest potential.
To make a climbing pole, you’ll need some basic supplies. You’ll need a length of thick plastic, such as PVC piping, as well as some kind of climbing hook. You can use a hook provided with your Monstera plant, or make your own.
You’ll also need some type of support structure, such as a hook or screw to attach the plastic pole to the wall.
Once you have all of your supplies, the next step is to measure and cut the pipe. You’ll want to cut it in a length that will take your Monstera’s vine up and around, with enough slack for the stem to bend and wrap around the pole.
You’ll also want to make sure that the support structure you attach is stable and secure.
Once your pole is ready and securely in place, it’s time to attach the hook or screw onto the pole. This will allow your plant’s vine to wrap around it. Make sure the hook is easy to reach and firmly secure to the pole.
The hook should be positioned in the middle of the pole and should adjust easily so that the vine can move up and down.
Finally, you can start training your Monstera plant stem. Make sure to guide it onto the hook and guide it up the pole as it grows. Make sure that the stem is moving up the pole and not down. This will encourage the vine to grow upwards and create a strong base for your Monstera.
Following these steps, you can easily create a climbing pole for your Monstera plant. This will help it reach its full potential, as well as make maintenance easier for you.
How do you trellis a Monstera?
Trellising a Monstera is a great way to get your plant to grow upwards and to create a beautiful and unique plant display. To trellis a Monstera, start by identifying a sturdy support structure such as a moss pole, trellis, or trellis net.
Gently wrap the stems of the Monstera around the structure. If the pole or trellis is too wide for the Monstera’s stems to wrap around, use twist ties to secure the stems to the support structure. Secure the ties tightly but be sure not to damage the stems.
As the Monstera grows, continue to gently wrap the stems around the support structure and use twist ties as needed. You can also use plant clips to attach the stems to the support structure. It’s also a good idea to periodically check on your Monstera’s securement and re-tie the stems if necessary.
With regular pruning and tying, your Monstera’s stems will be able to wrap around the support structure and eventually create an amazing vertical design.
Do you have to use a moss pole for Monstera?
No, you do not have to use a moss pole for your Monstera. A moss pole is a stake made from moss-covered coir that is used to encourage climbing and support the stems of Monstera plants, as they will often develop aerial roots.
Without the support of a moss pole, Monstera will tend to lean, spread out and take up a lot of space in a room. If you don’t have a moss pole or don’t want to use one, you can tie the stems with garden wire or plastic coated-wire to a trellis or stake to help guide the plant.
Additionally, it helps to keep the Monstera near the window or in areas with bright, indirect sunlight where its aerial roots can find something to grab onto. Without the moss pole, you’ll just need to provide some additional support to ensure your Monstera stays upright.