From my perspective as a Monstera deliciosa, climbing is not a mere hobby; it is my biological imperative. In my natural jungle habitat, I instinctively seek out tall trees to ascend. This behavior, known as thigmotropism, is my response to touch. By climbing, I can reach the brighter sunlight of the forest canopy, which is essential for my growth and energy production. My stem produces specialized aerial roots that are not for absorbing water from the soil but are designed to grasp and anchor onto rough surfaces like bark. When you provide me with a moss pole or trellis, you are giving me a substitute for my jungle support tree, allowing me to express my natural behaviors and thrive in your home.
The choice of support is crucial for my success. A moss pole is ideal because it mimics the texture and moisture retention of a tree trunk. My aerial roots will be naturally drawn to it, and they can even grow into the moist moss to draw additional water and nutrients, just as they would in the wild. A wooden trellis or plank is also a good option, offering a solid, textured surface for my roots to grip. Please place the support structure firmly into the pot's soil, close to my main stem, but be careful not to damage my delicate underground root system. The best time to do this is when you are repotting me, as it allows for secure placement from the start.
I am a willing climber, but initially, I will need your gentle guidance. Do not force me or bend my stems aggressively, as they can snap. Instead, use soft plant ties, strips of fabric, or velcro ties to loosely secure my strongest, most pliable stems to the support. The tie should be firm enough to hold me in place but loose enough to allow for natural swelling and growth—think of it as a supportive hand, not a tight shackle. As I grow, you will notice my aerial roots reaching out. You can gently encourage these roots to make contact with the moss pole. If my pole is kept moist, these roots will eventually penetrate it and secure themselves, reducing my reliance on your ties.
To truly motivate me to climb, you must provide the right conditions. Position me in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light. I will grow towards this light source, and the pole will guide that growth upwards. Keep the moss pole consistently damp; the humidity it emits is a powerful signal to my aerial roots that a worthwhile support is near. As I attach and climb, you will witness a magnificent transformation. My leaves will grow larger and develop more dramatic fenestrations (splits and holes) because the stable support allows me to channel more energy into leaf production rather than supporting my own weight. This is how I say thank you for understanding my needs.
