From my perspective, as a Monstera deliciosa, climbing is not a hobby; it is an evolutionary imperative. In my natural habitat, the dappled sunlight of the tropical forest floor is not enough to sustain my large, fenestrated leaves. I must climb towards the canopy to reach the stronger light. My stem produces aerial roots not for decoration, but as vital tools for anchoring myself to the rough bark of trees. These roots seek out moisture and nutrients from the air and the surfaces they cling to. Without a structure to climb, my growth becomes unruly, heavy leaves may cause me to topple over, and my stems can become long, leggy, and weak as I desperately search for something to grasp. Providing me with support mimics my native environment, allowing me to grow vertically, develop larger and more fenestrated leaves, and direct my energy into strong, healthy growth.
The ideal support for me is one that mimics the texture and stability of a tree trunk. It must be sturdy enough to hold my increasing weight and rough enough for my aerial roots to easily grip. A moss pole is the gold standard. It is not just a pole; it is a potential source of hydration and nutrients. When you keep the moss pole moist, my aerial roots will grow directly into it, drawing out water and minerals, which is incredibly beneficial for my overall health and vigor. Alternatively, a coco coir pole or a wooden plank (like cedar or untreated pine) also provides an excellent, natural-textured surface for me to attach to. Avoid smooth supports like bamboo stakes or metal poles, as my aerial roots will struggle to adhere to them, rendering the support ineffective for its true purpose.
This process requires a gentle and patient hand. The goal is to guide me, not to force me. You must work with my natural growth pattern. Identify the main, thickest stem that has the emerging aerial roots—this is my backside. The front, where the new leaves emerge, should always face the brightest light source. Position the support pole firmly in the pot, close to this main stem but being careful not to damage my terrestrial root ball. Using soft, flexible plant ties, velcro strips, or even strips of old nylon stockings, loosely secure my stem to the pole. It is crucial that these ties are not tight; they should act as a guide, not a constraint. I need room to grow and swell. Never puncture my stem or force an aerial root to attach; simply direct them towards the moist moss pole, and I will do the rest naturally over time.
Your job is not done once I am tied to the pole. For the moss pole to be truly effective, you must keep it consistently moist. This encourages my aerial roots to penetrate the moss instead of just dangling in the air. Regularly misting the pole is a good practice. As I grow taller, you will need to extend the pole or provide a taller one. When you see a new aerial root forming, gently guide it towards the pole. If an older stem becomes long and bare at the base, you can sometimes encourage new growth points by notching the stem, but the primary focus should always be on supporting the active, vertical growth. With consistent care and the right support, I will reward you with spectacular, giant, and deeply fenestrated leaves that are a true testament to a happy, thriving Monstera.
