Has your gorgeous Monstera plant grown big and you fear it may lean to one side? Or should you support it while still young? If you’ve never used a Monstera moss pole for your plant, you might wonder why staking your Monstera is so important. Choosing the right Monstera stake can also be daunting. 

This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions! Find out how to stake a Monstera plant correctly and which support to use to help your plant as it grows. 

About Monstera Plants

Monsteras are gorgeous tropical plants with huge leaves. They’re native to the rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Monstera plants belong to the Araceae family. Monstera plants grow without support in the wild, relying on their areal roots for climbing trees. So, does Monstera even need support if grown as a houseplant? - you may wonder. Well, indoors, Monsteras can grow to 8 ft. in height or width with the right care and a consistent watering schedule. This means that if you don’t use support for your plant, it may flop over, due to the weight of its large foliage. Most indoor gardeners grow their Monstera plants on a moss pole to direct their growth upwards and prevent the risk of stem breakage or other damage.

Caring for Monsteras is relatively easy once you understand their growing requirements and watch for common problems with your plant. 

There are several varieties of Monstera plants, like the extremely popular Monstera deliciosa (Split Leaf Philodendron), the white-speckled Thai Constellation, and the fascinating Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant). They can all benefit from being grown with support, as they can reach a good height both indoors and outdoors on your patio or deck.

Keep reading to learn how to use a moss pole for Monstera and ensure that your beautiful green companion grows upright, the right way, and doesn’t fall over.

Does Monstera Really Need a Moss Pole?

So, do you need to stake your Monstera? It’s not obligatory, but it will make your plant easier to manage and prevent messy growth or worse, the risk of damaging its stems and gorgeous fenestrated leaves. You can stake your Monstera with a moss pole, trellis, or coco coir pole, as long as they are adjusted to the size of your plant and provide sufficient support.

Grown as indoor plants, Monsteras don’t always develop aerial roots as they do in their natural habitat. Since their leaves and stems are large and heavy, they grow better with a support pole that prevents the plant from collapsing.

Training your Monstera Deliciosa or Monstera Thai Constellation up a moss pole will also display its gorgeous foliage to advantage, giving your plant a more elegant look. Further benefits of using a moss pole for your Monstera include neater growth, as a large Monstera with no support stake can quickly get out of shape.

What Are the Cons of Moss Poles?

While using a Monstera stake has many benefits, there are some disadvantages to consider:

• Moss poles need to be kept moist by misting them regularly 

• Repotting a Monstera with a moss pole can be challenging

• They might not look great in all interiors  

• Moss poles can be more expensive than other Monstera stake options for your plant

• Not all moss poles are eco-friendly and sustainable

Monstera Plant Support: How to Stake a Monstera

A large Monstera adds an irresistible tropical vibe to your interior. Ideally, you’ll need to support your Monstera to keep this large plant manageable.  But what is the best way to stake a Monstera? If you’re unsure how to support Monsteras, so your plant stays lush and neat, consider some of our helpful tips for selecting the best Monstera support pole. 

What Is the Best Stake for Monstera Plants?

Staking your Monstera ensures it grows upwards and encourages aerial root development. If you’re unsure how to stake your Monstera with a moss pole so it looks good in your interior, other Monstera support ideas are also available that you can try. You can use bamboo canes, wood, or trellises to provide the needed support for your plant. 

But what kind of pole is best for Monstera? This depends on the type of your Monstera plant. Always consider your plant’s size when choosing a Monstera support stake. If it’s still small, start with a mini Monstera moss pole that won’t overturn your plant’s container. There are adjustable moss pole options for Monstera, or you can get a larger pole as your plant grows.

The type of your Monstera plant also matters; the compact Swiss Cheese Plant can lean on a smaller moss pole, while a Split Leaf Philodendron would need a moss pole that can carry the weight of its thick stems.

In addition, the best moss pole for your Monstera needs to allow your plant’s aerial roots to attach themselves to the moss, receiving nutrients and additional moisture. For instance, a Monstera deliciosa grows well on a moss pole that stays consistently moist. This encourages the plant to grow aerial roots that help keep your Monstera upright.  

How to Аttach a Мonstera to a Мoss Pole

There are several things to keep in mind if you wonder how to support a large Monstera plant. You’ll need a moss pole large enough for the size of your plant and some soft plant ties or string to attach your Monstera to the stake. 

Start by soaking the moss pole in water until it absorbs sufficient moisture. Repot your Monstera in a suitable container and position the moss pole inside so it’s steady. Secure it with large pebbles and cover them with the soil. Place the moss pole at the back of your plant, with most of the foliage facing outwards. Be careful not to damage the roots when you place the moss pole in the pot with soil. Use strings to tie the plant gently to the totem.

How to Keep the Moss Pole Upright

So, here’s how to stake your Monstera so that the moss pole stays upright:

• Position it slightly behind your plant and as close to the main stem as possible. 

• Your Monstera should lean onto the pole for support. 

• Don’t forget to fill the pot with medium-sized rocks or pebbles to stabilize the pole as discussed.   

How Do You Attach Your Monstera to the Moss Pole?

Knowing how to wrap your Monstera around the moss pole is one of the most important aspects of the task to render successful results. Position the main stem of your Monstera against the moss pole and tie it carefully to secure it in place with string or other soft fastening material, like soft velcro tape. This way, you’ll keep your Monstera plant from falling over. Be careful not to damage the leaves and stems while tying your plant to the moss or coco coir pole.

How to Fix a Leaning Monstera

Provide a sturdy moss pole for your plant to lean on and place your Monstera in a spot with bright, indirect light. Ensure all leaves are evenly exposed to natural sunlight to prevent underexposed parts of the plant from leaning toward the light source. Be sure to use the right-sized pole for your plant and secure the stake or totem in a position so that it cannot move easily. Lay a few stones around the moss pole for extra security.

Monstera Plant Support: FAQs 

Q: Are coir poles good for Monstera?

A: Yes, coir poles are a great option for Monsteras. They’re thicker than bamboo canes, for instance. However, a coir pole can dry more quickly than a moss pole, and the aerial roots may not attach to it.

Q: Can Monstera grow without support?

A: Monstera can grow without a moss pole; however, one of the benefits of having a Monstera with a moss pole vs. without one, is that supported plants are less likely to fall over or get damaged.

Q: Is a trellis or moss pole better for Monstera?

A: A moss pole is better because it provides a medium to which your Monstera’s aerial roots can attach, whereas a trellis only supports the plant’s weight.

Q: How do you train a Monstera to climb?

A: Attach the main stem of your Monstera to a moss pole and tie it gently so it stays upright; the plant will gradually start climbing the support.

Q: Are you supposed to keep a moss pole wet?

A: Keep your moss pole moist to ensure your Monstera’s aerial roots have sufficient moisture and nourishment.

Q: How long will a moss pole last?

A: Normally, a moss pole lasts for several years before the moss dries up and deteriorates.

Conclusion

Learning how to train your Monstera to climb is simple. Give your plant a stake it can lean on and tie it to ensure it stays upright. A moss pole also provides extra moisture and nourishment for your plant’s aerial roots, which you can use to propagate your Monstera plant and expand your collection.

Combine your Monstera with other tropical plants, like the Umbrella Tree or the Cast Iron Plant to create a lush, indoor jungle and transform your space.