How to Properly Tie Up Your Monstera Plant for Optimal Growth

The monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant admired for its iconic split leaves and tropical vibes. As the monstera matures it develops aerial roots that allow it to climb up trees and structures in its natural habitat. When grown indoors the monstera can become top-heavy and unruly without proper support. Tying up your monstera with stakes or a moss pole encourages upright growth and healthier plants.

Why Should You Tie Up Your Monstera?

Tying up a monstera provides several benefits:

• Prevents Drooping: Monsteras have large, heavy leaves that can cause stems to droop and break without support. Tying the stems to stakes helps keep them upright.

• Encourages Upward Growth Monsteras are natural climbers, so tying them up mimics their natural growth habit. This prompts the plant to grow taller rather than outward.

• Shows Off Leaves: With support, the monstera’s leaves can gracefully fan out to show their iconic split leaf shape.

• Develops Stronger Stems: Tying the monstera to a support helps reinforce stem strength as the plant grows.

• Looks More Attractive: A properly staked monstera has a tidier, more intentional appearance than one sprawling on the floor.

When to Start Tying Up a Monstera

Tying up a monstera is recommended once it reaches 12-24 inches in height. Plants smaller than this are easy to manage and likely have not started vining yet.

Look for these signs that your monstera needs support:

• Stems are drooping under the weight of the leaves
• New growth is very uneven, with leaning stems
• It looks unkempt, with lots of wayward stems
• The plant is top-heavy or leaning to one side

A young monstera with only a few leaves likely doesn’t need support yet. Prioritize staking once the plant matures more.

Supports to Use for Monstera Plants

You have a few options when choosing supports to tie up a monstera:

• Bamboo stakes: Single stakes inserted into the potting mix work well for smaller monsteras. Go with sturdy, thick stakes that won’t bend under the plant’s weight.

• Totem pole: A moss or coir fiber wrapped pole provides more support and looks great. The monstera’s aerial roots will cling to it.

• Plant trellis: Trellises offer flexible wire or nylon support. They can be adjusted as needed to train monsteras to grow straight.

• Macrame hangers: Hanging macrame planters with attached support strands are perfect for displaying trailing monsteras.

Choose supports tall enough to accommodate future vertical growth. Take the plant’s current height and add at least 12 more inches.

How to Tie a Monstera to a Stake or Pole

Tying a monstera properly takes some finesse. Follow these steps:

Gather Supplies

You’ll need:

• Stakes, totem pole, or trellis
• Green plant ties or soft cotton ties
• Scissors
• A spoon or chopstick (optional)

Avoid using wire or twist ties that could damage stems.

Identify Attachment Points

Look for natural nooks and crannies where the monstera’s stems can be anchored to the support. The junction where the petioles meet the main stem make good attachment points.

Also tie stems where they fork into two or where lateral stems emerge. Focus on areas about 4-10 inches above the soil.

Secure the Ties

Wrap a tie gently around the stem and support. The tie should be snug but not tight. You should be able to slip a spoon or chopstick inside to ensure proper room.

Make sure the tie supports the direction of growth. Don’t crisscross tie diagonal stems or force unnatural angles.

Add ties every 4-8 inches up the support to stabilize as the monstera grows taller.

Check Ties Periodically

As the monstera increases in size, check that ties aren’t too tight. Loosen or add more if needed. Also attach any new trailing stems to the support.

Aim to tie mainly the major structural stems. You can leave smaller offshoot vines to trail naturally.

Tips for Successfully Tying Up Monsteras

Follow these tips for the best results staking your monstera:

• Start the support early, when the plant is 1-2 ft tall. Don’t wait until it’s drooping severely.
• Select a moss pole or sturdy stake taller than the current plant height.
• Focus on anchoring the main stems low down for stability.
• Avoid over-tightening ties or crisscrossing stems unnaturally.
• Use soft ties that won’t cut into stems as they expand.
• Periodically check ties and adjust, add more, or loosen as needed.
• Attach any new roaming stems to the supports as they emerge.
• Rotate the pot if the plant starts growing towards a light source.

Be patient and consistent, and you’ll end up with a statuesque, thriving monstera as a reward!

Common Questions About Staking Monsteras

How do I get my monstera to climb the pole?

Don’t force the stems to climb. Over time, new stems and aerial roots will naturally cling to the pole on their own. You can also gently guide vines toward the support.

Should I trim off lower leaves on a staked monstera?

Removing the lowest 1-2 leaves can give a “tree trunk” look. But lowering leaves don’t typically need removal just for staking.

How do I know if ties are too tight on the plant?

You should be able to easily slip a chopstick, pencil or spoon inside the tie and stem. If not, it’s too tight.

Should I remove yellow leaves when I stake the plant?

Yellow leaves naturally die off over time. It’s ok to remove them anytime for appearance. Staking the plant helps prevent excessive yellowing.

Can I tie a monstera to a bookshelf or curtain rod?

Yes, you can tie it to any supportive structure nearby. Just ensure it can handle the plant’s eventual mature size and weight.

Tying up a wayward, top-heavy monstera encourages healthier upright growth and gives the plant a neater, more intentional look. With the right supports and ties, you can easily train your monstera to grow tall and proud!