How To Stake Your Monstera Plant?

I fell in love with the Monstera plant when I saw my neighbors stake one on their balcony. It was such a picturesque sight.

I buckled up my courage and spoke to my very kind neighbors. They very kindly offered to transplant a Monstera of my very own. It has been a fantastic journey.

After repotting my lovely gift, I was worried sick over the drooping branches. Had I just killed my very first Monstera baby? Apparently not. You have to stake it up.

To stake your Monstera plant, secure your main stem to a stake of your choice with a hemp rope or plant tie tape. Loose support will be enough for it to know which direction to grow.

Sounds simple enough, right? But picking the right time is crucial if you have decided to stake your Monstera.

The loosest of support can strangle your baby when done early into the planting process.

I have documented my learning curve of picking the right time to stake my baby up for support. Let me share it with you in this article.

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Benefits of Staking a Monstera Plant

A Monstera plant and its leaves can grow bigger than a few heads combined.

Usually, the plants support nearby trees in forests and the wild and stick to them with aerial roots.

Below are a few benefits of staking a Monstera Deliciosa.

Staking the plant will train them to grow in a certain direction. This means a great deal of space management which would not be an option if you decide not to stake your Monstera plant.
A Monstera without staking will grow toward the light source. A uni-direction growth will lead to wily tripping and tripping over hazards. It might even just topple over.
Monsteras trained using moss poles tend to grow larger leaves and develop holes in their leaves, also known as fenestration. It will fenestrate more quickly, giving that aesthetic vibe to your space.

Find out the interesting differences and similarities between Monstera Deliciosa vs. Borsigiana. I’ll let you judge which one is better!

Some Common Staking Methods

There are various methods to stake a plant you can choose from. However, I will cover the four most used ones in this article.

1. Simple Straight Stake

The simple straight staking method is one of the most common staking methods out there. It uses a single stake and is ideal for a single-stemmed plant such as the Monstera.

To stake using the simple straight staking method, push the stake onto the soil and tie the plant to the stake. Keep an eye out, and do not tie it too tight.

Tying the stake too tight can injure the plant and hamper its growth.

I suggest using stretchy ties such as nylons. Trust me, your Monstera plant will love it.

2. Wire or Shaped Support

Use the wire or shaped support stake if your plant is a rebel, grows everywhere, and you want to shape them.

The wire or shaped support staking method is rather simple. All you need is a simple piece of wire.

Create a loop from the wire and insert both ends onto the soil. Next, tie the plant loosely to the wire to support its growth.

3. Cage Support

This staking method is perfect if your Monstera plant is multi-stemmed and heavy on top.

Get a wire cage from a nearby plant store or create one yourself and surround the plant with the cage.

This staking method does not require you to tie the plant, as the cage will support it.

However, you should ensure the plant has enough space inside the cage to spread out.

4. Moss Pole

This staking method is one of the most complicated but the best for climbers.

I suggest you use a moss pole staking method for your Monstera plant. They will love it!

You can create a moss pole yourself or get one from plant stores.

To stake your Monstera plant using a moss pole, insert the moss pole onto the front of the plant’s soil instead of the dead center.

Doing so will allow the plant to face outward and grow beautifully.

Next, you will want to tie the stem of the Monstera plant to the moss pole using nylon, yarn, or cotton string. Use ties that will not hamper your plant.

Over time, your Monstera plant will attach itself to the pole and grow upward.

Signs You Need to Stake Your Monstera Plant

Look for the following signs to know if it is time to stake your Monstera.

1. They Start Showing Aerial Roots

Monstera plants will start growing aerial roots when they find ample support. They will start climbing once aerial roots develop.

Some people like to hide the aerial roots in the soil or prune them. Doing so is great if Monstera is placed in a cramped-up space.

Staking Monstera when aerial roots are still developing is a great option to give them more wings to spread out on your condition.

Adding support like moss poles or trellises will give their growth direction.

Aerial roots are great indicators to start training your Monstera plant if you are going for it.

2. They Start Growing Horizontally

After a few years or even months, your Monstera will grow wider rather than taller in some cases.

If you do not stake and train your Monstera during the growing phase, you will most likely be walking under a very green ceiling soon.

Similarly, if you have a dedicated space for them, like a greenhouse or a plant room in your apartment, horizontal growth can be more pleasing than the ceiling.

But if the Monstera addition is to your personal space, then first prune the branches.

Staking will help encourage vertical growth and will provide greater spatial management too.

3. The Major Stem Starts to Droop

When the Monstera plant is not staked, the inevitable horizontal growth of big broad leaves will lead to drooping.

Since the plants naturally produce broad leaves, it is normal for them to droop a little axially.

Weight management and placing them properly is a must so that some heavier leaves have more support than others. It can help solve the drooping issue.

Interestingly, you will know your Monstera needs more support when the main stem (where all the leaves grow) starts to droop to a particular angle.

This will put your Monstera baby at risk of breaking completely.

5. Monstera is Already a Few Years Old

If you welcomed your Monstera plant to your home or office for a few years and still have not seen any of the signs above, then take this as your sign to repot or transplant.

A Monstera plant will grow, like any other indoor or garden plant, based on the container it has been placed on.

If your Monstera plant has been sitting idly by your side for a few years, it is time to nudge them a bit.

Stake your Monstera plant in the older and the new container when repotting to minimize the risk of death or damage.

Finding The Perfect Stake for Your Monstera Plant

Initially, giving Monstera plant some support is essential but also easy. Lightly tied-up rope can help them not droop and stay upright.

But as years add on, investing in poles will make your life only easy.

Monstera plant staked with small DIY plastic trellis

Below you will find the poles that can be used as stakes for your Monstera plant.

Name	Dimension	Weight
Moss Pole	17.17 x 4.33 x 2.13 inches	13.4 ounces
Bamboo Stake	35 x 0.25 x 0.25 inches	0.64 ounces
Rebar Stake	17.63 x 4.73 x 2.36 inches	7.41 ounces
Coconut Coir	23.62 x 1.77 x 1.77 inches	6.35 ounces

1. Moss Pole

Moss poles are the most popular and arguably the best choice for staking your Monstera.

Their fuzzy texture mimics the mossy growth in forest trees, similar to those the plant latch onto for growth.

The taller and wider the moss pole, the healthier and larger your monstera plant will grow.

2. Bamboo Stake

Bamboo stakes are more affordable options. They have versatile usage when it comes to gardening, from field staking to containers or garden staking.

They are lightweight but super strong and will last you several seasons.

Since they are easily available in the market, you can work with minimal tools to fit and fashion them into a trellis-like structure for Monstera inside and outside your house.

3. Slender Rebar

If you have planted your Monstera in a green room or an outdoor garden space, investing the time and money for slender rebars can be an option.

This will protect the Monstera from any weather and easily be converted into a cemented structure with the help of a few mesh and plaster.

4. Coconut Coir

If you are sure your Monstera will stay indoors for the foreseeable future, then coconut coir will work for you.

They are great for growing in medium indoor settings. They make for great climbing poles and provide ample support for your Monstera.

Your plant will latch onto it happily and will enjoy the moisture it absorbs from the environment.

5. Tree Slab

Believe it or not, tree slabs make the perfect addition to your Monstera plant as stakes.

The external part of a tree slab will provide ample strength to your Monstera.

It will imitate the natural habitat and help train the Monstera like in the wild.

6. DIY Stick Stake

If you are in an adventurous DIY mood, try making your custom stakes.

There are great alternatives, like adding moss to a stick or using PVC pipe to size as a stake for your monster.

Staking A Monstera Plant

First, gather all the materials and settle down for a few hours to stake your Monstera plant. The process itself does not take long if done correctly.

Materials Needed for Staking Monstera

Potted Monstera
Bamboo Sticks
Coir
Soft Plant Ties
Cotton String

Now that you know the materials required to stake your Monstera, follow through as I cover the steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

It is essential that you prep the soil before inserting your stake. If done incorrectly, the stake might damage your Monstera plant’s roots.

Gently loosen the soil around the Monstera stem. Make enough space to locate the heaviest stem that will require support.

Clear out as much soil away from the roots directly connected to the said stem.

Step 2: Insert the Stake Into the Soil

Once the soil and the area are identified and prepared, use a garden spade or some long-handled tool for the stake.

Start with tiny holes and dig deeper until there is enough space for the stake to stand wobbling.

Manage the stake to provide the best support to the heaviest stem. Move it around if necessary.

After placing the stake, add the earlier removed soil to firm the stake and not wobble around and sag. Make sure it touches the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Utilize Support Materials

If you have done the earlier steps correctly, support materials are just fancy accessories. But it does not hurt to be safe.

Use plant tapes, twines, or hemp ropes to have an extra backbone on top of the stake support.

Just make sure you do not connect the stems of your Monstera to the stakes too firmly, so they do not get damaged. They should be anchored firmly, not strangled.

To keep the stake straight, lay it in the new pot and cover it with soil.

Staking a Mini Monstera

Usually, Monstera plants are big and grow to take up quite a lot of space and attention. But some variants are mini in comparison.

Shape and look-wise, mini Monstera look like the popular version of the plant scientifically named Monstera Deliciosa.

The only difference is that they do not grow so big horizontally, and their leaves are much smaller.

Because Mini Monstera does not spread so wide, they like to reach the sky at lightning speed. So, your Mini Monstera will need to be staked quite early on.

If Mini Monstera is not provided with good support early on, it will drop dramatically.

Staking Mini Monstera is a similar process to regular Monstera.

Just cut the moss pole, coconut coir, or any other staking choice for the height you want the Mini Monstera to reach.

Train Your Indoor Monstera Plant Around Support

1. Train Them Early

Training the Monstera plant early when it is young with indoor stake support is easiest when they have not reached its true potential.

Each stem, including the main one, will be malleable to some extent. And so, you can shift them around the stake to encourage growth in the direction that works best for you.

To train your Monstera plant to climb, support the plant with a stake to encourage the plant to grow upright. The plant will follow its natural inclination and climb.

2. Latching Process

You can still train your older Monstera plants to climb the indoor support. It just requires a bit of careful consideration.

Since the stems will not be as flexible but stiffer, the training will take more time and patience.

Gently and loosely tie the stems to the stake. Tighten the tie every few days until you are sure they are growing the way you like best.

3. Moisturizing the Stake

Training your Monstera plant will be ten times easier with a moist stake. The reason is the aerial roots (that will help your Monstera climb to greater heights) will seek water from the moist stake.

Spray the stake with water every few days to hydrate it and keep it growing in the right direction.

4. Extending the Stake When Needed

When the Monstera plants find the right path, they will grow speedily.

Work smarter and not harder by having an extension plan ready.

Attaching an extendable pole or simply tying two poles together will do the job, and your Monstera will happily latch on for the ride.

5. Rotation for Even Growth

Do not leave your Monstera facing one place for a long time. It will quickly find the light source and lean toward that direction.

If the plant is left facing only one direction for a long, all the leaves will grow in that direction, causing the entire plant to grow with its imbalanced weight distribution precariously.

Rotate the plant regularly. Maybe move it every few inches every time you water your Monstera. This will encourage even growth.

6. Consistent Trimming

If you do not trim properly and regularly, your space will be all Monstera. Prune the leaves and branches often.

You do not have to be sad about the trim. Take it as an opportunity to grow your indoor plant collection or thank a friendly neighbor like mine with a Monstera baby gift.

Tips for Routine Maintenance of Monstera Plant

If you are still reading on, you must love your Monstera almost as much as I do! Or even planning to get one.

Take my final advice below to help you jumpstart on this monstera journey.

Place your Monstera plant where it can receive gentle sunlight. Medium to bright indirect light is best for your Monstera plant.
Do not stick them too close to the wall. They will be happy, placed a few feet away from a wall that gets bright indirect light.
Monstera plants prefer slightly moist soil. But do not overdo it. Let the soil dry out a little bit between waterings.
As mentioned earlier, rotate your Monstera periodically.
Dust your Monstera leaves in between waterings.
Look below the surface of your plant and keep an eye out for pests like thrips or mealybugs. If you find any, read how to treat thrips on Monstera leaves to treat them immediately!
Repot your Monstera every 18-24 months.
When you repot, always pick a 2 – 4 inches larger container in diameter to allow for growth.

Final Thought

Now that you know everything about staking and training your Monstera plant, I hope you feel more confident starting.

The joy of watching your beloved Monstera thrive is immense. After you stake the plant, you will see an overall betterment in its form and health.

Remember, every plant is a unique being and will have varying needs. Pay close attention to your Monstera and troubleshoot your way to a long and happy friendship.