How to Train a Monstera to Climb: Moss Pole vs. Trellis

1. Understanding Monstera's Natural Climbing Behavior

Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a tropical epiphyte that naturally climbs trees in its native habitat. In the wild, it uses aerial roots to anchor itself to vertical surfaces, seeking sunlight and stability. When grown indoors, training your Monstera to climb mimics this natural behavior, promoting healthier growth, larger leaves, and a more structured appearance. The plant's aerial roots will actively seek support, making it essential to provide a suitable structure like a moss pole or trellis.

2. Moss Pole: A Natural Climbing Support

A moss pole is a popular choice for training Monstera because it closely resembles the plant's natural environment. Made of a sturdy core wrapped in sphagnum moss or coco coir, it provides a moist, textured surface that encourages aerial roots to attach and grow. Here's how it benefits the plant:

• Moisture Retention: The moss retains water, creating a humid microclimate that aerial roots can absorb, mimicking tropical conditions.
• Encourages Attachment: The rough texture allows roots to grip tightly, stabilizing the plant as it grows upward.
• Promotes Larger Leaves: As the Monstera climbs, it often produces larger, more fenestrated leaves, a sign of maturity.

To train your Monstera on a moss pole, gently tie the stems to the pole using soft plant ties, ensuring not to damage the stems. Over time, the aerial roots will naturally attach to the moss.

3. Trellis: A Versatile Climbing Alternative

A trellis is another effective support system for Monstera, offering flexibility in design and placement. Trellises can be made of wood, metal, or plastic and come in various shapes (e.g., ladder, grid, or fan). From the plant's perspective, a trellis provides:

• Structural Variety: The open design allows for creative training, enabling the plant to spread horizontally or vertically.
• Air Circulation: Unlike a moss pole, a trellis doesn't retain moisture, which may be preferable in humid environments to prevent rot.
• Ease of Adjustment: Stems can be easily repositioned as the plant grows, offering more control over its shape.

To use a trellis, guide the stems through or tie them to the structure, ensuring the aerial roots have contact points to explore. However, unlike a moss pole, the roots won't penetrate the trellis, so regular tying may be necessary.

4. Comparing Moss Pole and Trellis for Monstera

From the plant's perspective, the choice between a moss pole and a trellis depends on its growth habits and environmental needs:

• Root Attachment: Moss poles encourage deeper root attachment, while trellises rely on manual training.
• Humidity Preferences: Moss poles are ideal for plants in dry environments, whereas trellises suit areas with adequate humidity.
• Growth Style: Moss poles promote vertical growth, while trellises allow for more sprawling or artistic shapes.

Observing your Monstera's response is key—if aerial roots actively seek moisture, a moss pole may be better. If the plant adapts well to manual training, a trellis could suffice.

5. Maintenance Tips for Climbing Monsteras

Regardless of the support system, proper maintenance ensures healthy climbing:

• Regularly Check Ties: Avoid constricting stems by loosening ties as the plant grows.
• Mist Moss Poles: Keep moss poles damp to maintain humidity and encourage root attachment.
• Prune as Needed: Remove dead or overcrowded leaves to direct energy toward climbing growth.