Monsteras are known for their wild, sprawling beauty.
Their leaves split and stretch, their stems climb and twist, and before you know it—they’re taking over the living room.
It starts with one big leaf leaning to the side.
Then another.
And then the whole plant looks like it’s trying to escape the pot.
If your Monstera is growing out of control, don’t worry.
It’s not misbehaving.
It’s just doing what Monsteras do.
But to keep it healthy—and your space tidy—it’s time to give it a little support.
Tying and supporting your Monstera helps guide its growth, prevents damage, and keeps it looking stunning.
And you don’t need to be a plant expert to do it.
All you need are a few simple tools, a gentle touch, and a little bit of know-how.
Let’s dig into how to help your Monstera grow tall, strong, and beautifully contained.
Why Monsteras Love to Climb
Monsteras come from tropical rainforests where they grow on trees.
They use their aerial roots to grab onto trunks and vines, climbing their way toward the sunlight.
In nature, they don’t stay low to the ground—they reach for the sky.
So when your Monstera starts growing upward or outward, it’s not random.
It’s just trying to climb.
When we grow Monsteras indoors, they still have that same instinct.
They grow big leaves, long stems, and roots that hang in the air.
But without something to grab onto, they get floppy, bendy, or even break under their own weight.
That’s where support comes in.
By giving your Monstera something to climb, you’re mimicking its natural environment.
This helps the plant grow straighter, fuller, and healthier.
It also keeps your home from looking like a jungle gym.
Signs Your Monstera Needs Support Now
You don’t need to wait until your plant falls over to give it support.
There are a few clear signs that your Monstera is ready to be tied and trained.
First, look at the stems.
Are they drooping or leaning hard to one side?
That’s a signal the plant needs help standing upright.
Next, check for aerial roots.
If they’re growing in every direction and looking for something to grab, your Monstera is craving structure.
Also, if your plant has grown taller than its pot, or its center feels wobbly, it’s time to act.
Don’t ignore these clues.
If left unsupported, your Monstera might bend too far, snap a stem, or develop uneven growth.
Catching it early makes the job easier—and your plant happier.
Choosing the Right Support Structure
There are a few different support options for your Monstera, and each one works a little differently.
The most popular choice is a moss pole.
It mimics the texture and moisture of tree bark, which Monsteras naturally love.
Aerial roots can attach to the moss, and the pole gives the plant something solid to climb.
Another option is a coir pole—made from coconut fiber.
It works just like a moss pole but has a rougher texture and usually dries out faster.
Then there’s the trellis.
If your Monstera is growing wide instead of tall, a wooden or metal trellis can help direct its shape and give lateral support.
You can also use stakes—simple sticks or rods that anchor the plant and stop it from tipping over.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Choose the support that works best for your space, your plant’s shape, and your personal style.
How to Install a Moss Pole Like a Pro
If you’re going with a moss pole, here’s how to install it the right way.
Start by choosing a pole that’s taller than your plant—Monsteras grow fast, so give them room to climb.
Next, insert the pole into the soil near the base of your plant.
Do this gently, but firmly.
You want the pole to go deep enough to stay stable, but not so deep that it disturbs the roots too much.
Place the pole on the side where the Monstera is leaning or growing.
That way, you’re helping it grow toward the support naturally.
If your Monstera already has aerial roots, position the pole so the roots are close enough to grab on.
Once the pole is in, it’s time to tie the stems in place.
But don’t rush—there’s a right way to do it.
Tying Your Monstera Without Hurting It
Tying your Monstera is all about support, not restriction.
You want the plant to feel guided—not trapped.
Use soft plant ties, velcro strips, garden twine, or even stretchy fabric.
Avoid wire, string, or anything that could cut into the stem as it grows.
Start by gently gathering the stem and pressing it lightly against the moss pole.
Then, tie a loose loop around the stem and the pole.
Make sure it’s snug enough to hold, but not tight.
You should be able to fit a finger between the tie and the stem.
Repeat this every 6 to 12 inches as the plant grows upward.
If your Monstera starts to shift or lean, adjust the ties as needed.
Think of it like braces for your plant—firm, but flexible.
Over time, the aerial roots will attach to the pole and do some of the holding on their own.
But until then, your ties are keeping everything in place.
What to Do With Those Wandering Aerial Roots
Aerial roots are your Monstera’s built-in climbing tools.
They help the plant latch onto supports and pull in moisture from the air.
But sometimes, they grow wild—reaching out in all directions like little brown tentacles.
So what should you do with them?
If they’re near the moss pole, guide them toward it.
You can even tuck them into the moss or tie them loosely to the pole so they start attaching naturally.
If they’re growing far away from the support, you can gently direct them back toward it using soft ties.
Don’t cut them off unless they’re dead or dry.
Healthy aerial roots are useful and normal.
They might not be the prettiest thing in the world, but they’re doing important work.
Let them climb, wrap, and stretch—it’s all part of what makes a Monstera, well, a Monstera.
Pruning for Better Shape and Balance
Tying and supporting your Monstera helps guide its shape—but pruning helps perfect it.
If your plant is growing unevenly, you can trim it to balance things out.
Start by removing any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves.
They’re not helping the plant, and they take up space and energy.
Next, look at how your Monstera is growing.
If one side is way bushier or longer than the other, trim back a few stems to even it out.
Always cut just above a node—the place where a leaf meets the stem.
This encourages new growth in the right spot.
You can also prune back stems that are growing away from the pole.
This helps redirect energy to the parts that are climbing and keeps your plant looking neat and upright.
Plus, those cuttings?
You can propagate them into brand-new Monsteras.
Keeping Your Support System Strong Over Time
Once your Monstera is tied and climbing, the job’s not over.
You’ll need to keep an eye on it as it grows.
Monsteras can shoot up fast, especially in spring and summer.
Check your ties every few weeks.
If they’re getting too tight, loosen or replace them.
If your moss pole is getting too short, you may need to extend it or add a second one on top.
Some poles are designed to stack—just pop the new one on and keep going.
Also, mist your moss pole every few days to keep it damp.
Moist poles encourage aerial roots to attach more quickly.
Just don’t overdo it—you don’t want to soak the soil every time you mist the pole.
A little spray near the roots goes a long way.
Regular maintenance keeps your Monstera climbing strong and healthy.
What to Do if Your Monstera Has Already Flopped Over
If your Monstera has already gotten out of hand—flopped over, tangled up, or growing like a wild octopus—it’s not too late.
First, gently untangle any stems that are overlapping or twisted.
Be patient and take your time.
Next, decide what kind of support system you want to use, and insert it into the pot carefully.
Then start tying the stems one at a time.
You might need to prune a few leaves or stems to make it all fit properly.
Don’t worry if it looks a little awkward at first.
Give it time to adjust and fill in.
Your Monstera will grow into its new shape before you know it.
Plants are forgiving.
They just need a little help getting back on track.
Let It Climb, and It Will Shine
A supported Monstera is a happy Monstera.
When you give it something to climb, it grows taller, fuller, and more confidently.
The leaves get bigger.
The splits get deeper.
And the plant transforms from a messy sprawl into a stunning, sculptural showpiece.
It’s not just about keeping things neat—it’s about helping your plant live its best life.
A climbing Monstera is doing what it was meant to do.
And it all starts with a simple pole, a few ties, and a bit of care.
Final Thoughts
Tying and supporting your Monstera might seem like a chore at first.
But once you see the results, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
It’s not about controlling your plant—it’s about giving it the tools to thrive.
Whether it’s climbing a moss pole, stretching up a trellis, or wrapping around a wooden stake, your Monstera just wants to grow.
All you have to do is help guide the way.
With the right support, those wild stems become a beautiful structure.
The leaves turn into natural art.
And your plant becomes a living centerpiece.
So go ahead—give your Monstera the lift it needs.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a little support to help something amazing grow.