Do you have a Monstera plant that just won’t stay upright? It can be frustrating when your beautiful houseplant starts leaning to one side or even falls over completely.
But don’t worry, there are several reasons why this happens and simple solutions to keep your Monstera upright.
In this article, we’ll explore the growth habit of the Monstera plant, understand why it falls over, and provide you with four tips to support your leaning Monstera.
The Growth Habit of Monstera Deliciosa
To understand why your Monstera is falling over, it’s essential to know its growth habit. Monstera deliciosa is native to the tropical forests of Mexico, where it grows in humid conditions.
In its natural habitat, Monstera deliciosa starts as a creeping seedling on the forest floor. It then searches for a tree to attach onto, using its aerial roots, and begins climbing upwards.
This unique growth habit makes Monstera deliciosa a hemiepiphyte, which means it lives part of its life as an epiphyte attached to trees.
Reasons Why Your Monstera Falls Over
When you grow Monstera deliciosa indoors, it mimics its natural growth habit by producing aerial roots and vining upwards. However, without the support of a tree, your Monstera may start leaning or falling over.
This is not a sign of a sick plant; it simply needs a support system to keep it upright. Here are a few reasons why your Monstera may fall over:
- Lack of support: Without a tree or other vertical surface to attach to, your Monstera will struggle to support its own weight. It needs a support system to prevent it from leaning or falling over.
- Vine length: As your Monstera grows, the vines can become long and heavy. Without proper support, they may bend and cause the whole plant to lean or topple over.
- Pot size: If your Monstera outgrows its pot, it can become top-heavy, leading to instability and a higher risk of falling over.
- Environmental factors: Factors such as strong winds, improper watering, or inconsistent lighting can weaken your Monstera’s structure and contribute to it falling over.
Now that we understand why Monstera plants fall over, let’s explore four tips to keep your Monstera upright.
Tip 1: Moss Pole
One of the most popular supports for Monstera deliciosa is a moss pole. A moss pole mimics a tree trunk and allows your Monstera to attach its aerial roots and climb.
While there are many moss poles available for purchase, making your own can be a cost-effective and rewarding option. Here’s how to make a moss pole for your Monstera:
- Materials:
- PVC coated hardware mesh
- Sphagnum moss
- Twist ties
- Plastic-coated stake
- Assembly:
- Cut the PVC coated hardware mesh to your desired height and width.
- Roll the mesh into a cylinder shape and secure it with twist ties.
- Stuff the cylinder with moist sphagnum moss, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Attach the plastic-coated stake to the moss pole for added stability.
- Installation:
- Place the moss pole in the center of your Monstera’s pot.
- Gently guide the aerial roots towards the moss pole and secure them with twist ties or plant clips.
- As your Monstera grows, continue to guide the vines towards the moss pole for support.
A moss pole provides a natural and sturdy support system for your Monstera, allowing it to thrive and grow upright.
Tip 2: Bamboo or Hardwood Stake Tripod
Another easy and effective method to support your Monstera is by using a bamboo or hardwood stake tripod. This method is particularly useful if your Monstera has multiple vines or is larger in size.
Here’s how to create a stake tripod for your Monstera:
- Materials:
- Sturdy bamboo stakes or hardwood tomato stakes (6 feet tall)
- Twine or garden stretch tie tape
- Assembly:
- Drive three or four bamboo stakes into the pot, evenly spaced around your Monstera.
- Tie the tops of the stakes together using twine or garden stretch tie tape.
- Installation:
- Gently guide each Monstera vine towards a stake and loosely tie it with twine or stretch tie tape.
- Avoid tying the vines too tightly to allow for growth and movement.
- As your Monstera grows, continue to guide the vines towards the stake tripod for support.
A bamboo or hardwood stake tripod provides excellent stability and support for your Monstera, ensuring it remains upright and healthy.
Tip 3: Rough Wood Plank
Using a rough wood plank made from rot-resistant wood, such as cedar, is another effective option to support your leaning Monstera.
This method works well when you need to repot your plant. Here’s how to use a rough wood plank as a support system for your Monstera:
- Materials:
- Rough wood plank (cedar or other rot-resistant wood)
- Stretch tie tape or garden twine
- Installation:
- Place the rough wood plank in the pot alongside your Monstera during repotting.
- Secure the Monstera vines to the wood plank using stretch tie tape or garden twine.
- As the Monstera grows, the aerial roots will naturally attach to the wood plank, providing support and stability.
A rough wood plank adds a natural and rustic touch to your Monstera’s support system, while also ensuring it remains upright and secure.
Tip 4: Single Stakes Made of Coconut Coir or Other Materials
If you prefer a more flexible and customizable support system, you can use single stakes made of coconut coir or other materials. These stakes are easy to extend and provide a versatile option for your Monstera.
You can also get creative and make your own stakes using materials like rope wrapped around a wooden post or PVC pipe. Here’s how to use single stakes for your Monstera:
- Materials:
- Coco coir posts or other materials for making stakes
- Rope, twine, or stretch tie tape
- Installation:
- Place the single stakes around your Monstera, evenly spaced for balance and support.
- Secure the Monstera vines to the stakes using rope, twine, or stretch tie tape.
- Allow room for growth and movement by not tying the vines too tightly.
Using single stakes made of coconut coir or other materials provides a customizable and adaptable support system for your Monstera, ensuring it remains upright and healthy.
Conclusion
Keeping your Monstera plant upright is essential for its growth and aesthetic appeal. By understanding the growth habit of Monstera deliciosa and providing the necessary support, you can prevent your plant from leaning or falling over.
Whether you choose to use a moss pole, bamboo stake tripod, rough wood plank, or single stakes, each method offers unique benefits and can be tailored to suit your plant’s needs.
Experiment with different support systems and find the one that works best for your Monstera. With the proper support, your Monstera will thrive and continue to beautify your indoor space for years to come.
Remember, the key to a healthy and upright Monstera is providing the support it needs to mimic its natural growth habit. With these four tips, you can ensure your Monstera remains strong, stable, and stunning.