Plant Care Guide
How to Stake a Monstera Properly
Monsteras are natural climbers, but the position of the support matters. Learn how to find the back of your plant, position a stake or moss pole correctly and support your Monstera as it grows.
Front of the Plant
- The leaves naturally face away from the stem.
- Leaf stalks emerge towards the front and sides.
- A support should not sit in front of the leaves.
- Avoid tying individual leaf stalks to the pole.
- Leaves need freedom to turn towards the light.
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Back of the Plant
- Aerial roots usually emerge from this side.
- This is the side that naturally climbs against support.
- Your pole, plank or stake should sit here.
- The main stem can be gently secured to the support.
- Aerial roots can be guided towards the support.
Choose the Right Support
- Moss pole: gives aerial roots something they may grow into when kept appropriately moist.
- Coir pole: provides a firm climbing support and is easy to use.
- Wooden plank: a simple, sturdy option for larger Monsteras.
- Bamboo or plant stake: useful for basic support but offers less surface area for climbing.
- Choose a support tall and strong enough for the size your plant is likely to reach.
Find the Back of Your Monstera
- Look along the main stem and find where the aerial roots are growing from.
- The aerial-root side is generally the back of the plant.
- The leaves will usually face away from this side towards the light.
- Position your support directly behind the main stem on the aerial-root side.
- If your pot contains several Monstera plants, each stem may face a slightly different direction.
How to Add the Support
- If possible, add the support when repotting so you can position it securely without forcing it through established roots.
- Place the pole or stake close behind the main stem.
- Push the support deeply enough into the potting mix that it does not wobble.
- Backfill around the support with potting mix and gently firm it into position.
- Check that the plant is facing forwards with the aerial-root side resting towards the support.
Where Should You Tie It?
- Secure the main climbing stem rather than the individual leaf stalks.
- Use soft plant ties, Velcro tape or another flexible material.
- Keep ties loose enough to allow the stem to thicken as it grows.
- Place ties around sturdy sections of stem between the leaves where possible.
- Add additional ties gradually as the plant grows upwards.
What About Aerial Roots?
- Aerial roots are completely normal and are part of the Monstera's climbing habit.
- You can gently guide aerial roots towards a moss pole, coir pole or plank.
- Long aerial roots can also be directed towards the potting mix if convenient.
- Do not force or sharply bend established aerial roots as they can snap.
- You do not need to cut healthy aerial roots simply because they look untidy.
Common Staking Mistakes
- Putting the pole on the front of the plant instead of the aerial-root side.
- Tying leaf stalks tightly against the support.
- Using a support that is too short or flimsy for the plant.
- Installing a thick pole through an established root ball and damaging roots.
- Expecting a pole alone to create bigger leaves without also providing good light and growing conditions.
Repotting at the same time?
Give the Roots Room to Breathe
Monsteras prefer an airy, free-draining growing medium around their roots. Explore our peat-free mixes and plant care products designed to support healthy growth.
Not sure which way your Monstera faces?
It can be tricky to identify the front and back of a mature or multi-stem plant. Visit the Plant Help Hub and send us clear photos of the stem and aerial roots if you need help.
Visit Plant Help Hub