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Monstera plants, often known for their unique, fenestrated leaves and their easy-care nature, are a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.
If you’re new to the world of Monsteras, you might be wondering: Are all Monstera plants climbers?
Do they need to climb, or can they be kept as low-growing houseplants?
In this article, we’ll dive into the climbing habits of Monstera plants and explore their natural growth tendencies to help you care for them in the best way possible.
Are All Monstera Climbers?
The short answer is yes most Monstera species are climbers by nature.
Monstera plants, native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, are epiphytic vines in the wild, meaning they grow on other plants or trees for support.
They send out long, sprawling stems that wrap around nearby trees and structures, climbing upwards to access more sunlight.
However, while Monstera plants are climbers in their natural environment, there is some variation among species.
The most common and well-known species of Monstera is the Monstera deliciosa (also called the “Swiss cheese plant”), is an aggressive climber in the wild.
It can grow up to 60 feet or more, using aerial roots to cling to trees as it ascends.
Other Monstera species, like Monstera adansonii (the “small-leaf Monstera” or “Swiss cheese vine”) are also climbers, but they tend to stay smaller and are more commonly grown as hanging plants or trained to climb on smaller supports.
Even though these plants are climbers in their natural habitat, not all Monstera plants necessarily need a trellis or support structure to thrive in your home.
The growth habits of Monsteras can be influenced by factors like available space, light, and care techniques.
Does Monstera Need to Climb?
While Monstera plants are climbers by nature, they do not absolutely need to climb to grow well indoors.
You might be surprised to learn that a Monstera can still thrive even if you don’t provide a trellis or support. However, their growth may be different without a vertical support structure.
When you grow a Monstera without any form of climbing support, it may grow in a more bushy or sprawled-out fashion.
This can actually be a desirable growth pattern for some people who prefer a fuller, more compact appearance.
These plants will still produce beautiful leaves, but they might be smaller compared to those that have the opportunity to climb.
Monstera leaves that grow in low-light or low-space conditions can also lose the characteristic fenestrations (holes or splits), which are more pronounced in climbing plants as they mature.
Climbing allows the plant to reach new heights, capture more light, and grow larger leaves.
In other words, if you want your Monstera to grow tall with large, fenestrated leaves, giving it the option to climb will help mimic its natural growth habit.
However, if you’re looking for a more contained or compact plant, allowing it to grow without climbing is perfectly fine.
Is Monstera a Crawler or Climber?
So, is Monstera a crawler or a climber? The monstera is a climber.
The confusion might arise because of the way Monstera vines grow when they don’t have anything to climb.
If a Monstera doesn’t have support, its vines can “crawl” across the ground or drape downwards, especially if they’re grown in a hanging basket.
However, this behavior is simply a result of the plant searching for something to climb on. In its native habitat, a Monstera will naturally send out aerial roots to cling to trees, rocks, or other structures in its environment.
In a typical indoor setting, without a support structure, a Monstera plant might seem like a “crawler” as it drapes or spreads out along the floor or a table.
But this behavior is not the plant’s natural preference—it’s simply adapting to a lack of space and vertical support.
A Monstera’s true climbing nature can be seen when it’s given a structure like a moss pole, trellis, or even a wall to climb on.
Over time, the plant will send out aerial roots that grip onto the support, and its leaves will grow larger and more deeply lobed, with characteristic fenestrations.
This is the plant’s natural inclination to grow upwards in search of more light and space.
Does a Monstera Need a Trellis?
A trellis or vertical support structure isn’t strictly necessary for your Monstera to survive, but it can help the plant thrive.
As mentioned earlier, in the wild, Monsteras climb trees and other structures to reach higher levels where they can access more sunlight.
By providing a trellis, moss pole, or other support, you essentially give your Monstera the opportunity to follow its natural growth path indoors.
Here’s why you might want to consider using a trellis for your Monstera:
1) Larger, Healthier Leaves
When a Monstera climbs, its leaves become larger and more dramatic. The process of reaching upward and gaining access to light allows the plant to develop its signature large, fenestrated leaves.
If you allow the plant to sprawl or grow on the floor, it may develop smaller leaves without the distinctive holes and splits.
2) Stronger Structure
A Monstera climbing on a trellis will develop stronger stems and roots, which will help support its overall growth.
A trellis can also prevent the plant from becoming leggy or weak, which can happen if it’s left unsupported and starts to sprawl.
3) Aesthetics
A Monstera trained to climb looks stunning in any space. It adds a vertical element to your home decor, which is especially useful if you’re working with limited floor space.
With the right trellis, your Monstera can become a statement piece in your home.
4) Efficiency of Space
If you have limited space or want to create a lush jungle-like atmosphere in your home, using a trellis allows you to grow your Monstera vertically, saving valuable floor space while encouraging healthy, upward growth.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Monstera plants are naturally climbers. Though they can adapt to non-climbing environments, allowing them to climb or using a support structure like a trellis will help them thrive.
Whether you choose to let your Monstera sprawl or climb, it’s important to understand the plant’s natural growth tendencies.
If you want a larger, more dramatic Monstera with bigger leaves, giving it the space and support it needs to climb will help you achieve that.
But if you prefer a more compact, low-maintenance plant, your Monstera will still do well without any support.
Ultimately, the choice between a climber and crawler is up to you and your home’s environment. Regardless of how you grow your Monstera, it will undoubtedly make a stunning addition to your indoor garden!