Monsteras are natural-born climbers that hail from the lush tropical rainforests. In the wild, they use their sturdy aerial roots to hitch a ride up massive trees, racing toward the canopy to soak up that essential sunlight. When we bring them indoors, our “Swiss Cheese Plants” still have that urge to climb! To keep your Monstera happy and thriving, you’ll need to provide a solid support system. Let’s dive into which trellises work best and what you should keep in mind when setting them up.
The Best Supports for Your Monstera
If you head to your local garden center, you’ll find a huge variety of ready-to-go supports. Some even come built right into a planter! But if you’re looking to save a few bucks or want a DIY project, there are plenty of great alternatives. Here are some of the most popular choices for Monstera supports:
- Bamboo stakes
- Telescoping poles
- Moss poles (a fan favorite!)
- Bamboo trellises
- A sturdy, long branch from the woods
- Plastic lattice
- Stainless steel grids
- Thin PVC piping
Pro tip: Monstera aerial roots love a bit of texture. In the South American rainforests, they cling to rough tree bark, so materials with a bit of “grip” work best. If you choose something smooth—like PVC or metal—try wrapping it in coconut fiber (coir) or burlap. This gives the roots something to grab onto so the plant feels secure as it grows.
The Aquarium Trick
Here’s a cool secret: aerial roots don’t just want to climb up; they also love to reach down into water to drink up extra nutrients. If you have an aquarium at home, try placing your Monstera right next to it and guiding some of those long aerial roots into the tank. Your plant will act as a natural filter, soaking up nitrates from the fish waste to use as fertilizer, which helps keep the water cleaner for your fish. It’s a total win-win!
