How To Properly Plant A Monstera So That It Grows Straight And Tall

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The easy-to-care-for, vibrantly green monstera (which comes in many monstera plant varieties you really should know about), continues to be a popular houseplant. Not only does it regularly make it onto lists of trending houseplants you won't want to miss, but the National Garden Bureau deemed 2025 the "Year of the Monstera." It's a showstopping houseplant that's glossy, leafy, and dramatic, and it can grow as tall as 15 feet indoors — if you have the room and plant it correctly. Done incorrectly, the monstera (Monstera spp.) could easily become overgrown and unruly, with leaves that branch outward; it could take up lots of space in your home instead of growing straight up.

The key to controlling your monstera is staking it. It's best to stake a new and actively growing monstera plant — the younger the plant, the quicker it can be trained. But you can also stake it when you are repotting it after it has outgrown its current planter. A tip: You'll definitely want to repot and stake a plant you purchased from a big box store because such stores tend to place cuttings from different plants into the same pot. If not repotted and staked right away, these grouped cuttings will grow and spread out in every direction — except up.

The first step in the monstera staking process is to choose a good plant pot (with drainage holes) that's about 2 inches larger than the one it's been living in. Fill the bottom with a well-draining soil, place your monstera in the center, and gently add more soil — ideally by hand — to cover the roots. Next, locate the long, woody roots, called aerial roots, growing out of the back of the plant. Put your stake into the soil behind these aerial roots, but not too close to the plant's stem. Try to place the stake closer to the outside rim of the pot to give your plant space to spread out. Dig the stake in deep without disturbing the roots, and wiggle it a little to make sure it's secure.

Use string, wire, or GCTWFYK Plant Tape (about $14 for six rolls) to tie the monstera's stem to the stake. Continue attaching new lengths of the main stem as your monstera grows. It's also a good idea to wrap the aerial roots around the stake. They tend to stretch out and reach for anything nearby, and can actually damage surface finishings. While almost anything can make a great stake, monstera plants tend to like moss poles, like this Growneer Stackable Coir Totem for a bit over $11. They provide the plant with a bit of nutrients in addition to support. Wood or metal poles or trellises also work well to control your monstera. To stabilize your plant, look for a stake that's at least two-thirds its current height.

Don't despair if you've properly planted and staked your monstera and it's still growing cattywampus. If the plant is noticeably leaning in one direction, it could simply be growing toward the sunlight. Try rotating it a quarter turn each time you water it, or even better, move it to a room with diffuse rays of light. Just be aware of the difference between direct and indirect sunlight — monsteras prefer the latter. The plants get leaf-burn from light that's too strong.

Pruning your monstera plant can help you obtain your preferred shape and prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy. Pruning is best done from spring to early fall, when the plant is growing and has the ability to repair wounds. Use a pair of clean, sharp sheers and try to make purposeful snips without squishing the stems, which can add unnecessary stress. Start by removing any dead, discolored leaves before shaping the plant. Wearing a pair of gardening gloves while you prune is also a very good idea, especially if you notice a sticky, white, sap oozing from your monstera's stems. This is toxic, and can be harmful to you, children, and pets.