Why Is My Monstera Growing Sideways Common Staking Mistakes To Avoid

If your Monstera deliciosa is leaning dramatically to one side or stretching horizontally across your shelf, you're not alone. This tropical favorite often surprises new plant parents with its wandering growth habits. While some lateral movement is natural, persistent sideways growth usually signals underlying issues—most commonly, improper support or incorrect staking techniques. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can transform your Monstera from a sprawled-out specimen into a towering, jungle-like centerpiece.

Monsteras are hemiepiphytes in their native habitats, meaning they begin life on the forest floor but quickly climb upward using aerial roots to latch onto trees. Without vertical support, they revert to horizontal expansion, sacrificing height and leaf development. The good news? With the right care and correct staking methods, you can redirect that energy skyward and encourage strong, upright growth.

Why Monsteras Grow Sideways: The Science Behind the Lean

The primary reason a Monstera grows sideways is phototropism—its natural tendency to grow toward light. In low-light environments, especially indoors, the plant stretches in the direction of the nearest window, often resulting in a pronounced lean. But light isn’t the only factor. Gravitropism, or the plant’s response to gravity, also plays a role. When a stem lacks structural support, it cannot maintain an upright position and gradually bends under its own weight.

Another contributing factor is the absence of a proper climbing surface. In the wild, Monsteras use their aerial roots to anchor themselves to tree trunks, allowing them to grow vertically and expose more leaves to sunlight. Indoors, without a moss pole, trellis, or stake, the plant has no choice but to spread laterally, producing longer internodes (the space between leaves) and smaller, less fenestrated foliage.

Tip: Rotate your Monstera 90 degrees every week to promote even growth and prevent one-sided stretching.

Common Staking Mistakes That Encourage Sideways Growth

Even well-intentioned plant owners often make critical errors when staking their Monsteras. These missteps don’t just fail to correct sideways growth—they can actually worsen it or damage the plant over time.

1. Using Flimsy or Short Supports

A stake that’s too short or made of weak material won’t provide lasting support. Bamboo skewers from the kitchen drawer might work temporarily, but as your Monstera gains height and weight, these supports buckle or snap. Similarly, stakes that don’t extend several inches above the tallest node offer no room for future growth, forcing new stems to arch outward.

2. Improper Attachment Methods

Tying stems too tightly with wire or thin string can girdle the plant, restricting nutrient flow and damaging the stem. On the other hand, loose ties allow excessive movement, preventing the plant from forming a stable connection with the support. Velcro plant ties are ideal because they’re gentle yet secure, allowing for slight movement without constriction.

3. Installing the Stake Too Late

Many people wait until their Monstera is already leaning before adding a stake. By then, the stem may have developed a permanent curve, making realignment difficult. Early intervention—staking when the plant is young and flexible—ensures upright development from the start.

4. Ignoring Aerial Roots

Aerial roots aren’t just for show; they’re functional. When guided toward a moss pole or coir-wrapped stake, they attach and absorb moisture and nutrients, reinforcing the plant’s vertical structure. Tucking them into the soil or cutting them off deprives the plant of crucial anchoring potential.

5. Using Non-Porous or Dry Supports

Moss poles are popular because sphagnum moss retains moisture, encouraging aerial root attachment. However, a dry moss pole or a bare wooden stake offers little incentive for roots to cling. If the support doesn’t mimic the humidity and texture of a tree trunk, the plant won’t engage with it, leading to continued sideways sprawl.

“Staking isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about replicating the Monstera’s natural environment. A well-supported plant develops stronger stems, larger leaves, and more fenestrations.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Tropical Horticulturist, University of Florida

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Stake Your Monstera

Correct staking requires timing, the right materials, and consistent maintenance. Follow this sequence to ensure your Monstera grows upright and healthy.

1. Assess the Plant’s Current State: Check for existing lean, stem flexibility, and aerial root development. If the main stem is severely curved, consider pruning above a healthy node to encourage a new, upright shoot.
2. Choose the Right Support: Opt for a moss pole, coir pole, or sturdy wooden stake at least 6–12 inches taller than the current height of your plant. Moss poles are ideal for mature plants with aerial roots.
3. Install the Stake Deeply: Place the stake near the base of the plant, pushing it at least 4–6 inches into the soil to prevent wobbling. For large pots, use a diagonal insertion for added stability.
4. Attach the Stem Gently: Use soft plant ties (like Velcro or cloth strips) to secure the stem to the stake every 6–8 inches. Avoid tying directly over aerial roots.
5. Guide Aerial Roots: Press any visible aerial roots against the moss pole and mist them regularly. Over time, they will adhere and begin absorbing moisture.
6. Maintain Consistent Care: Keep the moss pole moist (not soggy) by misting it 2–3 times per week. This encourages root attachment and mimics tropical humidity.
7. Monitor and Adjust Monthly: As the plant grows, add new ties and reposition older ones to accommodate upward movement.

Tip: Soak your moss pole in water for 10 minutes once a month to ensure deep hydration and sustained root attraction.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monstera Staking

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a stake taller than your current plant height	Use short or flimsy supports like chopsticks
Secure stems with soft, adjustable ties	Tie stems too tightly with wire or fishing line
Keep moss poles moist to encourage root attachment	Let the support dry out completely
Install stakes early in the plant’s growth	Wait until the plant is already leaning heavily
Rotate the plant weekly for even light exposure	Place the plant in a dark corner with one-sided light

Real Example: From Floor-Sprawler to Upright Statement

Sarah, a plant enthusiast in Portland, noticed her two-year-old Monstera was taking over her bookshelf, creeping sideways toward a north-facing window. Despite regular watering and fertilizing, the leaves were small and lacked splits. After researching, she realized she’d been using a decorative metal grid as a “trellis,” which offered no grip for aerial roots.

She replaced it with a 5-foot coir pole, secured the main stem with fabric plant ties, and began misting the pole three times a week. Within six weeks, new aerial roots had attached, and the plant started growing upward. Eight months later, her Monstera stood over four feet tall with deeply fenestrated leaves—a dramatic transformation from its former sprawl.

Essential Checklist for Healthy Monstera Growth

• ✅ Choose a support that extends beyond the current height of the plant
• ✅ Install the stake early, before significant leaning occurs
• ✅ Use soft, non-abrasive ties to secure stems
• ✅ Mist moss or coir poles regularly to encourage root attachment
• ✅ Rotate the plant weekly to prevent light-induced leaning
• ✅ Provide bright, indirect light from multiple angles if possible
• ✅ Prune leaning stems to encourage upright new growth
• ✅ Monitor for pests and disease, especially around tied areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stake a Monstera that’s already growing sideways?

Yes, but results depend on stem flexibility. Younger, greener stems can be gently retrained upward with proper support. Older, woody stems may retain their curve, so focus on guiding new growth. You can also prune above a node to stimulate a new upright shoot.

What’s better: a moss pole or a trellis?

A moss pole is generally superior for Monsteras because it supports aerial root attachment and provides a textured, moisture-retentive surface that mimics tree bark. Trellises work well for vining plants like pothos but don’t offer the same biological benefits for Monsteras.

How tight should plant ties be?

Ties should be snug enough to prevent swaying but loose enough to allow slight movement and stem expansion. You should be able to slide a finger between the tie and the stem. Recheck ties monthly, as stems thicken over time.

Conclusion: Transform Your Monstera’s Growth Today

Your Monstera doesn’t have to remain a floor-crawling vine. With the right support and timely intervention, you can guide it toward the majestic, upright form it’s capable of achieving. Avoid the common pitfalls of weak stakes, improper ties, and delayed installation. Instead, invest in a durable, moisture-friendly support system and commit to consistent care. The result? Larger leaves, prominent fenestrations, and a plant that truly thrives—not just survives.

💬 Have you corrected your Monstera’s sideways growth? Share your story or ask questions in the comments—your experience could help another plant lover get it right!