Why Is My Monstera Growing Sideways Instead Of Up

Monstera deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves and tropical presence, is a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. But when your Monstera starts stretching sideways instead of reaching upward, it can be confusing—and concerning. This lateral growth isn’t a sign of disease, but rather a response to environmental cues. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior allows you to guide your plant back toward strong, upright development. The key lies in light, support, pruning, and consistent care.

Understanding Monstera Growth Habits

In its natural rainforest habitat, Monstera climbs tall trees using aerial roots to reach brighter light in the canopy. This climbing instinct drives vertical growth. When grown indoors, however, that instinct can go unfulfilled. Without adequate light or structural support, the plant adapts by sending out long, horizontal stems in search of better conditions—a process known as phototropism.

Sideways growth often begins at the node, where new leaves emerge. If the plant senses weak or uneven light, it will stretch toward the brightest source, even if that means growing across a shelf or floor. While not harmful, unchecked lateral growth leads to leggy stems, sparse foliage, and an unbalanced appearance.

Tip: Rotate your Monstera every 7–10 days to promote even growth and prevent one-sided stretching.

Primary Causes of Sideways Growth

Several factors contribute to horizontal development. Identifying the root cause is essential for correcting the issue.

1. Inadequate or Uneven Light

The most common reason Monstera grows sideways is insufficient or directional light. These plants require bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6–8 hours daily. When light comes from only one direction—such as a single window—the plant bends toward it, creating a lopsided form. Over time, this results in elongated internodes (the space between leaves) and reduced leaf size.

2. Lack of Climbing Support

Without a moss pole, trellis, or stake, Monstera has no incentive to grow vertically. In nature, it uses trees as scaffolding. Indoors, the absence of support triggers a survival mechanism: spreading outward to maximize surface area for light absorption. Unsupported stems may also flop under their own weight, reinforcing horizontal growth.

3. Legginess from Low Light Conditions

Prolonged exposure to low light causes etiolation—rapid stem elongation with minimal leaf production. The plant sacrifices compactness for reach, resulting in weak, spindly growth. Once etiolated, those stems won’t revert to upright growth on their own.

4. Natural Vine Behavior

Some degree of lateral spread is normal, especially in mature plants. Monstera naturally produces vining stems that trail or climb. However, excessive sideways movement without upward progression indicates an imbalance in care conditions.

5. Improper Pruning or Training

Failure to prune or train your Monstera can lead to chaotic growth patterns. Unpruned side shoots dominate energy distribution, overshadowing central vertical growth. Strategic trimming redirects energy to desired areas.

“Plants don’t grow toward light by accident—they grow toward survival. When your Monstera stretches sideways, it’s not misbehaving; it’s responding to what it perceives as limited resources.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Botanist & Indoor Plant Specialist

How to Encourage Upright Growth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Correcting sideways growth requires adjusting environment and structure. Follow these steps to guide your Monstera back on track.

1. Assess Light Quality and Direction
   Move your Monstera to a spot with bright, indirect light—near an east- or south-facing window. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch leaves. Use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light. If natural light is limited, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light placed 12–18 inches above the plant for 10–12 hours daily.
2. Introduce a Support Structure
   Install a moss pole, coir pole, or bamboo trellis in the pot. Gently tie the main stem and aerial roots to the support using soft plant ties or velcro strips. As the plant climbs, it will thicken its stem and produce larger, fenestrated leaves. Moss poles also provide moisture for aerial roots, encouraging healthier growth.
3. Rotate the Plant Regularly
   Turn the pot a quarter turn weekly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This prevents the plant from favoring one direction and promotes symmetrical development.
4. Prune Strategically
   Use clean, sharp shears to cut back overly long or weak lateral stems just above a node. This encourages branching and redirects energy to vertical growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve overall vigor.
5. Train New Growth
   As new leaves emerge, gently guide them upward along the support. Tuck wandering vines back toward the center. Consistent training over weeks establishes a dominant central leader.

Tip: Pinch off the tip of a lateral vine to stimulate branching and reduce horizontal sprawl.

Support Options Compared: What Works Best?

Choosing the right support system makes a significant difference in growth direction and plant health. Below is a comparison of common options.

Support Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Moss Pole	Provides moisture for aerial roots; mimics natural habitat; encourages thicker stems	Requires regular misting; can harbor pests if overwatered	Growers seeking lush, jungle-like growth
Coir Pole	Durable, sustainable, retains moisture well; easier to maintain than moss	Less absorbent than sphagnum moss; may degrade over time	Long-term indoor setups
Bamboo Trellis	Sturdy, decorative, easy to install; good for guiding multiple stems	Does not support aerial root attachment; purely structural	Plants needing light support or aesthetic framing
Wooden Stake	Affordable, simple, blends naturally with decor	Limited height; doesn’t encourage root attachment	Young or small Monsteras

Mini Case Study: Reviving a Sideways Monstera

Sarah, a plant lover in Chicago, noticed her Monstera was crawling across her bookshelf instead of growing up. After two years of steady but horizontal growth, the plant had long stems with small leaves spaced far apart. She realized the issue: the plant sat near a north-facing window with limited light and no support.

She took action. First, she moved the Monstera to a brighter spot near a south-facing window, using a sheer curtain to filter harsh afternoon rays. Next, she installed a 5-foot moss pole and loosely tied the main stem to it. She began rotating the plant weekly and started using a grow light during winter months. Within three months, new growth emerged more upright, and existing stems showed improved tautness. By month six, the plant was climbing confidently, producing larger, deeply split leaves.

Sarah’s experience illustrates that even long-established growth patterns can be corrected with consistent intervention.

Care Checklist for Upright Monstera Growth

• ✅ Place in bright, indirect light (6–8 hours daily)
• ✅ Rotate plant every 7–10 days
• ✅ Install a moss or coir pole for climbing support
• ✅ Secure stems gently with plant ties
• ✅ Prune leggy or excessive lateral growth
• ✅ Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry
• ✅ Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring to summer)
• ✅ Mist aerial roots regularly if using a moss pole
• ✅ Inspect for pests and dust leaves monthly
• ✅ Trim yellow or damaged foliage promptly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut the sideways-growing stem off completely?

Yes, you can prune long horizontal stems without harming the plant. Cut just above a node to encourage new growth from that point. You can also propagate the cutting in water or soil to grow a new plant. Removing excessively stretched stems helps redirect energy to healthier, upright growth.

Will my Monstera grow upward again after growing sideways?

New growth can grow upward if you correct the conditions—especially light and support. Existing sideways stems won’t reorient themselves, but future leaves and stems will respond to improved care. With consistent training, the plant will gradually develop a more vertical habit.

Do aerial roots help with upright growth?

Aerial roots anchor the plant to supports in nature and absorb moisture from the air. When attached to a moss pole, they stabilize the stem and signal the plant to grow thicker and stronger. Encouraging root attachment enhances overall structure and promotes upward development.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Are Key

A Monstera growing sideways isn’t failing—it’s adapting. Your role is to recreate conditions that favor vertical growth: abundant indirect light, physical support, and attentive care. Changes won’t happen overnight. It takes weeks to months for new growth to reflect adjustments. But with patience, your Monstera can transform from a sprawling vine into a towering, architectural centerpiece.

Remember, every plant communicates through its growth. A sideways stretch is not a flaw—it’s feedback. Respond with intention, and you’ll cultivate not just a healthier plant, but a deeper understanding of its needs.

💬 Have a Monstera that’s growing sideways? Share your setup and progress in the comments—we’d love to help you troubleshoot and celebrate your plant wins!