When they’re young, Monstera plants don’t need a trellis but will appreciate one when they grow taller and heavier. These plants are quite adaptable and can be trained to climb up a trellis or another good support like a moss pole. However, the best time to introduce a trellis is when they are still young.
You can train the plant to climb it by gently tying the stems on the trellis with soft strings or twist ties.
In this article, we will show you what to consider when choosing a trellis, along with a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
Pick The Right Trellis for Your Monstera Plant
Monsteras are climbers and will usually lean towards the light. Therefore, they need a trellis that is tall enough to support their height if they’re going to reach their full potential.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting the perfect one for your plant.
Materials

Monstera plants have large aerial roots that dangle from their vines. These aerial roots have specialized cells that allow them to absorb water from the air. They also help anchor the plant to its support structure. Because of this, Monsteras prefer a porous trellis material such as wicker or wood, rather than something like metal or plastic.
You can find nice wood trellis at Homedepot.com.
Size
As Monsteras grow taller, they get heavier. The stems can bend under the weight of the large leaves and aerial roots. So, be sure to choose a trellis sturdy enough to support them. If you don’t already know how big your Monstera is going to get, it’s always better to go with something on the larger side at first. It’s easier to cut down a huge trellis than it is to build up one that’s too small.
Design
There are two types of trellis: free-standing, which you place in your pot, or an attached one, which is built into the pot. Both types can be made from different materials: wood, plastic, rope, cement, and more.
When choosing a trellis, consider how it will look with your plant and also with the decor in your room. For example, if you have a vintage table you want to display the plant on, and you want it to fit right in with that décor, then you’ll want something like a wood tree branch trellis instead of a modern-looking metal trellis.
Choosing the Pot
When searching for the best trellis, finding the best pot material and size for Monstera Plants can prove tricky.
While you might think that these plants can grow huge and the best thing to do is to get a big pot right away, having Monsteras in large pots while they are small can get you into trouble when it comes to the watering routine.
So, when choosing a trellis you can go for a big one, but when choosing a pot, I don’t recommend going for a big one. If your plant is very small compared to the size of its pot, it can facilitate overwatering problems and potential root rot.
On the other hand, if you have a Monstera in a right-sized container and want to prevent your Monstera from growing more, all you need to do is to maintain its current pot size – only changing the soil every few years for nutrient restock.
While this is very important, there are some other considerations to keep in mind:
Drainage is Critical
Monsteras have particularly high water needs, so they don’t do well in pots without drainage holes (or where the holes are plugged), as happens in some decor pots made of ceramic or glass. Plastic pots are not Monstera’s favorites but they will be fine as long as it has holes in the bottom and you are careful about when to give your plant a drink.
Material Matters

Each type of material has pros and cons. Plastic is light and affordable but doesn’t look great and can discolor over time. Terracotta is thought to be one of the best options for Monstera Plants due to its porousness. Also, terracotta has a more traditional style and looks great in many spaces.
Trellis Set Up
The way to set up the trellis can differ depending on the Monstera Plant type and size, as well as on the environment it is living in.
Step 1: Position your trellis and make sure it is stable
If you are growing a Monstera outdoors – in soil or a pot – you are probably using a wall or fence as a support for the trellis. This way you do not need to be digging holes in the soil to insert the trellis legs, as long as you guarantee it is well attached to the wall or fence. It is best to keep a few inches between the wall and the trellis, as well as from the trellis and the Monstera main stalk protruding from the soil.
Outdoor growing Monsteras Deliciosa, with the right environment and care, can get huge, so be sure that the trellis is well anchored and able to hold all this weight.
For an indoor smaller Monstera, sticking the trellis legs in its pot a few inches deep may be the only thing you need to do. Choose a position for the trellis that respects the way your plant is orientating towards the light.
If you have or will have a large Monstera and are setting up a big trellis, you can leave the trellis outside of the pot against a wall. If you are worried your plant will tip over, and the trellis fits the pot your Monstera is actually in, you may attach extra stakes to the trellis legs for extra support.
Step 2 – Train your plant to climb
Now that your plant has safe support, you can guide it to climb so it can get better leaf positioning.
If the plant is small, it probably will find its way with time by using aerial roots to cling to the trellis and project itself upward.
If it is a big messy plant, you will need to train it. For this you will need to:
- Identify the main stems as well as aerial roots;
- Gently lead the stems to the trellis, positioning them nicely and in such a manner that they can make their way up;
- Carefully tie the stems to the trellis using soft strings, soft twist ties, or plant tape;
Tie it firm but gentle, so the stems don’t get damaged. With messy older plants, it may not be possible to tie the main stems very close to the trellis because they are more rigid and have grown in a totally different direction. The tie may look loose, but hopefully, your plant will find the way for its new support, and with time you may be able to adjust the stem position better. - Also guide the aerial roots through the trellis and tie some of them if necessary.
When you are done, the final look may not please you 100%. Your plant has been handled, has changed position, and will need some time to adjust, reposition its leaves and resume its growth. Give it a few weeks and make sure its major needs are being met – light, water, temperature, and humidity.
Can I Use a Moss Pole On Monstera Plant?

Yes! You definitely can use a moss pole on a Monstera.
In my opinion, it is the best support for these plants because it mimics their natural growth environment by providing a place for their aerial roots to climb and attach while being able to absorb some water.
Also, as the plant grows you can always add some more pole to the old one, without disturbing the plant.
We talk all about Moss Poles for Monsteras in this article – How to Moss Pole Your Monstera Plant.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are vining plants that can grow up to 50 feet (ca. 15 meters) in the wild. While these are generally hardy plants, they will have trouble supporting their own weight as they get larger.
Using a trellis for a Monstera is fairly simple and one of the best ways to support this plant. Place your trellis in front of your plant and let it slowly wind its way through it as it grows taller. If needed gently guide stems through the trellis with some gardening wire.