Monstera Plant Growing Sideways – Your Complete Guide To Training

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your gorgeous Monstera deliciosa and thought, “Well, that’s not going according to plan”? You imagined a lush, upright statement piece, but what you have is a green giant making a slow-motion escape across your living room floor.

If you’re nodding along, I want you to take a deep breath and relax. A monstera plant growing sideways isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign that your plant is doing exactly what nature designed it to do!

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand why your leafy friend is sprawling, but you’ll feel empowered with all the knowledge you need to either train it skyward or embrace its wild, horizontal journey.

We’re going to dive into the secrets of your Monstera’s growth habits, explore a step-by-step process for training it, and even look at the beautiful benefits of letting it roam. Let’s get your plant thriving on your terms!

Why Your Monstera is Growing Sideways (and Why It’s Perfectly Natural)

First things first, let’s clear the air: you haven’t done anything wrong. When you see your monstera plant growing sideways, it’s simply following its ancient, jungle-born instincts. Understanding this is the first step in our monstera plant growing sideways guide.

In the wild, Monstera deliciosa is a type of plant called a hemiepiphyte. This means it begins its life on the forest floor and then “climbs” up trees and other surfaces to reach the sunlight filtering through the canopy. It’s a natural-born climber!

Here are the primary reasons for its sideways sprawl in your home:

  • Searching for Support: Your monstera is literally looking for something to climb. Without a tree trunk to cling to, its default is to spread out horizontally along the “ground” (your floor) in search of a vertical surface.
  • Chasing the Light: This behavior is called phototropism. Plants grow towards their light source. If its primary light comes from a side window, your monstera will naturally lean and stretch in that direction, which often results in sideways growth.
  • The “Back” and “Front”: Here’s a pro tip! Your monstera has a distinct “front” and “back.” The front is the side where the beautiful, fenestrated leaves face. The back is where it produces thick, brown nubs called aerial roots. These roots are designed to anchor the plant to a surface. The back of the plant is actively seeking a structure to grab onto.

So, that sideways growth isn’t a problem to be solved—it’s a behavior to be understood and managed. Now, you get to decide what to do with it.

To Climb or To Trail? Deciding the Best Path for Your Plant

Now that you know the “why,” you have a wonderful choice to make. Do you want to encourage its natural climbing instinct, or do you want to embrace the trailing, jungle-like vibe? There’s no wrong answer—it’s all about the aesthetic you love!

The Case for Climbing

Guiding your monstera upward mimics its natural environment. This is often the preferred method for gardeners who want to see their plant reach its full potential.

The Benefits:

  • Bigger, Fenestrated Leaves: A supported, climbing monstera feels secure. This security signals the plant that it can invest energy into producing larger, more mature leaves with those iconic splits and holes (fenestrations).
  • Space-Saving: Growing vertically makes a huge difference in smaller spaces. You get all the impact of a large plant without it taking over your entire room.
  • A Stronger Plant: A central support system helps the plant hold the weight of its heavy leaves, preventing bent or snapped stems.

The Case for Trailing

Leaning into the sprawl can create a stunning, wild aesthetic. This approach requires less hardware and celebrates the plant’s untamed nature. This is one of the main benefits of monstera plant growing sideways.

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The Benefits:

  • Lush, Cascading Look: A trailing monstera looks incredible spilling over the side of a plant stand, down a bookshelf, or across a mantelpiece.
  • Minimalist Approach: You don’t need to buy poles or trellises. You just need to give it space to roam.
  • Unique Shapes: Your plant will grow into a one-of-a-kind shape, guided by its environment and search for light.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Train a Monstera Plant Growing Sideways

Decided to go vertical? Fantastic! Training your monstera is a rewarding process that will transform its look. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds. Here is our complete how to monstera plant growing sideways training plan.

  1. Gather Your Supplies

    You’ll need a support structure and something to attach the plant with. Choose a support that is tall enough to accommodate future growth. Popular options include:

    • Moss Poles: The gold standard. They hold moisture, which encourages aerial roots to latch on and absorb nutrients.
    • Coco Coir Poles: A great, sustainable alternative to moss poles. They provide a similar textured surface for roots.
    • Wooden Planks or Trellises: Offer a modern, minimalist look and provide a flat, sturdy surface for attachment.
    • Plant Ties: Use something soft that won’t cut into the stems, like velcro plant tape, soft twine, or even old strips of fabric.

  2. Identify the ‘Back’ of Your Monstera

    This is the most crucial step! Look closely at the main stems. You will see the aerial roots all emerging from one side. That is the back of your plant. This is the side you must place against the support pole. Attaching the front will feel unnatural to the plant and won’t work.

  3. Install the Support

    The easiest and safest time to add a pole is during a repot. You can place the pole in the new pot first and fill in the soil around it. If you’re not repotting, gently but firmly push the stake into the soil, being careful to avoid the main root ball as much as possible. Push it all the way to the bottom for maximum stability.

  4. Gently Secure the Stems

    Start with the thickest, most established stem. Gently guide it upward and press its “back” side against the pole. Use your plant ties to create a loose loop around the stem and the pole. Make sure it’s snug enough to hold the stem in place but loose enough that you can fit a finger between the tie and the stem. This prevents damage as the stem thickens.

    Work your way up, securing the plant in 2-3 spots as needed. Don’t try to force unruly stems into a perfectly straight line; work with their natural curves.

  5. Provide Ongoing Care and Encouragement

    Your job isn’t done after the initial setup! If you’re using a moss or coir pole, mist it regularly to keep it damp. This encourages those aerial roots to dig in. As your monstera grows, you’ll need to add new ties to support the new growth. This is one of the most important monstera plant growing sideways tips for long-term success.

Embracing the Sprawl: The Benefits of a Monstera Plant Growing Sideways

If a climbing plant isn’t your style, let’s talk about how to make that sideways growth look intentional and stunning. A sprawling monstera can become a living art piece in your home.

Curating the Cascade

Instead of fighting the sideways growth, direct it. Place your monstera on a sturdy plant stand or the edge of a console table and let its leaves drape gracefully towards the floor. You can use small, clear, self-adhesive hooks on your walls to guide stems along a specific path, creating a beautiful living wall effect.

Strategic Pruning for Fullness

A trailing monstera can sometimes get a bit “leggy,” with long stretches of bare stem between leaves. Don’t be afraid to prune it! Trimming a stem will encourage the plant to branch out from a node further down, creating a fuller, bushier appearance. Plus, you can propagate the cuttings to make new baby monsteras!

Common Problems with Monstera Plant Growing Sideways (and Easy Solutions)

Whether you choose to train or trail, you might run into a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them, a key part of any good monstera plant growing sideways care guide.

  • Leggy Growth: If you see long, thin stems with small leaves spaced far apart, your plant is begging for more light. Move it to a spot with brighter, indirect sunlight.
  • Yellowing Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. A large, sprawling plant in a big pot can hold moisture for a long time. Always check that the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry before watering again.
  • Bent or Kinked Stems: The weight of large leaves can sometimes cause stems to bend. If you’re letting it trail, ensure the pot is high enough that the leaves don’t rest heavily on the floor, which can cause damage. Provide underlying support if needed.
  • Unruly Aerial Roots: Don’t panic about the wild-looking aerial roots! You can gently guide them back into the pot’s soil, trim them off (it won’t hurt the plant), or simply let them hang for a jungle vibe.
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Sustainable Monstera Plant Growing Sideways: Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Caring for our plants can and should go hand-in-hand with caring for our planet. Embracing sustainable monstera plant growing sideways practices is easy and rewarding.

For an eco-friendly monstera plant growing sideways approach, consider these tips:

  • DIY Supports: Instead of buying new, look for a sturdy, interesting branch from your own backyard to use as a climbing support. Bamboo stakes are another excellent, renewable resource.
  • Natural Fibers: Use biodegradable jute twine or raffia for your plant ties. They are strong enough to do the job and will break down naturally over time.
  • Peat-Free Soil: When you repot, choose a high-quality, peat-free potting mix. Peat bogs are vital ecosystems, and using alternatives like coco coir or compost helps protect them.
  • Water Wisely: Use a spray bottle to moisten your moss pole instead of pouring water over it. This conserves water and directs it exactly where it’s needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Monstera Growing Sideways

Can I train my monstera to grow up after it’s been growing sideways for a long time?

Absolutely! The key is to be very gentle. Older stems are less flexible, so don’t force them into a perfectly vertical position all at once. Secure them loosely to a support and gradually tighten the ties over several weeks or months to slowly encourage upward growth.

Will my monstera get bigger leaves if I let it grow sideways?

Generally, no. Monsteras produce their largest, most fenestrated leaves when they are climbing. The stability and security of a support signals to the plant that it has the strength to hold up bigger leaves. A trailing plant will still be beautiful, but its leaves will likely remain smaller.

Is a monstera growing sideways a sign that it’s unhealthy?

Not at all! It’s a sign of a healthy plant expressing its natural vining and climbing instincts. It’s simply looking for the support and light it would find in its native jungle environment.

How often should I adjust the ties on my climbing monstera?

It’s a good practice to check on your ties every month or two. As the plant grows taller and the stems thicken, you may need to loosen old ties or add new ones to support the fresh growth. This is one of the most important monstera plant growing sideways best practices.

Your Monstera, Your Masterpiece

There you have it—everything you need to know about your beautifully sprawling monstera. Remember, seeing your monstera plant growing sideways is an opportunity, not a problem.

It’s a chance to connect with your plant, understand its natural instincts, and make a creative choice about how it grows in your space. Whether you decide to train it up a moss pole to chase those giant, split leaves or let it cascade freely for a wild, bohemian look, you are now in complete control.

Embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of creating your own green masterpiece. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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