Learn How to Make Monstera Grow as a Hanging Plant Instead of Climbing with these simple tips and flaunt this plant in a different way.
Monstera are loved for their big, glossy leaves with natural holes and splits. Most people grow them on a moss pole or trellis to let them climb just as they do in nature. But you can also train a Monstera to grow as a hanging plant. When grown this way, it looks like a beautiful indoor vine spilling down from a shelf or basket. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Make Monstera Grow as a Hanging Plant Instead of Climbing
1. Choose the Right Monstera
Not every Monstera variety is suited for hanging growth. The best choice is Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, because it has smaller leaves and naturally grows like a vine. Young Monstera deliciosa can also trail, but as it gets bigger, its heavy leaves make it better suited for upright growth.
2. Skip the Support
Monstera usually climb by using their aerial roots to hold on to a moss pole, wall, or tree. To encourage trailing instead of climbing, you should avoid giving the plant any kind of support. Without a pole or stake, the stems will naturally begin to hang downward.
3. Place the Pot High
The best way to train your Monstera to hang is to give it height. Place the pot on a high shelf, a tall stand, or hang it in a basket. Gravity will pull the vines down, and the leaves will begin to cascade naturally. Make sure there is enough room for the stems to fall freely.
4. Prune for Shape
Sometimes a Monstera may still try to grow upward. If that happens, prune those stems to keep the plant trailing. Cutting just above a leaf node encourages new shoots and helps the plant stay bushy and full. Always use clean scissors when pruning.
5. Light and Watering Needs
Monstera grow best in bright, indirect light. If the light is too low, the vines may become long and thin, and the leaves may stay small. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Hanging pots often dry out faster than floor plants, so check them more often. Since Monstera love humidity, misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby will also help them thrive.
6. Encourage Full Growth
To achieve a lush, trailing appearance, feed your Monstera a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides of the plant get enough light. Pinching the tips of long vines will also encourage side shoots, making the plant fuller with more leaves.
7. Handle Aerial Roots
Even as a hanging plant, your Monstera will produce aerial roots. You can leave them dangling for a wild look, tuck them back into the soil, or trim them off carefully. Cutting aerial roots will not harm the plant, so you can manage them in the way that looks best to you.
