Find out about Things that Happen When You Stop Using a Moss Pole on Monstera —here’s what to expect when support is gone.
Monstera are beautiful indoor plants known for their big, split leaves and climbing nature. Many people use moss poles to help Monstera grow upright and maintain a tidy appearance. But what happens if you stop using a moss pole? Whether you’re just curious or thinking about removing yours, here’s what you can expect when your Monstera grows without a moss pole.
Things that Happen When You Stop Using a Moss Pole on Monstera
1. It Starts to Trail or Lean
Without a moss pole to support it, your Monstera will no longer climb. Instead, it may start leaning, drooping, or trailing over the edges of its pot. This doesn’t hurt the plant, but it can take up more space and may look messy. If you don’t like the wild look, this might be something to keep in mind.
2. The Stems May Become Weaker
Moss poles help train a Monstera to grow upward with strong, straight stems. Without support, the stems may bend under the weight of the big leaves. Over time, they may become weaker or even break if not handled carefully.
3. The Plant May Get Top-Heavy
As Monstera grows taller, the top becomes heavier, especially without support. This can cause the stem to bend or snap if it can’t carry the weight. You might need to use another form of support, like stakes or a wall trellis, if you don’t want to use a moss pole anymore.
4. Aerial Roots Can Become Messy or Dry Out
Monstera plants grow aerial roots—long, stringy roots that reach out for something to climb. On a moss pole, these roots cling to the surface and help the plant grow taller. Without the pole, these roots can dangle in the air, dry out, or look untidy. You might need to trim or tuck them back to keep the plant looking neat.
5. It Could Look More Like a Vine
If left without support, a Monstera might start to look more like a trailing vine. This look can be very attractive in hanging baskets or when placed on a shelf where the stems can drape down. It gives a more wild, jungle-like feel to your room.
6. You’ll Need to Be More Careful With Watering
When a Monstera climbs a moss pole, the aerial roots take in moisture from the moss. Without that, the roots rely more on the soil. You’ll need to check the soil more often to make sure the plant isn’t too dry, especially if those aerial roots aren’t helping with moisture anymore.
7. You Might Need to Prune More Often
Without a moss pole to guide its growth, your Monstera may grow in all directions. This means you’ll likely have to prune more often to keep the shape you want and stop the plant from becoming too big or unruly.
8. It May Grow More Sideways Than Upward
Monstera plants naturally try to climb upward, but if there’s no support, they often spread out sideways. This means the plant will take up more space on your floor or shelf. Some people like this wild, bushy look, but it’s not always practical for smaller homes.
