How Do I Keep My Monstera Borsigiana From Growing Sideways?

Monstera Borsigiana, with its striking split leaves and vibrant green hue, is a showstopper in any plant collection. But if you've noticed your beloved plant starting to grow sideways, you might be scratching your head and wondering what to do. Don't worry—you're not alone. This is a common issue that many plant parents face.

In this article, we'll explore why your Monstera Borsigiana might be leaning to the side and arm you with practical tips and tricks to help it grow upright and proud. From understanding light requirements to using supportive structures, you'll find everything you need to get your plant back on track.

Understanding Why Monstera Borsigiana Grows Sideways

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your Monstera Borsigiana might be making a horizontal move. These plants are naturally inclined to climb and reach toward light. In their native habitats, they grow up trees, using their aerial roots to attach themselves to surfaces. When grown indoors, they might not have the same support, causing them to lean or grow sideways as they search for light.

Several factors contribute to this sideways growth:

• Light Source: Monstera plants grow towards light. If the light source is from one side, they will naturally lean towards it.
• Lack of Support: Without a proper structure to climb, these plants can start to droop or grow sideways.
• Pot Size: An imbalanced root system or a pot that’s too small can cause instability, leading to sideways growth.
• Watering Issues: Overwatering or underwatering can affect the plant's root system, impacting its ability to stand upright.

Understanding these factors can help you tackle the problem more effectively. Let's look at how you can address each of these issues and keep your Monstera towering tall.

Providing Adequate Light

Light is one of the most important factors in keeping your Monstera Borsigiana growing straight and healthy. These plants love bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight they would receive under the canopy of a rainforest.

Here’s how you can ensure your plant gets the right amount of light:

• Placement: Place your Monstera near a window where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window is typically ideal.
• Rotate Regularly: Every couple of weeks, give your plant a quarter turn. This prevents leaning by ensuring all sides receive equal light exposure.
• Supplement with Grow Lights: If natural light is insufficient, especially in winter months, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary light.

Remember, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so finding the right balance is key. If you notice the leaves starting to curl or turn brown, it might be getting too much light.

Using Support Structures

In their natural environment, Monstera Borsigiana uses trees as support. Indoors, you’ll need to provide a substitute to keep it growing upright. Moss poles, trellises, or even bamboo stakes can be excellent choices for this purpose.

Here’s how to introduce a support structure:

• Moss Poles: These mimic the natural environment closely. Insert a moss pole into your plant’s pot, and gently tie the plant to the pole using soft ties.
• Trellises: These are great for larger plants. Position the trellis in the pot and train the vines to climb it.
• Bamboo Stakes: For a more minimalist approach, bamboo stakes can help. Place them strategically around the plant and use ties to secure the stems.

When tying your plant, make sure not to constrict the stems too tightly, as this can damage the plant. The goal is to provide gentle guidance as it grows.

Choosing the Right Pot

The pot you choose can significantly affect your Monstera’s growth. If the pot is too small, the roots can become congested, leading to instability. On the other hand, a pot that’s too large can retain excess moisture, causing root rot.

Here’s what to consider when selecting a pot:

• Size: Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This allows room for growth without overwhelming the plant.
• Material: Terra cotta pots are breathable and help prevent overwatering issues. However, they dry out quickly, so monitor soil moisture levels.
• Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot.

Repotting should be done every couple of years. When repotting, gently loosen the roots and remove any dead or rotting parts before placing the plant in its new home.

Watering Wisely

Watering is a delicate balance that can significantly affect your Monstera's growth. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause the plant to become weak and unable to support itself.

Here are some watering tips to keep your Monstera healthy:

• Check Soil Moisture: Use your finger or a moisture meter to check the top inch of soil. Water when it feels dry.
• Water Evenly: Ensure that water is distributed evenly across the soil surface to encourage uniform root growth.
• Adjust with the Seasons: Your Monstera will need more water in the growing season (spring and summer) and less during the dormant season (fall and winter).

If you notice yellowing leaves, it might be a sign of overwatering, while wilting or browning can indicate underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly to keep your plant thriving.

Ensuring Proper Humidity

Monstera Borsigiana is a tropical plant, so it thrives in high humidity environments. Low humidity can cause the leaves to droop and the plant to lean as it struggles to maintain moisture.

Here are some ways to increase humidity for your Monstera:

• Humidifiers: These are great for maintaining consistent humidity levels, especially in dry climates or during winter when indoor heating can dry the air.
• Grouping Plants: Place your Monstera near other plants to create a microclimate, where they can share humidity.
• Misting: Lightly mist the leaves with water a couple of times a week to increase humidity temporarily. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excess moisture can lead to fungal issues.

Maintaining humidity levels between 60-70% can help your Monstera grow upright and produce those beautiful split leaves.

Pruning for Better Growth

Pruning is not just about keeping your plant looking neat—it's also a way to encourage healthier growth. By removing spent leaves or wayward stems, you can redirect the plant’s energy to stronger, upright growth.

Here’s how to prune effectively:

• Identify Weak Stems: Look for stems that are particularly long, weak, or growing in odd directions. These are candidates for pruning.
• Use Clean Tools: Always use sterilized scissors or pruners to avoid introducing disease to the plant.
• Cut at the Node: Make your cuts just above a node, which is where new growth will emerge.

Pruning can be done throughout the growing season. If you're nervous about cutting your plant, start with small, strategic trims and observe how the plant responds.

Fertilizing for Strength

Fertilizing your Monstera Borsigiana can provide the nutrients it needs to grow strong and upright. A well-fed plant is more resilient and has the energy to support robust growth.

Here’s a simple fertilizing guide:

• Choose the Right Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Look for one with an N-P-K ratio like 10-10-10 for balanced growth.
• Timing: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
• Application: Apply the fertilizer after watering to avoid root burn and ensure even distribution.

Over-fertilizing can be as harmful as under-fertilizing, so stick to the recommended schedule. If you notice leaf burn or discoloration, you might need to dial it back a bit.

Monitoring and Adjusting as Needed

Last but not least, keeping your Monstera Borsigiana upright requires ongoing attention and adjustment. Plants are dynamic, and their needs can change with the seasons, their environment, and how they’re growing.

Here are some tips for monitoring your plant:

• Regular Check-ins: Make it a habit to observe your plant weekly. Look for changes in growth direction, leaf color, or overall health.
• Adjust as Needed: If you notice leaning, adjust the plant’s position or support structure. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best.
• Stay Informed: Keep learning about your plant’s needs. Join plant groups or forums to share experiences and learn from others.

Every Monstera is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. With patience and attention, you can find the perfect strategy to keep your plant happy and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Monstera Borsigiana from growing sideways is all about understanding its natural tendencies and providing the right conditions to support upright growth. With the right light, support structures, and care routine, you can help your plant grow tall and proud.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you’re looking for new additions to your collection or need some advice, we’re here to help. Feel free to email us or send us a message on our Instagram. We love connecting with fellow plant lovers and helping you create a thriving plant haven in your home.