How Do I Keep My Monstera Laniata From Growing Sideways?

Monstera Laniata is a beautiful and eye-catching plant that many plant lovers can't resist adding to their collection. But, like a pet with a mind of its own, this plant can sometimes have a tendency to grow sideways, making it a bit challenging to maintain that attractive, upright posture. Does this sound familiar?

In this article, we'll explore how you can encourage your Monstera Laniata to stand tall and proud. From understanding its natural growth habits to providing the right support and care, you'll get practical tips and insights to keep your plant flourishing upright.

Understanding Monstera Laniata's Growth Habits

First things first, let's chat about why your Monstera Laniata might be growing sideways. Monstera Laniata, like its cousins in the Monstera family, naturally grows in the wild by climbing trees. This means it tends to follow a path of least resistance, which can result in sideways growth when it's indoors without a tree to latch onto.

Understanding this natural habit is important because it helps us mimic the plant’s ideal conditions. If you’ve ever noticed your Monstera Laniata’s leaves reaching towards the light or growing in a particular direction, that’s because it’s attempting to find the best support and light source.

Moreover, some plants tend to grow towards the light source—a phenomenon known as phototropism. If your Monstera is leaning towards a window, that's its way of saying, "Hey, I want more light over here!" By considering these factors, you’re already on the path to helping your plant grow more upright.

Providing the Right Support

Now that you know your Monstera Laniata naturally wants to climb, it’s time to provide it with the support it craves. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a moss pole or a trellis. These structures give your plant something to cling to, encouraging vertical growth.

Here’s how you can introduce support to your plant:

• Choose the Right Support: You can find moss poles at most garden centers, or you can make one yourself using a wooden dowel wrapped in sphagnum moss. A trellis is also a good option if you prefer something a bit more decorative.
• Secure the Pole: Insert the moss pole or trellis into the pot, making sure it’s stable. It should be tall enough to support future growth.
• Guide the Stems: Gently attach the stems to the support using soft plant ties. Be careful not to tie them too tightly, as this can damage the stems.

By establishing a good support system, your Monstera Laniata will have a much easier time growing upright, and you’ll be rewarded with a plant that looks stunning in your space.

Light: A Game Changer

Remember how we talked about phototropism? Light plays a crucial role in how your Monstera Laniata grows. If it’s reaching sideways, it might be yearning for more light. So, let’s make sure your plant is getting the right amount.

Monstera Laniata loves bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate some shade. If your plant is leaning towards a window, it might be a sign that it needs more light. Here’s what you can do:

• Find the Right Spot: Place your plant near a window with filtered light. If the light is too harsh, consider using a sheer curtain to diffuse it.
• Rotate Your Plant: To prevent uneven growth, rotate your Monstera every week or two. This ensures all sides get equal light exposure.
• Supplement with Grow Lights: If natural light is limited, especially during winter months, you might want to use grow lights to provide the necessary light.

With the right light conditions, your Monstera Laniata will not only grow more upright but also thrive overall.

Potting and Soil: The Foundation of Growth

Believe it or not, the pot and soil you choose for your Monstera Laniata can influence how it grows. A pot that’s too small or lacks adequate drainage can cause stress, which might contribute to sideways growth.

Here’s what to consider when potting your Monstera:

• Choose the Right Size Pot: Your pot should be large enough to accommodate growth but not so big that it retains excess water, leading to root rot.
• Ensure Good Drainage: Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and consider using a well-draining soil mix. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works well for Monsteras.
• Repot When Needed: If roots start to poke out from the bottom, it’s time to repot. Doing this keeps your plant healthy and supports its growth.

By providing the right pot and soil, you’re giving your Monstera Laniata a solid foundation to grow strong and upright.

Watering Wisely

Watering is another important factor that can affect your Monstera Laniata’s growth direction. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to stress, causing the plant to grow irregularly.

Here’s how you can water your Monstera wisely:

• Check the Soil First: Before watering, check if the top inch of soil is dry. Monsteras prefer slightly dry conditions between waterings.
• Water Evenly: Pour water evenly around the pot to ensure all roots receive moisture. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.
• Adjust with Seasons: During winter, your plant may need less water due to slower growth, while in summer, it might require more.

By mastering the art of watering, you’ll help your plant maintain a healthy growth pattern.

Temperature and Humidity: Keep It Cozy

Monsteras, including your Monstera Laniata, are native to tropical climates, so they prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. If your plant isn’t getting these conditions, it might struggle and grow erratically.

Here’s how you can create a comfortable environment:

• Keep It Warm: Ideal temperatures for Monstera range from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heat sources.
• Boost Humidity: If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
• Mist Regularly: Lightly misting the leaves can also help increase humidity around your Monstera.

With the right temperature and humidity, your Monstera Laniata will have the best chance to grow upright and healthy.

Pruning and Training: Shaping Your Plant

Pruning isn’t just for aesthetics; it can also help direct your Monstera Laniata’s growth. By strategically trimming certain parts, you encourage the plant to grow where you want it to.

Here’s how to prune and train your plant:

• Identify Unwanted Growth: Look for stems that are growing too far sideways or in a direction you don’t prefer.
• Use Sharp Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. This helps prevent disease and encourages healthy growth.
• Train with Ties: After pruning, you can use plant ties to gently guide remaining stems towards the support you've provided.

With regular pruning and training, your Monstera Laniata will be easier to manage and more likely to grow upright.

Feeding Your Monstera

Just like us, plants need nutrients to grow and stay healthy. If your Monstera Laniata isn’t getting enough nutrients, it might not have the energy to grow upright.

Here’s how to provide the right nutrition:

• Use a Balanced Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), use a balanced liquid fertilizer every month. This provides essential nutrients for growth.
• Don’t Overfeed: Too much fertilizer can harm your plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, and reduce feeding in the fall and winter.
• Consider Slow-Release Fertilizer: If you prefer a less frequent approach, a slow-release fertilizer can provide steady nutrients over time.

With the right feeding routine, your Monstera Laniata will have the energy it needs to grow strong and upright.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can also affect your Monstera’s growth direction. If your plant is struggling with an infestation or infection, it might not grow as expected.

Here’s how to keep your plant healthy:

• Regularly Inspect Your Plant: Look for signs of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Catching them early makes treatment easier.
• Use Natural Remedies: If you find pests, try using insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the problem. These are effective yet gentle on plants.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your plant’s leaves clean and remove any dead or decaying matter. This helps prevent diseases.

By keeping pests and diseases at bay, your Monstera Laniata will be healthier and better able to grow as it should.

Final Thoughts

By understanding your Monstera Laniata’s natural growth habits and providing the right support, light, and care, you can encourage it to grow upright and thrive in your home. Whether it’s adjusting the light, providing a sturdy moss pole, or ensuring it’s in a cozy environment, these steps can make a world of difference.

At Cafe Planta, we’re here to support your plant journey. If you ever have questions about plant care, feel free to email us or send a DM on Instagram. We love connecting with fellow plant lovers and helping you create a beautiful, thriving plant collection at home.