---
title: "Is the stake and string around correctly? Does it look healthy? I…"
description: "Is the stake and string around correctly? Does it look healthy? I have also heard that if you wanted to grow tall to cut the small leaves at the bottom. Is…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/UeI834LBSHCioL8MwLcQxA/lbanvFGSuGlYWeY8dmyGy1"
community: "Monstera Maniacs"
author: "Morgan"
published: "2026-01-06T01:13:08.095311Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/Hb2YXB3PRU2uXSJVsvb0vg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Is the stake and string around correctly? Does it look healthy? I…

_Posted by Morgan on 2026-01-06_

Is the stake and string around correctly? Does it look healthy? I have also heard that if you wanted to grow tall to cut the small leaves at the bottom. Is that true?

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/Hb2YXB3PRU2uXSJVsvb0vg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/-UDyIi8GTaGq6of-urvFHQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/WLc6U9oMQ8-4wS_JMMgU2w.webp?size=large)

## 16 comments

### brittrb commented on 2026-01-06

I believe you need to put the stake at the spine/back of the plant

#### Morgan replied on 2026-01-06

Does everything else look okay?

### Morgan commented on 2026-01-06

More like this?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/RV4YAPMzQme6_TmszCDcFw.webp?size=large)

#### Gianna replied on 2026-01-06

Yes this is supporting the “spine” of the plant and encourages the leaves to face forward!

### Gianna commented on 2026-01-06

Hi love! I would try using something else to hold it together that won’t irritate the plant. They sell plant tape lots of places and it’s a lot better for the plant. Yes I would cut the smaller leaves if you want bigger leaves to grow! The best way to get these guys to grow big is letting them get rootbound, not over watering, fertilizing often, and lots of light!! If your plant has a good root system you may not need to prop them up just yet, best of luck and happy gardening! Xoxo a certified monstera freak

#### Morgan replied on 2026-01-06

What fertilizer do you recommend?

#### Morgan replied on 2026-01-06

I have seen people is this online. Would this be okay to use instead?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PgVPBQobtRQ78sbALKC1AYXXOyjwSoS6NjXKOPZDzxs/ltRXLi7cQXi7PHzNb9ZV2w.webp?size=large)

#### Gianna replied on 2026-01-06

I use big green leaves! You can find it on Amazon!! Mine grows like a weed!!!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/3pLPlCDV8Y4PqBNIsAz24CP27ljPB_llVzTH3bSIE5U/xTmn9IjOT5CEeLAMBKpayw.webp?size=large)

#### Gianna replied on 2026-01-06

Yes you totally can! If you want to be somewhat overly committed you can try a moss pole as well but I find them to be more work. I hope she grows nice and pretty for you!

#### Morgan replied on 2026-01-06

Also, how frequently should I be watering this size of a plant? It’s normally around 71 in my room. I have heard the 2 inch rule for the soil but I didn’t know if you had any other tips.

_5 more replies in the app_

### brittrb commented on 2026-01-06

I’m just learning about monsteras, I’m not sure about removing leaves but it looks pretty healthy to me. Here’s a picture of mine, you can see where the back is.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K2kILSrgTIuFu_XpaYjLry7hJTuror2aUd4t5asMHaI/u7Nzqvp3RCyXowPCogVWWw.webp?size=large)

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