Dealing with Aerial Roots: What Are They and Should I Cut Them?

rathakea168
2 days ago
3 min read

If your Monstera is maturing, you've probably noticed strange, thick, brown "tentacles" growing out of the main stem, reaching toward the floor or the nearest wall. These are aerial roots, and they are one of the most misunderstood features of the Monstera deliciosa.

While they might look messy or intrusive, these roots are vital! Here is everything you need to know about what aerial roots are and how to manage them.

🔎 1. What Are Monstera Aerial Roots For?

Aerial roots are exactly what they sound like: roots that grow in the air rather than the soil.² In their native Central American rainforest environment, they serve two primary, life-sustaining functions:

Anchorage and Support: The most important job. These roots grow outward to find trees or structures to grab onto, allowing the heavy plant to climb vertically toward the sunlight.³ They give the Monstera the stability it needs to grow larger and eventually produce those giant, fenestrated leaves.⁴
Water and Nutrient Absorption: Aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the humid air and the organic debris they attach to (like bark or moss).⁵ They act as a secondary hydration system, supporting the main roots in the soil.

✂️ 2. The Golden Rule: Should I Cut Them?

The short answer is: No, you should avoid cutting them if possible.

Cutting a few overly long or dead aerial roots usually won't harm the plant, but routinely removing them prevents the Monstera from achieving its full climbing and water-gathering potential.

If You Cut Them...	The Result
The Plant Becomes Unstable	The plant loses its natural support structure and may start to lean or collapse as the leaves grow larger and heavier.
Reduced Nutrient Uptake	The plant loses a secondary source of water and nutrients, which can stress the main root system.
Delayed Maturity	By constantly removing the plant's climbing mechanism, you signal to the Monstera that it cannot safely climb, delaying the production of large, holey, mature leaves.

🧭 3. How to Manage Messy Aerial Roots

Since you don't want to cut them, you must learn to redirect them to be both helpful and tidy.

Method 1: Directing Them to a Moss Pole (Best Practice)

If you have installed a moss pole (which we highly recommend!), the best strategy is to guide the aerial roots toward it.

Tuck and Secure: Gently bend the aerial root and tuck its tip into the damp sphagnum moss.
Encourage Attachment: Keep the pole consistently moist. The aerial root will sense the moisture and eventually grow into the pole, anchoring the plant and absorbing hydration.

Method 2: Guiding Them Back into the Soil

If the roots are heading toward the floor or are long enough, you can direct them back into the pot.

Tuck the Tip: Use a pencil or chopstick to create a small hole in the soil near the pot edge. Gently push the tip of the aerial root into the hole.
Function: Once in the soil, the aerial roots will transition into regular feeder roots, helping stabilize the plant and draw water from the soil mix.

Method 3: When Trimming is Necessary

If an aerial root is growing directly across a doorway, rubbing against furniture, or is clearly dead and crispy:

Trim Sparingly: Cut only the minimum amount necessary. Use clean, sterilized shears.
Leave the Base: Always leave a few inches of the root attached to the main stem.

By understanding the vital role of aerial roots, you can use them as a tool to promote a larger, healthier, and ultimately more beautiful Monstera! all the best.