Monstera Aerial Roots: Should You Cut, Train, or Keep Them?

Those strange, rope-like tentacles dangling from your beloved Monstera are its aerial roots. Far from being a flaw, they are a fascinating and essential part of the plant's natural biology. But what should a houseplant parent do with them?

🤔 What Are Aerial Roots, Anyway?

In their native jungle environment, Monstera plants use these roots for two critical functions:

1. Anchoring: They cling to trees, helping the heavy vine climb towards the canopy's light.

   
   

2. Hydration & Nutrition: They absorb water and nutrients directly from the humid air and any moss/debris they encounter.

They are not the same as the subterranean feeder roots in the pot; cutting the aerial ones won't harm the plant's main survival.

✂️ Should You Cut Them?

The short answer is yes, you can, but only for aesthetics.

• The Case for Cutting: If a root is growing in an awkward direction, looks damaged, or simply ruins your plant's clean aesthetic, snip it off cleanly with sterilized shears.

• The Case Against Cutting: Cutting removes a potential pathway for your plant to absorb moisture and stabilize itself. While generally harmless indoors, it's unnecessary unless you really dislike their look. Never cut all of them!

🧗 Should You Train Them?

This is the most beneficial option for your Monstera's health and eventual size.

• To a Moss Pole/Trellis: Gently guide the aerial roots onto a moss pole. This mimics the plant's natural climbing habit, allowing it to mature, develop larger leaves, and produce more iconic fenestrations (splits). When the roots attach to the moist pole, they absorb extra water, promoting vigorous growth.

  
  

• Back into the Pot: You can also tuck longer roots back down into the soil. This provides extra stability and allows the roots to act as supplementary feeders, giving the plant a boost.

  
  

🌟 The Verdict: Keep and Train!

While you have the freedom to prune for neatness, the best practice is to keep and train your Monstera's aerial roots. They are a sign of a healthy, mature plant trying to thrive. By giving them a support structure (like a moss pole), you are encouraging the plant to reach its magnificent, jungle-sized potential.