Monstera plants are popular houseplants known for their iconic split leaves and aerial roots. These roots are a fascinating adaptation of the plant, they provide structural support by attaching to nearby substrates (like trees, rocks, or mosspoles), and also provide an extra source of hydration. If these aerial roots grown into moist environments, they provide the plant with additional water. These roots however they can also be a challenge for plant owners, as they can grow very randomly and might make your urban jungle look more chaotic. In this blog post, we will discuss how to manage aerial roots on Monstera plants to ensure a healthy and thriving plant. These tips also work on other species with aerial roots, like Philodendron and Epipremnum. 

• Leave the Aerial Roots Alone

If you are unbothered by the aerial roots of the plant, it is best to simply leave them alone and let them grow. Even if the roots seems to be growing without much direction, it won't harm the plant even if it has no function (structural or hydrating). Leaving the roots hang and dangle can add some chaotic charm to your indoor jungle.

• Trim the Aerial Roots

If the aerial roots are getting too long, when they get in the way of your day-to-day movements, or when you just don't like the look of them, you always have the option to trim them. It is also better to cut them than to have them damaged in other way (breaking by touching by example). Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut swiftly through the root, where you decide to cut is not of much importance, the plant should be fine either way. But if you want to make sure the plant doesn't suffer, it is safest to cut close to the stem, this way the motherplant can heal the wound more effectively. Try not to cut all aerial roots at once, as this may be stressful, however if your plant is healthy it should not be much of a problem to trim them all. Just be careful. 

• Support the Aerial Roots

In nature the aerial roots will attach themselves to strong, moist structures. This helps to support their own weight while growing taller. For this purpose you can use mosspoles, bark or sticks. More information can be found in our blog post about mosspoles: Unlocking The Adult Plant: The Power of Moss-Poles – Plantlovers 

• Guide the Aerial Roots into the Soil

If mosspoles or cutting are not your cup of tea, you always have the option to guide the roots to the soil in the pot. When they penetrate the top layer of soil, the root will branch out and support the plant with extra water (and nutrients) it finds there. This strategy does increase the mass of roots in the pot, and maybe a repotting will be needed sooner. 

In conclusion: aerial roots are an important, natural aspect of epiphetic plant species. Leaving them be or supporting them with mosspoles (or other structures) are the most beneficial ways of dealing with for the health of the plant. Pruning is not harmful if the plant is doing well and you use the right techniques. 

Good luck and have fun! 

Your inhouse biologist, 

Senne