Monstera Aerial Roots: What You Need to Know

Curious…

about Monstera aerial roots? From gaining extra nutrients, purifying air, and increasing humidity these aerial roots are helpers not hinders.

If you have had a Monstera plant for years or recently got your hands on one I bet you have already fallen leaf over roots for its glossy green leaves! Then you come to the aerial roots and well….let’s just say the leaves are a showstopper!

However, Monstera aerial roots give this wild jungle plant the ability to survive in tropical rainforests. But what do they do and what do I do with them? Find out in this post how to take care of them and keep them under control.

What Are Monstera Aerial Roots?

Monstera aerial roots grow above the soil for this tropical plant. They give a jungle-type vibe but actually serve as a survival for this plant. Its traditional roots stay underground but these roots grow long so they can grab onto other trees and tropical plants around it to pull the plant upwards. These Monstera aerial roots help the plant climb and grow up instead of out to reach sunlight.

Why Do Monsteras Have Aerial Roots? Key Benefits Explained

• Absorb moisture
• To stabilize the plant
• To reach sunlight
• Absorb extra nutrients
• Support for new growth

How to Care for Monstera Aerial Roots Indoors

Aerial roots do still grow when indoors as it’s still a tropical type. Now these plants don’t always grow as large as when found in their natural environment but with the right growing conditions, they can grow bigger than you ever thought!

Many plant lovers trim these aerial roots or help guide them up a support structure like a moss pole. This helps mimic their natural climbing ability and will benefit your plant’s health. You can trim down your Monstera aerial roots however they are great for absorbing extra nutrients your plant might be needing so pruning them might hinder this process leading to a lack of essential nutrients.

Instead, you should trim them only when necessary for health reasons or if they start taking over your house!

Other Ways To Care For Monstera Aerial Roots

• Provide a Support Structure like a moss pole.
• Encourage Climbing by gently guiding the aerial roots upwards on your moss pole. You can attach them with soft string or plant ties. Over time, these roots will grab hold of the pole which will give your plant extra stability.
• Mist for Extra Humidity
• Trim only if Necessary.
• Healthy Soil

Benefits of Monstera Aerial Roots: How They Help Your Plant Thrive

Monstera aerial roots are not only there to help your plant continue its healthy growth but it’s also a sign that your plant is healthy. They bring in many benefits for your tropical plant:

• Stability and Growth Support
• Natural Climbing Ability
• Improved Nutrients
• Help to Increase Moisture Absorption
• Air Purification
• Reduce Soil Dependency
• Encourage Larger Leaf Development
• Prevent Soil Compaction
• Able to adapt to Different Environments

As you can see the benefits are many for this tropical plant. Keeping these Monstera aerial roots intact and not trimming them away will improve many areas of your plant’s life. From gaining extra nutrients, purifying air, and increasing humidity these aerial roots are helpers not hinders.

How to Train Monstera Aerial Roots on a Moss Pole

Monsteras are natural climbers so training them to climb up is second nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get those viny things climbing instead of crawling around your floor!

Step One: Choose a support structure

Moss Pole– A moss pole is great because it mimics tree bark found that is found in your plant’s natural environment. This will help encourage it to climb.

Trellis or a Stake– Stakes don’t normally mimic tree bark texture but your Monstera aerial roots will still grab onto these structures. However, using a trellis or stake will not give your Monstera the moisture it needs to absorb as a moss pole would so keep in mind you will need to focus a lot more on humidity levels.

Bamboo Stake– Bamboo stakes are a very light structure. Again they don’t keep moisture as well as a moss pole but they give your Monstera a structure for support and climbing. However, they are often on the thinner side when it comes to stakes.

Step Two. Position the Pole or Support Close to Your Plant Stem

To set up your structure:

• Put your moss pole or stake deep into the soil in your pot close to your Monstera’s stem
• Place your Monstera stem lined up with the pole so the aerial roots are close to it
• Gently tie the aerial roots around the pole using soft plant ties, making sure they are not too tight

Step Three: Misting Regularly

Lightly misting your moss pole once or twice a day will help your Monstera aerial roots stay attached to the pole. These aerial roots look for moisture so by keeping the pole moist they will naturally climb up.

Step Four: Maintenance

• Over time as your Monstera adjusts itself you will need to gently guide the aerial roots back to the moss pole, this is where the misting will help.
• Give your plant indirect bright light, like a window with sheer curtains in front of it. This will help give your plant the energy and photosynthesis it needs to continue to develop healthy growth.

• Adjust any stems, leaves, or roots as time goes on. When Monstera’s grow they sometimes can benefit from guidance on root placement or pruning so adjust when needed.

FAQ

If you’re still unsure about these viny roots here are some questions we get!

What should I do with my Monstera aerial roots?

If you’re looking for a cleaner look to your monstera plant you can cut aerial roots back but don’t cut them completely off. You can also train them to climb up a moss pole to absorb extra nutrients for the plant.

What happens if you cut aerial roots off A monstera?

If you cut off your aerial roots, they will grow back if your plant is healthy. However, it’s not recommended to completely cut them off, as these roots are good for absorbing extra nutrients.

Where to cut aerial roots?

If you need to you can prune your aerial roots. First, grab a clean pair of shears, then cut them close to the base where they grow from the plant. Make sure you don’t cut the stem when doing this!

Should I bury aerial roots?

Many people say it’s not beneficial to bury aerial roots and to keep them out of the pot. Keeping them out of the soil helps absorb more nutrients and training them to climb up a moss pole helps with climbing and growing up.

Do I Need to Trim My Monstera’s Aerial Roots?

Trimming your aerial roots is optional and up to each individual. They are not harming to your plant and are natural for a Monstera. They help absorb extra nutrients and help the plant grow upwards if trained to be on a moss pole.

Now you know what these aerial roots on your Monstera are and you no longer have to wonder if your plant is mutating! Rest at ease and know these roots are for your plant’s benefit!

We have seen some crazy aerial roots over the years, share a picture of yours in the comments!

Click here for more tips on Monstera Care!