Monstera Aerial Roots — What They Are and What to Do With Them
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Symptoms
- aerial roots
- roots growing from stems
- brown rope roots
- roots coming out of plant
- long hanging roots
Causes
Normal growth behavior
Aerial roots are a natural feature of Monstera deliciosa, not a sign of any problem. In the wild, these roots serve two functions: absorbing moisture from humid rainforest air and anchoring the climbing stem to tree bark as the plant ascends toward the canopy. Every mature Monstera produces aerial roots from its stem nodes, typically wherever a leaf grows.
Climbing maturity signal
As Monstera plants mature, they produce more aerial roots — this is a sign of a healthy, actively growing specimen. A Monstera with abundant aerial roots is doing what it's biologically programmed to do in its adult growth phase. More aerial roots generally correlates with larger, more fenestrated future leaves.
High humidity environment
In humid environments, aerial roots may be more vigorous and branched, actively absorbing atmospheric moisture. In dry environments, the same roots may appear thinner and more cord-like. Neither state is unhealthy.
How to Fix It
- 1
Decide what to do based on your aesthetic preference and growing goals. Option 1: Direct aerial roots into the soil by gently bending them toward the potting mix. Over time they can absorb soil moisture, which can supplement the plant's water intake. This is particularly useful for large specimens.
- 2
Option 2: Train aerial roots onto a moss pole or coir totem. As they attach to the moist pole, they increase the plant's humidity access and encourage more vigorous, mature leaf growth. The moss should be kept slightly moist. This is the most horticulturally beneficial option for maximizing leaf size and fenestration.
- 3
Option 3: Simply leave them. Tucking them into the pot or allowing them to hang decoratively both cause no harm. Monstera with trailing aerial roots in a hanging basket or elevated pot is an entirely valid aesthetic choice.
- 4
If aerial roots are extremely long and genuinely problematic for your space: trim individual roots cleanly with sterile scissors. This does not harm the plant — it simply removes excess root growth. Don't trim all aerial roots simultaneously on a large specimen, but removing a few as needed is fine.
Prevention
- There's nothing to prevent — aerial roots are desirable and healthy. Embrace them.
- If you prefer a tidier look, train roots into a moss pole rather than trimming them — the plant benefits and your space looks organized
Quick Summary
| Plant | Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) |
|---|---|
| Category | Physical / Normal Growth |
| Likely causes | Normal growth behavior, Climbing maturity signal, High humidity environment |
| Fix steps | 4 steps — see above |