Monstera Aerial Roots: What They Are and What to Do With Them
Sooner or later, every monstera owner notices thick brown roots growing out of the stem and reaching into the air. Some people panic, some cut them off, and some tuck them back into the soil. The truth is simpler: aerial roots are completely normal, and they tell you exactly what your plant wants.
What are aerial roots?
In the wild, Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant. It starts on the rainforest floor, finds a tree, and climbs toward the light using aerial roots that grip the bark and absorb moisture from the humid air. Indoors, those same roots appear even when there is nothing to climb.
Should you cut monstera aerial roots?
You can trim a few that are in the way with clean garden shears, and it will not hurt the plant. But aerial roots are useful. When they have something damp to grab onto, they help the plant stabilize, take up moisture and, over time, produce bigger leaves.
Three things you can do with aerial roots
1. Train them onto a moss pole (best)
Give the roots what they are looking for. Attach the stem to a moss pole so the roots touch the damp moss, and they will grow into it. This is the closest thing to how monsteras grow in nature, and it is the most reliable way to encourage mature, fenestrated leaves. Our step-by-step attachment guide shows how.
2. Direct them into the soil
Long aerial roots can be guided down into the pot, where they will become regular roots. This helps stability but does not give the plant anything to climb.
3. Leave them alone
If they do not bother you, aerial roots can simply stay as they are. They will not harm the plant.
Why climbing makes leaves bigger
Monsteras grow larger, more split leaves as they mature and climb. A plant with good support, bright indirect light and consistent moisture puts energy into new growth rather than sprawling. Many plant parents see a noticeable jump in leaf size after adding a pole.
Keep the moss damp
Aerial roots will only grow into moss that stays moist. Mist the pole a few times a week, more often in dry winter air. A rechargeable Mossify mistr™ makes this quick and easy.
Give those aerial roots something to grab
The Original Bendable Moss Pole™ bends to your monstera's shape and holds moisture for aerial roots.
Shop the Bendable Moss Pole™Frequently asked questions
Do aerial roots mean my monstera needs repotting?
Not necessarily. Aerial roots are normal. Repot when roots circle the pot or grow out of the drainage holes.
Why are my monstera's aerial roots dry and shriveled?
Low humidity. Mist the roots and the moss pole, or raise humidity around the plant.
Can I propagate from an aerial root?
A cutting needs a node. An aerial root alone will not grow a new plant, but a stem section with a node and aerial root roots quickly in sphagnum moss.
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