While they can be unsightly, monstera aerial roots are completely normal and a natural part of this tropical aroid’s growing habit. So what are aerial roots exactly? And what should you do with them? Here’s everything you need to know about aerial roots on your monstera!

What Are Aerial Roots?

Simply put, aerial roots are roots that grow above the ground. There are lots of different kinds of aerial roots with many different functions, but for the purposes of this article we will focus on the type of aerial roots that monsteras grow.

Monstera deliciosa are epiphytes with a climbing growth habit and in their native environment you will see them growing up large trees and plants. Monstera aerial roots are brown and woody and grow from the nodes along the monstera’s stem. These aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and debris around them, and also help them climb by affixing their stems to other plants.

Aerial Roots vs. Soil Roots

While they perform many of the same functions (absorb nutrients and moisture, provide support, etc.) aerial roots and roots that grow in the soil are not one-in-the-same. In fact, aerial roots are a type of adventitious root, meaning they grow from nonroot tissue like the plant stem and leaf tissues. Some aerial roots can even photosynthesize thanks to the presence of chlorophyll, which soil roots have no need for.

Can I Remove Aerial Roots?

This is the golden question and likely the reason you are here reading this article, and the answer is – yes…kind of. When grown indoors aerial roots don’t serve much of a purpose most of the time and a monstera’s aerial roots can get long and out of hand quickly. So trimming them back or cutting them off entirely ultimately will not harm the plant.

That being said, many growers choose to leave the aerial roots intact and provide their monsteras with a support to climb – like a moss pole or trellis. Providing your monstera with something to climb, which mimicks its natural growing conditions, will result in larger leaves and more vigorous growth. You can also simply tuck the roots back into the pot of your plant as well if you wish – or just leave them and let them do their thing. Grower’s choice!

How to Remove Aerial Roots

Removing aerial roots from a monstera is easy – you can simply cut them off! However, before you go and grab your closest pair of scissors, you need to ensure that whatever tool you use is properly cleaned to prevent introducing any harmful bacteria to your plant. I like to give my scissors or pruning shears a good wash with dish soap and then use an alcohol wipe to carefully disinfect the blade.