Do Monstera Need Aerial Roots

Do monstera need aerial roots?
 
Yes, monstera do need aerial roots, and that’s a big part of why these tropical beauties grow so well.
 
If you’ve ever looked at your monstera and wondered what those strange, wiry tendrils are, you’re not alone.
 
Many plant parents get confused when they see aerial roots on monstera, but they serve some incredibly important purposes.
 
In this post, we’ll cover why monstera need aerial roots, what you should do with them, and how to care for these natural climbers so your monstera can thrive.
 
Let’s dive into the world of monstera aerial roots and figure out exactly what’s going on with your plant.
 

Why Monstera Need Aerial Roots

Monstera need aerial roots because they’re natural climbers that rely on these roots for support and nutrition.
 
In the wild, monstera grow up tall trees in the rainforest, and aerial roots are the secret to their success.
 
So while a monstera can survive without support, the healthiest monsteras typically have plenty of aerial roots doing their thing.
 
Here’s a closer look at why monstera aerial roots are such a big deal.
 

1. Anchoring and Climbing Support

Monstera need aerial roots to anchor themselves to trees and other surfaces as they climb upward.
 
These roots act like natural ropes, gripping onto bark and moss so the plant can reach more sunlight.
 
When your monstera has aerial roots, it’s showing you its natural instinct to climb.
 
You can help your monstera use aerial roots by providing a moss pole or trellis for support.
 
As the roots attach to the pole, your monstera will grow taller and produce those gorgeous, fenestrated leaves.
 

2. Absorbing Moisture and Nutrients

Another reason monstera need aerial roots is that they can absorb water and nutrients straight from the air.
 
In the humid rainforest environment, these roots take in moisture from the surrounding air and from the surface of tree bark.
 
At home, your monstera aerial roots can still absorb humidity from the air around them.
 
That’s why many plant owners mist their monstera’s aerial roots to give them a little extra hydration.
 
While these roots aren’t essential for watering, they definitely help your monstera stay lush and healthy.
 

3. Reaching Toward the Light

Monstera aerial roots also help the plant find better lighting conditions.
 
Since these roots can start as long, searching tendrils, they help the plant sense its environment.
 
Monstera need aerial roots to help them spread out horizontally and find areas with more sun.
 
As the aerial roots grow longer, they guide the main stem toward brighter spots in the canopy.
 
So if you notice your monstera putting out lots of aerial roots, it’s simply trying to grow toward the best light.
 

What To Do With Monstera Aerial Roots

Now that you know monstera need aerial roots, the next big question is what to do with them.
 
Should you cut them off, tuck them into the soil, or just leave them alone?
 
Here’s how to handle monstera aerial roots like a pro.
 

1. The Best Option Is To Leave Them Alone

In most cases, the smartest move is to let your monstera aerial roots do their thing.
 
Cutting them off won’t kill your plant, but it can reduce its ability to climb and absorb moisture.
 
Since monstera need aerial roots for support, removing them means your plant will have to rely entirely on its underground roots.
 
Unless the aerial roots look brown, crispy, or diseased, there’s really no reason to trim them.
 
Letting the roots grow freely will keep your monstera happier and more natural.
 

2. Guide Them Toward a Moss Pole

If you want to give your monstera a proper climbing surface, guide the aerial roots toward a moss pole.
 
Moisten the moss pole regularly and gently press the aerial roots against it.
 
Over time, your monstera will naturally sink its aerial roots into the moss.
 
This is exactly what monstera aerial roots are designed to do, and it will encourage bigger and better leaf growth.
 
You can also use plant clips to hold the stem and aerial roots against the pole while they attach.
 

3. You Can Tuck Them Into the Soil

Another technique is to gently tuck monstera aerial roots down into the potting soil.
 
This works especially well for shorter aerial roots that haven’t gotten too woody yet.
 
When monstera aerial roots are in the soil, they can start acting like underground roots.
 
This gives your monstera more access to water and nutrients, which can lead to faster growth.
 
Just be careful not to bury them too deeply, as you don’t want to rot the root tips.
 

How To Prune Monstera Aerial Roots

While monstera need aerial roots, there are times when you might want to prune them back a bit.
 
If the aerial roots are getting super long and messy, trimming them is totally fine.
 
Here’s what you need to know about cutting monstera aerial roots safely.
 

1. Cut Back Dead or Damaged Roots

Dead or mushy monstera aerial roots should be removed to keep the plant healthy.
 
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut.
 
You can trim these roots close to the base without worrying about harming the main plant.
 
Healthy aerial roots are usually firm, slightly flexible, and brownish or greenish in color.
 
If they look dried up and brittle, that’s a sign you can remove them.
 

2. Trim Overly Long Aerial Roots

If your monstera aerial roots are taking over the room, you can shorten them for aesthetics.
 
Cut them back to a few inches from the stem, leaving a small stub.
 
This won’t damage your monstera since it has plenty of other aerial roots to rely on.
 
Just remember that the roots won’t regrow from the cut end, but new ones will appear over time.
 
Regular pruning can keep your monstera looking tidy while still allowing it to benefit from aerial roots.
 

So, Do Monstera Need Aerial Roots?

Yes, monstera do need aerial roots, and now you know exactly why.
 
Remember, monstera need aerial roots for climbing, moisture absorption, and overall healthy growth.
 
While you can cut them off, it’s usually better to let them grow and guide them toward a support.
 
Understanding monstera aerial roots will help you create the perfect environment for your plant.
 
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to do with those quirky roots on your monstera.
 
Now you can confidently care for your monstera and let its aerial roots shine.