What To Do With Aerial Roots On Pothos

Aerial roots on pothos are completely normal and don’t require any urgent action.
 
If you’ve noticed these wiry little tendrils growing from your pothos stems, you might be wondering what to do with aerial roots on pothos.
 
The good news is that aerial roots on pothos serve important natural functions for the plant.
 
They help your pothos climb, absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, and anchor itself to surfaces.
 
So while you don’t have to do anything with aerial roots on pothos, there are a few helpful ways to manage them.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with aerial roots on pothos so you can keep your plant happy and healthy.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do With Aerial Roots on Pothos

The simplest answer to what to do with aerial roots on pothos is to leave them alone.
 
These aerial roots are a natural part of your pothos plant’s growth.
 
But depending on your goals, you might want to take a few specific actions with your pothos aerial roots.
 
Here are the most common approaches for what to do with aerial roots on pothos.
 

1. Let Them Be

If you’re happy with how your pothos looks, you can simply ignore its aerial roots.
 
The aerial roots on pothos don’t harm the plant or the surfaces they touch.
 
They’ll continue to grow and may even help your pothos absorb extra humidity from the air.
 
Leaving pothos aerial roots untouched is perfectly fine for the plant’s health.
 

2. Train Them Up a Moss Pole or Trellis

One of the best uses for aerial roots on pothos is to encourage vertical growth.
 
If you want your pothos to climb, you can gently guide its aerial roots onto a moss pole.
 
The aerial roots of pothos will naturally latch onto the moss pole for support.
 
This simulates how pothos climb trees in their native tropical habitats.
 
Over time, the pothos aerial roots will dig into the moss and help the plant grow larger leaves.
 

3. Trim Them Off

If you don’t like the look of those wiry tendrils, you can snip the aerial roots on pothos.
 
Trimming pothos aerial roots won’t hurt the plant at all.
 
Just use clean scissors or pruning shears and cut the roots close to the stem.
 
Cutting the aerial roots of your pothos is safe and won’t cause any stress to the plant.
 
Your pothos will continue to grow new aerial roots over time as it matures.
 

4. Use Them for Propagation

Did you know you can use pothos aerial roots for propagation?
 
When you take stem cuttings, the aerial roots on pothos can help the new cuttings root faster.
 
Simply include a node with an aerial root when you take your cutting.
 
Plant the cutting in water or soil, and the pothos aerial root will often already be primed to grow.
 
This makes what to do with aerial roots on pothos a great answer for expanding your plant collection.
 

Why Pothos Have Aerial Roots in the First Place

Understanding why pothos develop aerial roots helps you decide what to do with them.
 
These roots are not a sign of trouble; they’re a natural adaptation.
 

1. Climbing and Anchoring

In the wild, pothos use their aerial roots to climb up trees and other structures.
 
The aerial roots on pothos act like tiny grips that hold the plant in place.
 
This allows the pothos to reach more sunlight in dense forests.
 
So when you see pothos aerial roots, your plant is ready to climb.
 

2. Absorbing Moisture and Nutrients

Pothos aerial roots can absorb water and trace nutrients from the air.
 
This is especially useful in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
 
The aerial roots of pothos also help the plant take in dust and organic particles.
 
So those roots are actually working to keep your pothos fed and hydrated.
 

3. Supporting Larger Leaves

As your pothos matures, it tries to grow bigger leaves.
 
But large leaves need strong support, and aerial roots on pothos provide that.
 
When pothos aerial roots cling to a support, the plant can put more energy into leaf growth.
 
This is why climbing pothos often have much larger leaves than trailing ones.
 

Common Questions About Pothos Aerial Roots

You might still be wondering about specific details regarding what to do with aerial roots on pothos.
 
Here are answers to a few common questions.
 

Can Aerial Roots Damage Walls or Furniture?

No, the aerial roots on pothos are not aggressive like ivy roots.
 
Pothos aerial roots are soft and won’t penetrate paint or wood.
 
They might leave a slight residue on rough surfaces, but they won’t cause structural damage.
 
So there’s no need to remove them for protection.
 

Do Aerial Roots Mean the Plant Is Unhealthy?

Not at all.
 
In fact, healthy, actively growing pothos often produce more aerial roots.
 
The presence of aerial roots on pothos usually indicates a vigorous plant.
 
If you see lots of pothos aerial roots, it’s a good sign your plant is thriving.
 

Should I Bury the Aerial Roots in Soil?

You can if you want, but it’s not necessary.
 
Burying aerial roots on pothos in soil won’t harm the plant, but it may not help either.
 
Those roots are adapted to air, so they might not function as well underground.
 
It’s better to leave them above the soil or train them onto a support.
 

So, What to Do With Aerial Roots on Pothos?

Aerial roots on pothos are completely normal and don’t require any urgent action.
 
The best approach for what to do with aerial roots on pothos depends on your preference.
 
You can leave them alone, train them onto a support, trim them, or use them for propagation.
 
All of these options are safe and will keep your pothos healthy.
 
Remember, pothos aerial roots are a natural feature that shows your plant is growing strong.
 
So feel free to decide what to do with aerial roots on pothos based on the look you want.
 
Your pothos will thank you for understanding its needs.