What To Do With Long Roots On Monstera

What to do with long roots on monstera is a common question, and the short answer is that you have several great options to choose from.

You can leave them alone, guide them back into the soil, trim them, or even use them to propagate a brand new plant.

These long, woody tendrils are actually aerial roots, and they are a completely natural and healthy part of your monstera’s growth.

In this post, we’ll explore what these roots are for and the best ways to handle what to do with long roots on monstera, so you can keep your plant thriving.

Let’s dig into the best practices for managing those adventurous vines.

Understanding What to Do with Long Roots on Monstera Starts with Knowing Their Purpose

Before you decide what to do with long roots on monstera, it helps to understand why they exist in the first place.

These roots are not a sign of a problem, they are a sign of a happy, vigorous plant.

In the wild, monstera uses these aerial roots to climb up trees and reach towards sunlight.

They provide extra support and help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and the forest floor.

So, when you see those long roots, you’re actually seeing your plant’s natural instinct to explore and secure itself.

This knowledge will guide your decision on what to do with long roots on monstera, as you’ll learn that most options are safe and beneficial.

Understanding their function is the first step in confidently caring for your plant.

1. The Simple Answer: Leave Them Alone

The most straightforward answer to what to do with long roots on monstera is simply to leave them be.

Aerial roots are not harmful to your plant in any way, and cutting them is not a necessary part of monstera care.

They can look a bit wild and unruly, but they are a natural cosmetic feature.

Many plant parents choose to let them grow freely because pruning always carries a small amount of stress for the plant.

If you don’t mind the look, and you’re not sure what to do with long roots on monstera, then the easiest and safest option is often to do nothing at all.

2. The Practical Fix: Guide Them Back into the Pot

One of the most functional answers to what to do with long roots on monstera is to redirect them.

Since these roots are looking for moisture and support, you can simply tuck them back into the soil of the pot.

This is a win-win because the plant will happily use these roots to absorb extra water and nutrients.

Use your fingers or a small chopstick to gently press the root down into the top layer of the soil.

Over time, the root may even anchor itself down, giving your monstera more stability.

This is a great option for when you’re wondering what to do with long roots on monstera and you want to keep the plant looking tidy without cutting anything.

3. The Cosmetic Solution: Trim the Aerial Roots

If the long roots are getting in the way, or you prefer a cleaner, more manicured look, then trimming is a valid answer to what to do with long roots on monstera.

You can absolutely cut them back without harming your plant.

Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.

Cut the root as close to the main stem as you can.

Pro tip: It’s best to trim just the dried, brown tips if you’re nervous about cutting too much.

Removing the entire root is fine too, but leaving a small nub is a more conservative approach.

Trimming is a simple and effective choice when you’re deciding what to do with long roots on monstera and want to control the plant’s shape.

4. The Propagation Route: Use Them to Grow a New Plant

A fantastic use for those long, healthy roots is to turn them into a new monstera.

Here’s how aerial roots help you with what to do with long roots on monstera for propagation.

You can take a stem cutting that includes a node and an aerial root and place it in water.

The aerial root will quickly adapt to being a water root and will start growing new roots.

Once the new roots are a few inches long, you can plant your cutting in soil.

This is a fun and rewarding way to answer what to do with long roots on monstera by expanding your plant collection for free.

It’s a great project for sharing with friends or filling a new pot in your home.

Best Practices for Managing Long Roots on Monstera

Now that you know your options, let’s look at how to execute these decisions properly.

Managing them well ensures your plant stays healthy no matter which route you choose.

1. Use Clean and Sharp Tools

Whether you’re trimming or taking a cutting, always use tools that are sharp and clean.

Disinfect your scissors or shears with rubbing alcohol beforehand.

This prevents the spread of any diseases or pests to your plant.

A clean cut also heals faster and looks better than a ragged one.

2. Avoid Cutting the Main Stem

When you are deciding what to do with long roots on monstera, make sure you’re only cutting the aerial roots.

Do not cut into the main stem or the petioles (the stalks that connect the leaves to the main stem).

Cutting the main stem could cause significant damage and stress to your plant.

Always double-check that the long, stringy root you are holding is indeed an aerial root and not the stem of a new leaf.

3. Consider Moss Poles for Support

If your monstera is producing a lot of long roots, it might be telling you it wants to climb.

Providing a moss pole is a great answer to what to do with long roots on monstera.

You can train the aerial roots to attach to the moss pole.

As you mist the pole, the roots will grow into it, providing excellent support for your plant.

This encourages larger leaves and a more impressive, jungle-like appearance.

It’s a proactive way to handle what to do with long roots on monstera that mimics their natural environment.

4. Gently Tuck Tops into Soil

If you have a particularly long root that you don’t want to trim, you can also coil it gently on top of the soil.

This is similar to guiding it back, but works for roots that are too long to simply push down.

Just place the root on the surface and lightly cover it with some potting mix.

This keeps the root hydrated and out of the way.

So if you’re asking what to do with long roots on monstera and want to avoid any cutting, this is a perfect solution.

So, What to Do with Long Roots on Monstera?

What to do with long roots on monstera really depends on your personal preference and the look you’re going for.

The answer to what to do with long roots on monstera is that you can leave them, tuck them, trim them, or propagate them.

These are all healthy and acceptable options that will not harm your monstera.

So, the best answer to what to do with long roots on monstera is to choose the method that aligns with your aesthetic goals and your plant’s needs.

Whichever action you decide on, rest assured that you are caring for your plant in a way that supports its natural growth habits.