Monstera Plant Aerial Roots: Your Complete Guide To Training

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your gorgeous Monstera and thought, “What in the world are these strange, brown tentacles growing out of the stem?” You’re not alone! Those wild, reaching limbs can look a bit alien, leaving many plant parents wondering if they should be worried, excited, or just plain confused.

I promise you, there’s nothing to fear. In fact, those are a sign of a happy, growing plant! They are your plant’s secret weapon for thriving, and understanding them is the key to unlocking an even more magnificent Monstera.

Welcome to your complete guide on monstera plant aerial roots. In this post, we’re going to demystify these fascinating growths. You’ll learn exactly what they are, why they’re incredibly beneficial, and most importantly, how to manage them to help your plant grow bigger, stronger, and more beautiful than ever. Let’s dig in!

What Exactly Are Monstera Plant Aerial Roots (And Why Do They Grow)?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s start with the “what” and “why.” In their native jungle habitats, Monsteras are epiphytes, which is a fancy way of saying they grow on other plants, like large trees. They aren’t parasitic; they just use the trees for support to climb their way up to the sunlit canopy.

Those strange-looking roots are called aerial roots because they grow in the open air rather than in the soil. Think of them as your Monstera’s multi-tool, essential for survival in the wild.

They serve three primary purposes:

  1. Anchoring & Climbing: Their main job is to latch onto tree bark, rocks, or any other surface to help the plant climb upwards, stabilizing its heavy vines and large leaves.
  2. Absorbing Moisture: In a humid rainforest, these roots can absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air and rain running down the tree bark.
  3. Finding Support: They are constantly “searching” for something to grab onto, which is why they often grow in seemingly random directions in our homes.

So, when you see these roots emerge, it’s simply your Monstera acting on its natural, jungle instincts. It’s a beautiful thing!

The Amazing Benefits of Monstera Plant Aerial Roots for Your Plant’s Health

It’s tempting to see these roots as messy or unruly, but I encourage you to see them as a vital part of your plant’s support system. Embracing the benefits of monstera plant aerial roots is the first step toward better care. Here’s why they are so fantastic for your plant:

  • Increased Stability: As your Monstera gets taller and produces those iconic, fenestrated (split) leaves, it becomes top-heavy. Aerial roots that find support in a moss pole or nearby wall provide crucial stability, preventing the main stem from snapping.
  • Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: If you guide an aerial root into the soil or onto a moist moss pole, it will develop into a secondary root system. This allows the plant to absorb extra water and nutrients, fueling faster and more robust growth. More roots equal a happier plant!
  • A Sign of Good Health: The vigorous growth of aerial roots is a clear indicator that your Monstera is healthy, mature, and happy in its environment. It means you’re doing a great job with its light, water, and humidity levels.

Simply put, these roots are not a problem to be solved; they are an opportunity to help your plant thrive.

Your Monstera Plant Aerial Roots Care Guide: What Should You Do With Them?

Alright, so you have these roots. Now what? This is the fun part! You have a few great options, and the right choice depends on your aesthetic preference and how much you want to engage with your plant. This is the ultimate monstera plant aerial roots care guide for any situation.

READ MORE  Why Is My Monstera Leaf Curling – Your 7-Step Diagnostic Guide

Option 1: Let Them Hang Free

The easiest approach? Do nothing! Letting the aerial roots grow naturally gives your plant a wild, untamed, jungle-like vibe. They might hang down, reach out, or find a nearby wall. This is a perfectly valid, low-maintenance choice.

Pro-Tip: If you choose this route, try to keep the humidity around the plant a bit higher. Misting the roots once or twice a week can keep them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Option 2: Guide Them Back Into the Potting Soil

This is one of the best things you can do for your plant’s health. Gently guide longer, flexible aerial roots and tuck them directly into the potting mix. Don’t force them if they are stiff, as they might break.

Once in the soil, the root will branch out and begin absorbing water and nutrients, essentially supercharging your plant’s growth. This is a fantastic way to create a stronger, more resilient Monstera.

Option 3: Train Them Onto a Support Pole (The Best Practice)

This is my personal favorite method and is widely considered one of the monstera plant aerial roots best practices. Giving your Monstera a moss pole, coco coir pole, or simple wooden plank mimics its natural climbing habit.

  1. Install the Support: When you repot your Monstera, place the support pole at the back of the pot, making sure it’s secure.
  2. Attach the Stem: Loosely tie the main stem of the Monstera to the pole using plant ties, twine, or velcro strips. Never tie it too tightly.
  3. Guide the Roots: As new aerial roots grow, gently guide them towards the pole. You can use small plant clips or pins to encourage them to attach.
  4. Keep it Moist: Regularly mist the moss pole. This encourages the aerial roots to dig into it, where they will absorb moisture and anchor the plant securely. A moist pole signals to the plant that it has found a great place to climb!

A supported Monstera will reward you with larger leaves and more dramatic fenestrations. It’s a game-changer!

Option 4: Pruning (Use as a Last Resort)

Sometimes, a root might be growing straight into a wall, be damaged, or simply be too unsightly for your taste. In these cases, you can prune them.

How to prune monstera plant aerial roots safely:

  • Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Always sterilize your tool with rubbing alcohol first to prevent infection.
  • Cut the root close to the main stem.
  • Don’t go crazy! Avoid cutting off too many aerial roots at once, as this can stress the plant. It’s best to leave as many as you can.

Common Problems with Monstera Plant Aerial Roots and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you might encounter a few hiccups. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with monstera plant aerial roots and their simple solutions.

Problem: My aerial roots are dry, brown, and shriveled.

Cause: This is almost always due to low humidity. Our home environments are much drier than a tropical rainforest.

Solution: Increase the ambient humidity. You can mist the roots and leaves a few times a week, place the plant near a humidifier, or group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Problem: The roots are growing long and thin, reaching everywhere.

Cause: Your plant is desperately searching for something to grab onto for support or moisture.

Solution: This is a clear signal that it’s time to provide a moss pole or other support structure. Give it something to climb, and you’ll see it happily attach itself.

Problem: The tip of an aerial root turned black or mushy.

Cause: This can be from physical damage (like being bumped) or, more rarely, from sitting in stagnant water or against a damp, cold surface.

Solution: Using your sterile shears, simply snip off the blackened tip. Ensure the remaining root has good air circulation and isn’t pressed against a perpetually wet surface.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Plant Aerial Roots Practices

As gardeners, we love connecting with nature, and we can extend that love by making sustainable choices. Here are a few eco-friendly monstera plant aerial roots tips:

  • Make Your Own Moss Pole: Instead of buying a plastic-cored pole, you can easily make your own! Wrap sphagnum moss or natural coco fiber around a sturdy stick or bamboo stake and secure it with natural twine. It’s a fun DIY project that reduces plastic waste.
  • Use Natural Ties: When securing your Monstera to its support, opt for biodegradable materials like jute twine or raffia instead of plastic zip ties or twist ties.
  • Compost Pruned Roots: If you do need to trim a healthy aerial root, don’t just toss it in the trash. Chop it up and add it to your compost bin. It will break down and return its nutrients to the soil.
READ MORE  Fungal Leaf Spot Monstera - Your Step-By-Step Guide To Saving Your

These small steps are part of a larger, more sustainable monstera plant aerial roots approach that benefits both your plant and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Plant Aerial Roots

Should I cut off my Monstera’s aerial roots?

You can, but it’s generally not recommended. The roots provide stability and can boost nutrient uptake. Only trim them if they are damaged, diseased, or growing in a very inconvenient location. Always leave the majority of them intact.

Can I put Monstera aerial roots in water?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you have a long aerial root near the base of the plant, you can place a small jar of water beneath it and guide the root inside. This is a great way to give your plant an extra hydration boost, especially if you tend to be an forgetful waterer.

Why are my Monstera’s aerial roots so long?

Long aerial roots are a sign that your plant is actively searching for something. It could be looking for support to climb, moisture in the air, or more soil to root into. It’s a sign of a healthy, ambitious plant! Providing a moss pole is the best response.

Do aerial roots mean my Monstera needs a bigger pot?

Not necessarily. Aerial roots grow from the stem, not the base, so their presence isn’t directly related to the plant being root-bound in its pot. To check if you need to repot, look for roots coming out of the drainage holes or a densely packed root ball when you lift the plant out.

Embrace the Roots and Watch Your Monstera Thrive

So, the next time you spot a new aerial root on your Monstera, I hope you feel a sense of excitement instead of confusion. These incredible adaptations are your plant’s way of talking to you, showing you that it’s ready to climb and grow to its full, magnificent potential.

By understanding what they are and learning how to work with them, you’re not just growing a plant—you’re partnering with it. Whether you let them hang wild and free or train them up a pole, you now have all the monstera plant aerial roots tips you need.

Go on, give your Monstera the support it’s asking for. You’ll be rewarded with a happier, healthier, and more stunning jungle centerpiece in your home. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts