My Monstera Has A Root Growing Under It – What It Means & What To Do

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

You’ve been dutifully watering your gorgeous Monstera, admiring its latest fenestrated leaf, when you suddenly spot it. A strange, thick, white or brown tendril is making a great escape out of the pot’s drainage hole. Your first thought is probably a mix of confusion and concern.

I get it completely! Seeing a part of your plant growing where you don’t expect it can be alarming. But let me put your mind at ease, my fellow plant lover. When you find yourself thinking, “my monstera has a root growing under it,” it’s very often a sign of a healthy, vigorous, and happy plant that’s simply doing what it’s designed to do: explore and grow!

Don’t worry—this is a super common and manageable situation. In this complete guide, we’ll decode exactly what that rogue root is telling you. We’ll explore whether it’s an adventurous aerial root or a clear sign your plant needs a bigger home, and I’ll provide a step-by-step action plan to turn this moment into an opportunity for even more lush, vibrant growth.

Let’s get that Monstera thriving!

First Things First: Is It an Aerial Root or a Soil Root?

Before we jump into solutions, we need to play detective for a moment. Not all roots are created equal, and identifying what kind of root is escaping will tell you exactly what your plant needs. It’s simpler than it sounds, I promise.

Grab a good look at that runaway root. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Characteristics of an Aerial Root

In their native jungle habitat, Monsteras are climbers. They use these special roots to latch onto trees and hoist themselves up toward the sunlight. They also absorb moisture and nutrients from the humid air.

  • Appearance: Aerial roots are typically thicker, smoother, and can range in color from light green or white when young to a woody, brown color as they mature.
  • Texture: They often feel firm and slightly waxy or papery to the touch.
  • Starting Point: Crucially, these roots emerge from the stem of the plant, often at a node (the bumpy joint where a leaf grows from), and then grow downwards. Sometimes, they can grow so long they reach the soil and travel out the bottom.

Characteristics of a Soil Root

These are the workhorse roots of your plant, living below the soil surface. Their main job is to anchor the plant and absorb the majority of its water and nutrients directly from the potting mix.

  • Appearance: Soil roots are generally thinner, more fibrous, and form a dense network. They are typically pale white or light tan.
  • Texture: They feel more delicate and thread-like compared to the robust aerial roots.
  • Starting Point: These roots grow directly from the base of the plant within the soil. If you’re seeing a dense web of these peeking out of the drainage holes, you’re looking at the plant’s primary root system.

So, is it a single, thick root that started up on the stem, or a tangle of finer roots coming straight from the soil ball? Once you know, you can choose the right path forward.

Why My Monstera Has a Root Growing Under It: Unpacking the Reasons

Okay, so you’ve identified the root. Now for the big question: why is it happening? Understanding the “why” is the key to providing the best care. This is one of the most important parts of our my monstera has a root growing under it guide.

Here are the three most common reasons for this behavior:

1. It’s Seeking Support and Stability

If you’ve identified an aerial root, its primary instinct is to find something to grab onto. In the wild, this would be a tree trunk. In your home, it might be a wall, a piece of furniture, or the floor. This is a sign of a healthy, vining plant that wants to climb. It’s not a problem; it’s an opportunity to give it the support it craves, like a moss pole.

2. It’s Foraging for Moisture and Nutrients

Both aerial and soil roots are programmed to seek out water and food. An aerial root might grow down towards the soil because it senses the moisture there. A soil root might poke out of the bottom if the soil inside the pot dries out too quickly, sending it on a quest for a more reliable water source. This can be a gentle nudge that your watering schedule might need a little tweaking.

3. The Most Common Culprit: It’s Root-Bound

This is the number one reason you’ll see a cluster of soil roots escaping the pot. When a Monstera becomes “root-bound” or “pot-bound,” it means its root system has filled up every square inch of available space in the pot. With nowhere left to go, the roots start circling the bottom and pushing out through the drainage holes. It’s a classic sign your plant is telling you, “I need a bigger home!”

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Your Action Plan: How to Handle Roots Escaping the Pot

Now for the fun part—taking action! Based on what you’ve discovered, here are the my monstera has a root growing under it best practices for each scenario. It’s all about giving your plant what it’s asking for.

Scenario 1: It’s an Aerial Root Seeking Support

If you have a long aerial root making a break for it, you have a few great options. Don’t just snip it off! These roots are valuable to the plant.

  1. Guide it Back to the Pot: Gently tuck the flexible root back into the soil of its own pot. It will branch out under the soil and contribute to the plant’s overall health and stability.
  2. Provide a Moss Pole: This is the gold standard. A moss pole mimics the mossy tree bark Monsteras love to climb. You can gently attach the stem (not the roots) to the pole with plant tape or twine. The aerial roots will eventually grow into the moist pole, encouraging larger, more mature leaves.
  3. Let It Hang Free: If you like the wild, jungle look, it’s perfectly fine to let the aerial roots hang. They won’t harm anything. Just know they might try to attach to your walls or furniture!

Scenario 2: The Plant is Root-Bound and Needs Repotting

If you see a collection of soil roots pushing through the drainage holes, it’s time for an upgrade. Repotting sounds intimidating, but it’s a simple process that will invigorate your plant.

Choose a new pot that is only 2-3 inches wider in diameter than the current one. Going too big can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage.

We’ll cover the step-by-step process in the next section!

Scenario 3: It’s Just a Few Roots Exploring

Sometimes, a single soil root might find its way out of a drainage hole even if the plant isn’t fully root-bound. If the plant otherwise seems healthy and happy, and you don’t see a dense mass of roots, you don’t have to panic.

You can gently prune this single root with clean, sharp scissors. However, view this as an early warning sign. Your plant will likely need to be repotted in the next 6-12 months, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it.

The Art of Repotting: A Step-by-Step Monstera Care Guide

Ready to give your Monstera its new home? Follow this simple my monstera has a root growing under it care guide for a stress-free repotting experience.

  1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need your new pot, fresh potting mix (a chunky aroid mix is best), gloves, and a trowel.
  2. Prepare the New Pot: Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot so the base of the plant will sit about an inch below the rim.
  3. Gently Remove the Monstera: Turn the current pot on its side and gently tap or squeeze it to loosen the soil. Carefully slide the entire plant out. Never pull it by the stems! If it’s stuck, you may need to carefully cut the plastic pot away.
  4. Inspect and Loosen the Roots: Take a look at the root ball. If the roots are tightly wound in a circle, gently tease them apart with your fingers. This encourages them to grow outwards into the new soil. If you see any black, mushy roots, this is root rot—trim them off with sterile shears.
  5. Position in the New Pot: Place the plant in the center of the new pot. Check that it’s sitting at the right height.
  6. Backfill with Soil: Add your fresh potting mix around the sides of the root ball, gently patting it down to remove any large air pockets. Don’t compact it too tightly!
  7. Water Thoroughly: Give your newly repotted Monstera a good, deep drink until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This helps the soil settle and reduces transplant shock.
  8. Provide Aftercare: Place your plant back in its spot, but hold off on fertilizing for about 4-6 weeks to let the roots recover and adjust.

Benefits of Addressing Escaping Roots (It’s More Than Just Tidiness!)

Taking action when you notice that my monstera has a root growing under it does more than just make things look neater. There are real benefits of my monstera has a root growing under it management for your plant’s long-term health.

  • Promotes Stronger, Healthier Growth: Giving a root-bound plant fresh soil and more space allows its root system to expand, leading to better nutrient uptake and more vigorous leaf growth.
  • Prevents Water Stress: A root-bound plant often dries out very quickly because there isn’t enough soil to hold moisture. Repotting solves this, creating a more stable environment.
  • Encourages Larger Leaves: When an aerial root finds support (like on a moss pole), it signals to the plant that it’s stable. This stability often triggers the growth of larger, more mature leaves with those iconic fenestrations (splits).
  • Avoids a Damaged Pot: In extreme cases, a powerfully growing root system can actually crack or break a plastic or terracotta pot!

Common Problems with Monstera Roots and How to Avoid Them

While generally easygoing, there are a few common problems with my monstera has a root growing under it that you should be aware of. Knowing them is half the battle!

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Problem: Root Rot
This is the number one enemy of most houseplants. It’s caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which suffocates the roots. They turn black, mushy, and smelly.
Solution: Always use a pot with drainage holes. Use a chunky, well-draining soil mix (not dense garden soil). Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry to the touch.

Problem: Damaged Roots During Repotting
It’s easy to be a little too rough when loosening a tight root ball, causing breakage.
Solution: Be gentle! If the roots are extremely compacted, you can soak the entire root ball in a bucket of water for an hour to help loosen them more easily.

Problem: Choosing a Pot That’s Too Big
It’s tempting to give your plant a huge pot to “grow into,” but this is a mistake. A massive amount of soil holds too much water for too long, which can lead straight to root rot.
Solution: Stick to the “2-3 inches wider” rule. Gradual upsizing is the safest path.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Care Practices

Being a great plant parent can also mean being a great steward of our planet. Adopting sustainable my monstera has a root growing under it practices is easy and rewarding.

  • Choose Peat-Free Soil: Peat moss harvesting is environmentally destructive. Look for potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives like coco coir, compost, and pine bark fines.
  • Reuse and Recycle Pots: Don’t throw away old plastic nursery pots! Clean them thoroughly with soap and water, and you can reuse them for propagation or smaller plants.
  • DIY Moss Poles: Instead of buying a plastic-cored moss pole, you can make your own! Simply wrap sphagnum moss around a sturdy stick or piece of bamboo and secure it with twine. This is a fantastic eco-friendly my monstera has a root growing under it solution.
  • Water Wisely: Use water from a rain barrel or leftover water from boiling vegetables (once cooled) to give your plants a nutrient boost and conserve water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Roots

Can I cut the root growing out of the bottom of my Monstera?

You can, but it’s generally better not to. If it’s a single soil root, trimming it is okay as a temporary fix, but it’s a sign that repotting is on the horizon. If it’s an aerial root, you should never cut it. Instead, guide it back into the soil or onto a pole. These roots are important for the plant’s health and stability.

How often should I repot my Monstera?

Young, fast-growing Monsteras may need repotting every 12-18 months. More mature plants can often go 2-3 years between repotting. The best way to know is to check the roots. If they are circling the pot or growing out of the bottom, it’s time.

What kind of pot is best for a Monstera?

The material isn’t as important as the drainage! Both terracotta and plastic pots work well. Terracotta is porous and dries out faster, which can be great if you tend to overwater. Plastic pots retain moisture longer. The most critical feature is having at least one large drainage hole at the bottom.

Do aerial roots need to be in soil?

No, they don’t have to be. In nature, many of them never reach the soil. They can absorb moisture from the air and provide support by clinging to surfaces. However, tucking them into the soil can provide an extra boost of water and nutrients to the plant, so it’s a beneficial option.

Your Monstera is Talking—Now You Know How to Listen!

So, the next time you see a root making a run for it from the bottom of your Monstera pot, you can smile. You’re not a bad plant parent; you’re the proud owner of a plant that is growing with vigor and telling you exactly what it needs.

Whether it’s asking for a moss pole to climb or a slightly larger pot to stretch its roots, you now have all the my monstera has a root growing under it tips you need to respond with confidence. Listening to these little cues is what turns good gardeners into great ones.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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