What Does The Aerial Root Do On Monstera – Your Ultimate Guide

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your gorgeous Monstera deliciosa and thought, “What in the world are those strange, brown tentacles growing out of the stem?” You’re not alone! These wild, wandering growths are called aerial roots, and almost every Monstera parent has wondered about them.

They might look a bit unruly, but I promise you, they are one of your plant’s greatest assets. Far from being a problem, these roots are a secret weapon, a sign of a healthy, maturing plant that’s ready to thrive. They are your Monstera’s way of reaching for the sky, just like it would in the jungle.

In this complete what does the aerial root do on monstera guide, we’re going to demystify these fascinating features. You’ll learn exactly what they are, why your plant grows them, and most importantly, how to manage them to encourage a stronger, bigger, and more beautiful Monstera. Let’s dive in and learn to love those lovely, leggy roots!

So, What Does the Aerial Root Do on Monstera, Exactly?

First things first, let’s get to the heart of the matter. In their native tropical rainforests, Monsteras are epiphytic climbers. This means they grow on other plants, like large trees, using them for support to climb towards the sunlight in the dense canopy. Their aerial roots are the specialized tools that make this incredible lifestyle possible.

Think of them as a multi-purpose toolkit. Each root serves several vital functions that help your Monstera not just survive, but truly flourish, even in your living room.

Climbing and Anchorage: The Jungle Instinct

The number one job of an aerial root is to anchor the plant. As your Monstera grows taller, its main stem needs help staying upright. In the wild, these roots snake out, latching onto tree bark, rocks, and soil to provide rock-solid stability.

Indoors, they will try to do the same thing! You might find them trying to grab onto your walls, furniture, or nearby shelves. This is their natural climbing instinct kicking in. By giving them something to climb, like a moss pole, you’re helping your plant fulfill its natural purpose.

A Thirsty Helper: Absorbing Moisture and Nutrients

While the main root system in the pot does the heavy lifting, aerial roots are fantastic helpers. They are highly efficient at absorbing moisture directly from the air. In a humid environment, they supplement the plant’s water supply, keeping it lush and hydrated.

They can also absorb nutrients. If an aerial root finds its way into the soil or attaches to a damp moss pole, it will develop into a secondary feeder root, pulling in extra water and nutrients to fuel even more growth. This is one of the key benefits of what the aerial root does on monstera.

The Plant’s Antennae: Sensing the Environment

Believe it or not, these roots help your plant “see” its surroundings. They are sensitive to light, gravity, and moisture, constantly searching for the best place to attach and find support. This is why you’ll often see them growing towards a nearby wall or a window.

They are a living, breathing part of your plant’s navigation system, helping it grow in the most efficient way possible to reach for light and stability.

To Trim or Not to Trim? The Great Aerial Root Debate

This is one of the most common questions I get from fellow gardeners. You see these long, sometimes unruly roots and your first instinct might be to grab the shears. But hold on! Trimming them should be a last resort, not a regular chore.

Why You Should Think Twice Before Pruning

Chopping off healthy aerial roots is like taking away one of your plant’s essential tools. When you trim them, you are:

  • Removing a source of stability: You’re cutting off the very limbs your plant uses to support its weight as it grows taller.
  • Reducing nutrient and water uptake: You’re limiting its ability to absorb extra moisture and food, which can slow down growth.
  • Creating an open wound: Every cut is a potential entry point for pests and diseases. While Monsteras are hardy, it’s an unnecessary risk.
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In short, leaving them be is almost always the best option. They are a sign of a happy, healthy plant!

When It’s Okay to Snip (With Caution)

Of course, there are a few exceptions. It is acceptable to trim an aerial root if it is:

  • Dried up or dead: If a root is shriveled, brown, and brittle, it’s no longer serving a purpose and can be removed.
  • Damaged or broken: A snapped root can be cleanly trimmed to prevent rot.
  • Growing into a delicate surface: If a root is about to damage your wall paint or burrow into your favorite armchair, a trim might be necessary.

Pro Tip: If you must trim, always use a pair of sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners. Make a clean cut close to the main stem and dab the wound with a bit of ground cinnamon, which is a natural fungicide, to help it heal.

A Gardener’s How-To: What to Do With Monstera Aerial Roots

Instead of cutting them, let’s talk about how to work with your Monstera’s aerial roots. This is where the real fun begins! Understanding how to what does the aerial root do on monstera care involves guiding them, not fighting them. Here are some of the best practices from our care guide.

1. Guide Them to a Moss Pole

This is the gold standard for Monstera care. A moss pole mimics the mossy tree bark they would climb in the wild. When you gently guide the aerial roots to attach to or grow into a damp moss pole, you’ll see incredible results.

Your plant will feel secure and supported, encouraging it to produce those iconic, beautifully fenestrated (split) leaves that we all love. Simply use some soft plant ties or garden twine to gently secure the stem to the pole, aiming the aerial roots towards it.

2. Tuck Them Back into the Soil

If a root is long enough, you can gently guide it down into the pot’s soil. Don’t force it! If it reaches, it will burrow in and transform into a regular soil root, providing a huge boost in stability and nutrient absorption for your plant.

This is a fantastic trick for making your plant sturdier, especially as it gets larger and more top-heavy.

3. Let Them Hang Free

Honestly, it’s perfectly fine to just let them be! A Monstera with long, cascading aerial roots has a wonderfully wild and natural look. As long as the plant is stable and healthy, there’s no harm in letting it embrace its jungle aesthetic.

4. Use Them for Water Propagation

Here’s a lesser-known tip! If you’re taking a cutting to propagate, try to get a node that already has a small aerial root. Cuttings with an aerial root already attached tend to sprout new water roots much faster, giving your new plant a fantastic head start.

Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems with Monstera Aerial Roots

Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues. Don’t worry—these are usually easy to fix! This section covers some common problems with what does the aerial root do on monstera.

Problem: My Aerial Roots Are Dry and Brittle

This is almost always a sign of low humidity. Your Monstera is a tropical plant that craves moisture in the air. If the roots are getting crispy, try increasing the humidity by:

  • Misting the plant and its roots a few times a week.
  • Placing a humidifier nearby.
  • Grouping it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.

Problem: My Monstera Isn’t Growing Any Aerial Roots

If your plant is young, be patient! Aerial roots typically appear as the plant matures. If you have a mature plant that isn’t producing them, it might be a sign that it needs more light. Monsteras need bright, indirect sunlight to have the energy for robust growth, including producing these roots.

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Problem: The Roots Are Growing in Weird Directions!

This is completely normal! They are on a mission to find something to grab onto. If they’re heading somewhere you don’t want them to go, gently redirect them towards a moss pole or back into the pot. They are quite flexible when they are young and green.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Care: Best Practices

Embracing your Monstera’s natural growth is a cornerstone of sustainable plant care. A truly sustainable what does the aerial root do on monstera approach means working with its instincts.

Instead of plastic supports, consider using natural, eco-friendly what does the aerial root do on monstera options like a coir (coconut fiber) pole, a sturdy bamboo stake, or even a natural branch. You can even make your own moss pole using sphagnum moss and a simple wire mesh frame—a fun and rewarding DIY project!

The most important of all what does the aerial root do on monstera best practices is observation. Pay attention to what your plant is telling you. Those aerial roots are a form of communication, signaling its desire for support and its overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions About What the Aerial Root Does on a Monstera

Can I put my Monstera’s aerial roots in a separate jar of water?

You can! This can be a good way to give your plant an extra boost of hydration, especially in dry homes. Just be sure to change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria from forming. However, guiding them to a moss pole or back to the soil is generally a more stable, long-term solution.

Do aerial roots mean my Monstera needs to be repotted?

Not necessarily. Aerial roots grow from the stem, not the base, and are a sign of maturity and a search for stability, not a cry for more soil space. To check if your plant is root-bound, look for roots coming out of the drainage holes or a tightly packed root ball at the bottom of the pot.

Why are some of my aerial roots thin and green while others are thick and brown?

This is a natural aging process. New aerial roots start out as thin, flexible, and greenish-white. As they get older and are exposed to air, they develop a thicker, brown, bark-like casing to protect themselves. This is completely normal and a sign of a healthy, aging root.

Embrace the Roots and Grow On!

So, the next time you look at your Monstera, I hope you see those aerial roots in a whole new light. They aren’t strange or messy; they are a beautiful and functional part of what makes your plant so special.

They are a testament to your plant’s jungle heritage and a clear sign that you are providing a home where it can thrive. By understanding what the aerial root does on a monstera, you can give it the support it needs to climb higher and grow bigger than you ever imagined.

Go on, give your plant a moss pole to hug and watch it flourish. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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