Monstera Aerial Roots: Keep Them, Cut Them, or Train Them?

Your monstera has roots growing out of the stem. Not from the soil. From the stem, just dangling in the air like weird brown noodles.

You are probably wondering: Is this normal? Should I cut them? Are they stealing nutrients from the plant?

Short answer: They are completely normal, and you should probably leave them alone.

What Aerial Roots Do

In the wild, monsteras are climbing vines. They use aerial roots to:

  • Anchor themselves to trees
  • Absorb moisture from humid air
  • Stabilize the plant as it climbs upward

Indoors, they still grow aerial roots because that is what monsteras do. Even if your plant is not climbing, the roots will appear.

Should You Cut Them?

You can, but you do not have to.

Reasons to leave them:

  • They help the plant absorb extra moisture
  • They support the plant if it is climbing
  • Cutting them stresses the plant slightly

Reasons to cut them:

  • They look messy
  • They are getting in the way
  • The plant has too many and it bothers you

If you do cut them, use clean scissors and cut close to the stem. The plant will be fine.

Better Option: Train Them

Instead of cutting, guide the aerial roots into the soil or onto a moss pole.

Why this works:

  • Aerial roots can turn into soil roots if buried
  • They provide extra support for climbing
  • The plant gets more stable and can produce larger leaves

How to do it:

  1. Gently bend the aerial root toward the soil
  2. Bury the tip in the potting mix
  3. Or wrap it around a moss pole or stake

Over time, the root will anchor and the plant will thank you.

Using a Moss Pole

If your monstera is getting tall, a moss pole is the best move.

Steps:

  1. Insert a moss pole into the center of the pot
  2. Tie the main stem loosely to the pole with soft ties
  3. Guide aerial roots onto the pole
  4. Mist the pole regularly so roots can attach

Climbing monsteras produce bigger, more fenestrated leaves. It is worth the effort.

Common Mistakes

  • Cutting all aerial roots because they look weird
  • Forcing a root to bend (they can snap)
  • Ignoring them when your plant needs support

What Aerial Roots Tell You About Your Plant

  • Lots of healthy aerial roots = happy plant
  • Dried, shriveled roots = low humidity
  • No aerial roots on a mature plant = might need more light or climbing support

What To Do Next

  • If you want your monstera to climb, set up a moss pole now
  • If you are dealing with a monstera that will not split leaves, check light and support first
  • If you liked this, learn about training other aroids like philodendrons
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