The Monstera is a popular houseplant recognized for its large, perforated leaves, but new owners often notice thick, rope-like structures growing from the stems that emerge above the soil line. These are aerial roots, and their sudden appearance can seem untidy to a plant owner. They are a perfectly normal biological feature, yet their presence leads to a common question: are they safe to remove? Understanding their natural function is the first step in deciding how to manage them in a home environment.
The Dual Purpose of Aerial Roots
The Monstera is native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, where it primarily grows as a hemiepiphyte, meaning it starts life on the ground and then climbs up supporting structures like large trees. This climbing habit is the primary reason the plant develops these specialized aerial roots, which sprout from the nodes along the main stem. The most immediate function of these roots is to act as anchors, firmly affixing the vine to the rough bark of a host tree as the plant ascends toward the canopy to access brighter light. This physical support is necessary for the plant to maintain its vertical growth and allows the leaves to grow larger and develop the iconic fenestrations.
A secondary, but still significant, role for the aerial roots is the absorption of moisture and nutrients. In their humid, natural habitat, these adventitious roots pull in water vapor and dissolved minerals from the air, rain, and accumulated organic debris. This absorption supplements the resources the plant takes in through its traditional roots buried in the soil. The structure of the aerial roots is adapted for this atmospheric and surface-level acquisition.
When and How to Trim Aerial Roots Safely
The direct answer to whether aerial roots can be trimmed is yes, it is generally safe to do so, especially when the plant is otherwise healthy and well-established in its pot. Most trimming is done purely for aesthetic reasons when the roots become long, unruly, or begin attaching themselves to walls or furniture. Trimming should be avoided if the plant is already exhibiting signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or severe wilting, as removing any part of its supplementary system may add unnecessary strain.
If you choose to trim, the technique must prioritize minimizing the risk of infection. Always use a pair of shears or scissors that have been cleaned and sterilized with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to ensure no pathogens are introduced into the open wound. Make a clean, swift cut through the aerial root.
The ideal place to trim is close to the main stem, but it is important to avoid cutting into the green or woody tissue of the stem itself. Damaging the main stem can expose the plant to disease or pests. Although the plant will heal the cut surface, new aerial roots will eventually grow back from the nodes, requiring repeat maintenance if you wish to maintain a very clean appearance.
Training Aerial Roots for Support and Growth
Rather than cutting the aerial roots, an alternative approach is to use them to benefit the plant’s health and stability, which often results in more vigorous growth. One of the most effective methods is to provide the plant with a moss pole or similar support structure, which mimics the tree trunk it would climb in the wild. The aerial roots will naturally seek out this surface and grow into the moist sphagnum moss, providing superior physical support.
To encourage this behavior, position the pole firmly into the soil and gently secure the Monstera’s main stem to the pole, orienting the aerial roots toward the surface. Maintaining the moss pole with regular misting or watering ensures the roots find a consistent source of moisture, prompting them to actively grow into the material. This integration allows the roots to fulfill their anchoring function and can lead to the plant producing larger, more mature foliage.
Another beneficial technique is to gently guide the aerial roots back down into the existing pot’s soil. Once tucked into the potting medium, these roots adapt and develop a more branched, fibrous structure, similar to the plant’s subterranean roots. This adaptation increases the overall root mass within the pot, enhancing the plant’s capacity for absorbing water and soil nutrients, which contributes to greater long-term stability and health.