The appearance of long, cord-like roots growing from the stems of your houseplant, particularly on a Monstera deliciosa, is a natural sign of maturity. These are aerial roots, and they frequently prompt owners to ask whether they should be cut for aesthetic reasons. While the decision to trim them is ultimately personal, understanding the plant’s biology and the consequences of removing these structures is essential for maintaining a vigorous and healthy plant.
The Biological Function of Aerial Roots
Aerial roots are a specialized type of adventitious root, emerging directly from the stem nodes above the soil line. As an epiphytic vine in its native tropical environment, the Monstera uses these roots primarily for structural support and climbing. The roots attach to vertical surfaces, allowing the plant to ascend toward sunlight, which is necessary for large-leafed specimens in the dense jungle canopy.
Beyond providing a physical anchor, these roots also function in environmental absorption. They are capable of absorbing moisture and gaseous nutrients directly from the atmosphere. While the plant’s main subterranean roots handle the bulk of water and nutrient uptake, aerial roots provide a supplemental source of hydration and stability as the plant increases in size and weight.
The Decision to Trim and Associated Risks
You can cut healthy aerial roots, but this is a choice made for aesthetics rather than the plant’s well-being. Removing them will not immediately kill an established plant, as the subterranean roots can still sustain it. However, these roots still represent the plant’s natural mechanism for resilience and growth.
Cutting a healthy root introduces potential risks. Each cut creates an open wound, which is a potential entry point for fungal or bacterial pathogens. To minimize this risk, any tools used must be sharp and properly sterilized before use. Removing the roots also eliminates the plant’s ability to maximize supplemental moisture absorption, which can be detrimental if watering is inconsistent.
If trimming, only remove roots that are clearly dry, shriveled, or dead, as these are no longer functional. For live, healthy roots, avoid cutting too close to the main stem. Leave a small stub of about an inch to allow the plant to heal more effectively. Cutting all aerial roots at once can cause unnecessary stress, so a gradual approach is always preferable.
Managing Aerial Roots Without Cutting
A preferable approach is to manage the roots rather than eliminate them, preserving their potential benefits. One effective method is to provide a vertical support structure like a moss pole or coir totem. Gently guiding and securing the aerial roots encourages them to attach, mimicking their natural climbing habit and providing structural stability.
Another common practice is to redirect the roots into the potting substrate. When an aerial root is guided into the soil, it will often branch out and begin to function as a traditional subterranean root, absorbing additional water and nutrients. You can gently bend the root into the pot and secure it with a landscape pin or paperclip to keep it contained and functioning beneficially.
For roots that are too long or stiff to redirect, you can coil them gently inside the rim of the pot or around the base of the plant. This method keeps the roots contained and allows them to utilize the humidity in the soil area without risking damage from cutting. Embracing these non-cutting solutions ensures the plant retains all its natural mechanisms for support and supplementary hydration.