Monstera plants are popular houseplants known for their distinctive leaves. Aerial roots often emerge from Monstera stems, sometimes appearing shriveled or dry. Understanding the causes and providing proper care helps maintain plant health. This article explores the functions of Monstera aerial roots, common reasons for their shriveling, and practical solutions.
Understanding Monstera Aerial Roots
Monstera plants, native to tropical rainforests, develop aerial roots above the soil line. In their natural habitat, these roots serve multiple functions to help the plant thrive.
Aerial roots provide structural support, enabling the Monstera to climb trees and reach brighter light. They also absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and debris, supplementing soil roots. Healthy aerial roots appear plump, firm, and may have green tips, indicating active growth. Colors range from light brown to darker, woody tones as they mature.
Key Reasons for Shriveling
Several environmental factors can contribute to the shriveling of Monstera aerial roots, signaling an imbalance in growing conditions. Promptly addressing these factors helps restore root health.
Low Humidity
Monstera plants need high humidity. Indoors, especially in dry climates or with heating systems, ambient humidity often falls below their preferred 50% to 70% range. This lack of moisture causes aerial roots, which absorb humidity, to dry and shrivel. The plant may redirect resources from these roots in arid air.
Inconsistent Watering
Both underwatering and overwatering negatively impact aerial roots. Underwatering dehydrates the plant, causing aerial roots to shrivel as they struggle for moisture. Overwatering causes root rot in soil roots, and the resulting plant stress can also shrivel aerial roots. Soggy soil deprives the main root system of oxygen, hindering its ability to supply water and nutrients to the entire plant, including aerial roots.
Insufficient Light
Adequate light supports Monstera health and growth. While aerial roots do not photosynthesize, insufficient light stresses the plant, reducing vigor and growth in all parts, including aerial roots. Low light conditions mean the Monstera lacks energy to maintain robust aerial root development, causing them to appear weak or shriveled. Bright, indirect light promotes strong, healthy growth.
Physical Damage
Aerial roots can shrivel due to physical damage or abrasion. Bumps, tears, or cuts can injure delicate root tissue, leading to localized drying and shriveling. Damaged roots may cease to function and dry out from the point of injury. While the plant typically recovers and may grow new roots, the damaged sections often remain shriveled.
Solutions and Ongoing Care for Healthy Aerial Roots
Specific care adjustments promote healthy Monstera aerial roots and prevent shriveling. These practices mimic the plant’s natural growing conditions.
Increasing Humidity
Increase humidity around the Monstera to counteract dry indoor air. Use a humidifier nearby to maintain 50% to 70% humidity. A pebble tray with water (pot not submerged) also increases local humidity as water evaporates. Grouping Monstera with other plants creates a microclimate with higher humidity through transpiration.
Adjusting Watering Practices
Proper watering supports both soil and aerial root health. Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering, but avoid extended dryness. Water thoroughly until drainage, then empty excess from the saucer. Check soil moisture regularly with a finger or moisture meter to determine specific needs, rather than adhering to a strict schedule.
Optimizing Light Conditions
Bright, indirect light supports overall plant vigor and aerial root development. Place the Monstera near a north or east-facing window, or a south/west-facing window with sheer curtains. Avoid direct, intense sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Sufficient light ensures the plant has energy for healthy roots. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a full-spectrum LED grow light.
Providing Support
Offer a moss pole or trellis to encourage aerial roots to attach, mimicking their natural climbing habit. This provides physical support and allows aerial roots to anchor, potentially leading to larger leaves and more robust growth. Keep the moss pole moist, allowing aerial roots to grow into it and absorb additional moisture and nutrients, further supporting the plant.
When Shriveling is Expected
Not all shriveling indicates a problem; it can be a natural process. Older aerial roots may naturally dry, harden, and shrivel as they age or if they no longer serve a primary function like anchoring. This is especially true if the plant has a strong soil root system and is otherwise healthy. If the rest of the plant appears healthy with new growth and vibrant foliage, a few shriveled aerial roots are generally not a concern. These dried roots can be trimmed with sterilized shears if desired, as it will not harm the plant.