Monstera plants are popular houseplants known for their striking foliage. It is common for owners to observe roots emerging from the pot or along the plant’s stem. This is usually a normal part of the plant’s natural growth and not a cause for concern, as these visible roots are a natural adaptation.
Understanding Monstera Roots
Monstera plants produce different types of roots, each with distinct functions. Subterranean roots grow beneath the soil, anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. These roots typically spread laterally within the pot.
Monsteras also develop aerial roots, sometimes called adventitious roots, which emerge from the plant’s stem, often from nodes, and grow above the soil line. These roots are a natural adaptation for Monstera, which are vining plants in their native habitats. They primarily seek support, allowing the plant to attach to surfaces and climb towards light. Aerial roots can also absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air. Some aerial roots can even grow into the soil, functioning like typical underground roots.
Why Monstera Roots Emerge
Monstera roots emerge from the pot or stem due to the plant’s natural growth patterns. Their vining habit compels them to seek physical support, causing aerial roots to extend outward in search of something to cling to. This behavior is innate, even for indoor plants.
The plant also produces these roots to access additional moisture and nutrients. In humid environments, aerial roots can absorb water vapor, supplementing the plant’s hydration. Emerging roots, particularly from drainage holes, can also indicate the plant has outgrown its current container and is seeking more space and resources. A dense root system signifies the plant is root-bound and requires repotting.
Managing Emerging Monstera Roots
When roots emerge from your Monstera, you have several options. The simplest is to leave them undisturbed, as aerial roots are a natural and harmless part of the plant’s growth. They contribute to the plant’s overall health and can add to a natural, wild aesthetic.
Alternatively, you can guide these roots for additional support or to integrate them more neatly. Gently directing aerial roots into the soil allows them to convert into more efficient water and nutrient absorbers. For larger plants, training roots onto a moss pole or trellis mimics their natural climbing habit, offering stability and promoting larger leaf growth. This can be achieved by gently tying the roots to the support, especially for pliable, juvenile roots.
Pruning is another option if the roots become unruly or aesthetically undesirable. Use clean, sharp shears to make a precise cut, ideally close to the stem, to minimize stress. While pruning will not harm the plant, it may encourage more aerial root growth. Avoid cutting all aerial roots at once to prevent potential stress, especially if the plant is not entirely healthy.
When Emerging Roots Signal a Problem
While emerging roots are often normal, they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue with the plant’s health or environment. A common sign of a problem is when roots aggressively grow out of drainage holes or form a dense, circling mass within the pot, suggesting the plant is root-bound. Other indicators of a root-bound Monstera include a reduced growth rate, stunted leaves, or soil drying out much faster than usual. If the plant’s leaves are yellowing or drooping despite consistent watering, this can also signal that crowded roots are struggling to absorb enough moisture and nutrients.
Consistently dry or shriveled aerial roots, especially if the rest of the plant shows signs of dehydration, might point to insufficient humidity in the environment or inadequate watering. In such cases, review your watering schedule and consider ways to increase ambient humidity, such as misting or using a humidifier. Addressing these signs promptly helps maintain the plant’s vigor and prevents further decline.