Aerial Root Care — What to Do with Roots on Monstera & Philodendron

Should you cut aerial roots on Monstera and Philodendron? Learn what aerial roots do, how to manage them, and whether to direct them into soil or a moss pole. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Aerial roots are normal appendages that tropical climbing plants use to anchor to trees in the wild. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the humid air and decomposing matter on tree bark. Monstera, Philodendron, and Pothos commonly produce aerial roots from nodes along the stem. Cutting aerial roots will not harm the plant but redirecting them into moist medium is more beneficial. Thick woody aerial roots indicate a healthy mature plant with strong climbing instincts. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: High humidity encourages more aerial root production as the roots can absorb airborne moisture. Plants near windows or light sources produce more aerial roots as they try to climb toward light. Mature plants produce more aerial roots than juveniles as part of natural growth progression. Aerial roots grow from nodes which are the same points where new leaves and branches emerge. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Leave aerial roots intact whenever possible — they contribute to overall plant health and water uptake. Direct long aerial roots into a moss pole wrapped in sphagnum and keep the moss moist. If aesthetics bother you, tuck roots back into the pot or gently coil them around the base. Mist aerial roots regularly or wrap them in damp sphagnum to encourage them to grow into the pole. Only trim aerial roots if they are dead, brown, and completely dried out — living roots are green to brown and pliable. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

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