If you’ve been growing a Monstera for a while, you’ve probably noticed something strange happening.
One day, your plant is happily sprouting new leaves.
The next, it’s growing long, rope-like things from the sides of its stems.
They dangle.
They stretch.
Sometimes they curl, other times they climb.
They’re not quite pretty—but they’re definitely intriguing.
What are these things?
They’re called aerial roots, and they’re totally normal for a Monstera.
But here’s the real question: what are you supposed to do with them?
Should you cut them?
Tuck them into the soil?
Let them hang wild like jungle vines?
Don’t worry—we’ve got answers.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do with those strange-looking roots and how to use them to help your Monstera grow stronger, taller, and even healthier.
Let’s dive in.
So, What Exactly Are Aerial Roots?
Aerial roots are roots that grow above the soil.
They’re not hidden underground like regular roots.
Instead, they sprout from the stem and reach out into the air—hence the name “aerial.”
But they’re not just for show.
In the wild, Monsteras use aerial roots to help them climb up trees and grab onto rough surfaces like bark.
These roots anchor the plant as it grows upward, helping it reach more light.
They also absorb moisture and nutrients from the air or from mossy tree trunks.
Basically, aerial roots are like nature’s built-in climbing gear and hydration system all in one.
In your home, though, there are no trees to grab onto.
So aerial roots often just grow out and hang there.
And that’s where the confusion starts.
Do they still serve a purpose indoors?
Absolutely.
You just need to know how to work with them.
Should You Let Aerial Roots Just Hang Around?
The simplest option is to do… nothing.
That’s right.
You can totally leave your Monstera’s aerial roots alone.
They don’t hurt the plant, and they’re a completely natural part of its growth.
Letting them hang gives your Monstera a wilder, more tropical look—like it came straight from the rainforest.
Some people even love the aesthetic of long, winding roots draping down a shelf or climbing a wall.
If the roots aren’t bothering you or getting in the way, there’s no reason to interfere.
In fact, many plant lovers see them as a badge of honor—proof their Monstera is healthy and maturing.
So if your aerial roots are happy doing their thing, feel free to let them.
No pruning, no tucking, no fuss.
Just let them live their best life.
Training Aerial Roots to Climb—Give Them a Purpose
If you don’t love the idea of aerial roots dangling all over the place, there’s another solution: train them.
Monsteras are natural climbers, and those aerial roots were born to attach and grow upward.
By giving them something to cling to—like a moss pole, trellis, or coir stick—you help the plant do what it would do in the wild.
Attach the roots gently to the support using soft ties, Velcro plant tape, or twist ties covered in rubber.
You don’t need to force the roots to grip.
Just guide them toward the pole, and nature will take over from there.
Over time, the aerial roots will wrap around the support and anchor the plant as it grows taller.
This not only makes your Monstera look more upright and tidy—it can also lead to bigger, more dramatic leaves.
That’s because Monsteras put out larger leaves when they feel secure and supported.
So training those roots isn’t just about looks—it’s about helping your plant thrive.
Can You Tuck Aerial Roots Into the Soil?
Yes, and it’s actually a great idea.
If your Monstera’s aerial roots are close enough to the soil, you can gently guide them down and tuck them in.
Once they touch the soil, they’ll start acting like regular roots—soaking up water and nutrients.
This gives your plant an extra boost, especially if it’s growing fast or pushing out a lot of new leaves.
You don’t have to bury the roots completely.
Just make sure they make contact with the soil and are loosely covered.
Over time, they’ll adjust and settle into their new role.
If the roots are long but don’t quite reach the pot, you can use a deeper planter next time you repot—or even place a second pot filled with soil underneath the root to give it something to grow into.
It’s a clever trick that gives your Monstera more stability and extra nourishment.
And your plant will definitely thank you for the effort.
Thinking About Cutting Them Off? Read This First
So what if you just can’t stand the look of aerial roots?
Maybe they’re growing too long or getting tangled in your furniture.
Is it okay to cut them?
The answer is yes—but with a little caution.
Cutting off a Monstera’s aerial roots won’t kill the plant.
They’re not essential for survival, especially in a home environment.
But if you cut them too often or too aggressively, it can stress the plant and slow down growth.
If you do decide to prune them, use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears.
Wipe the blades with alcohol first to avoid spreading bacteria or fungus.
Then snip the root as close to the stem as you can without damaging the main vine.
Only remove a few roots at a time.
Taking off too many at once can throw your Monstera into shock.
And always watch how the plant reacts after trimming.
If you see wilting or slower growth, hold off on more pruning.
Sometimes a compromise is better than a full cut—try trimming the root halfway or guiding it in another direction instead.
That way, you keep things tidy without stressing your plant too much.
When Aerial Roots Start Getting Out of Hand
Occasionally, a Monstera goes wild with aerial roots.
You might see multiple thick roots coming from every node, stretching in all directions.
It starts to look more like a science experiment than a houseplant.
What then?
First, take a deep breath—this just means your Monstera is healthy and wants to grow.
But if the roots are taking over your space, you’ve got options.
You can trim back the longest ones to keep them in check.
Or reroute them into a moss pole or pot to keep things tidy.
Another trick?
Wrap long roots in sphagnum moss and mist them regularly.
This keeps the roots moist, encourages growth, and prevents them from getting crispy or dried out.
It also helps them look more intentional, like part of the plant’s structure instead of a random tangle.
Managing wild aerial roots is more about guiding than controlling.
Let the plant do what it wants—but on your terms.
The Hidden Benefit of Aerial Roots: Propagation Power
Here’s something cool: those aerial roots can actually help you grow new Monsteras.
If you take a cutting that includes a node and an aerial root, your chances of successful propagation go way up.
The root gives the cutting a head start, helping it absorb water and stabilize in its new pot or water jar.
When you’re trimming your Monstera or shaping it up, look for sections that have both a node and a healthy aerial root.
These make the perfect cuttings.
You can place them in water until new roots grow, or plant them directly into soil.
Within a few weeks, you’ll see new leaves starting to push through.
Thanks to those aerial roots, your cutting will feel like it never missed a beat.
So don’t see aerial roots as just weird growth.
They’re actually future plants in disguise.
Should You Be Worried About Dry or Brown Aerial Roots?
Sometimes aerial roots don’t look great.
They turn dry, shrivel up, or even turn brown or black.
Is that a problem?
Not usually.
Aerial roots are exposed to air, so they naturally dry out more than underground roots.
As long as the main plant looks healthy—green leaves, strong stems—you don’t need to panic.
But it is a sign your plant might want more humidity or support.
Try misting the roots, adding a humidifier nearby, or offering a moss pole for them to cling to.
If a root is completely dried and brittle, you can gently trim it off.
But don’t yank or tear it—always use clean scissors and make a smooth cut.
And remember, not every aerial root is meant to thrive.
Some try and fail, and that’s okay.
It’s part of how Monsteras experiment with growth.
Let the healthy ones do their job, and clean up the rest as needed.
Aerial Roots and Repotting—What to Know
When it’s time to repot your Monstera, aerial roots can either help or get in the way—depending on how you handle them.
If you’re moving your plant to a bigger pot, some aerial roots may be close enough to tuck into the soil.
Go ahead and do it.
That gives them a new purpose and helps the plant grow even stronger.
But if the roots are stiff, long, or pointing in weird directions, don’t force them into the pot.
Bending them too much can cause breaks or stress the plant.
Instead, leave them outside the pot or gently guide them toward a nearby moss pole.
If you accidentally snap one during repotting, don’t panic.
Clean the break with scissors, and your Monstera will heal over time.
Just treat aerial roots as flexible parts of the plant.
They’re not “extras” or “mistakes.”
They’re part of what makes your Monstera so unique.
Final Thoughts
Aerial roots are one of the quirkiest and most misunderstood features of a Monstera plant.
At first, they might seem odd or even a little messy.
But once you understand what they’re for—and how to manage them—they become one of your plant’s biggest strengths.
You can let them hang for a wild, natural look.
You can train them to climb and support bigger growth.
You can tuck them into soil, trim them for neatness, or even use them to grow new plants.
Whatever you decide, aerial roots are nothing to fear.
They’re a sign that your Monstera is thriving, maturing, and looking for new ways to grow.
With a little guidance and care, you can turn those wandering roots into a powerful tool for supporting a happy, healthy plant.