Plant Care

Monstera Aerial Roots: What to Do With Them

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Those thick, brown rope-like roots growing from your monstera stem aren't a problem—they're actually helping your plant climb and absorb moisture from the air.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

October 30, 2025

Monstera deliciosa aerial roots growing toward moss pole showing natural climbing behavior — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Monstera aerial roots help your plant climb and absorb moisture from air. Tuck them into soil, attach to moss pole, or trim safely.

TL;DR

Monstera aerial roots are thick, rope-like roots that grow from the stem to help your plant climb and absorb moisture. You can tuck them into soil, attach them to a moss pole, or trim them without harming the plant—but they're actually beneficial for growth and should be encouraged rather than removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I cut off monstera aerial roots?

You can trim aerial roots without harming your plant, but it's generally better to leave them alone or redirect them to a support structure. Aerial roots provide stability and help your monstera climb naturally. If you must trim them for space or aesthetic reasons, use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut as close to the stem as possible. The plant will likely produce new aerial roots from other nodes over time.

Why are my monstera aerial roots turning brown?

Brown aerial roots are completely normal as they mature and develop a protective bark-like coating. Young aerial roots start white or pale green, then turn brown and woody as they age. However, if the roots are soft, mushy, or black, this indicates rot from excessive moisture. Healthy brown aerial roots should feel firm and dry. If humidity is very low (below 40%), the tips may turn brown and crispy, which is also normal.

Can I put monstera aerial roots in water?

Yes, you can place aerial roots in water, and they'll often develop additional root branches. This works well for propagation when you're rooting stem cuttings. However, for established plants, it's better to direct aerial roots toward soil or a moss pole where they can provide structural support. Long-term water placement can make aerial roots more susceptible to rot if water conditions aren't maintained properly.

How do I get my monstera to grow more aerial roots?

Increase humidity to 50-60% and provide bright, indirect light to encourage aerial root development. Plants in humid, bright conditions produce more vigorous aerial root growth. You can also provide a moss pole or other climbing structure, as the presence of something to climb often stimulates aerial root production. Mature plants (2-3 years old) naturally develop more aerial roots than young specimens.

Do all monsteras have aerial roots?

Most healthy, mature monstera plants will develop aerial roots, but timing varies based on age, light, and humidity conditions. Young plants under 2 years old may not show aerial roots yet. Plants in low light or dry air may delay aerial root production. Some monstera varieties, like monstera adansonii, produce thinner, less prominent aerial roots compared to monstera deliciosa. If your mature plant lacks aerial roots, try increasing light levels and humidity.

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Tagged with

#monstera aerial roots #monstera climbing #moss pole training #houseplant support #monstera care #aerial root trimming #plant propagation #tropical houseplants #monstera deliciosa #climbing plants

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.