Monstera (also known as Swiss Cheese Plant) is one of the most popular houseplants on the market. It doesn’t only look great, but it’s easy to care for and can add a tropical feel to any home.
Monstera plants have aerial roots that grow aboveground along the stem and branches. These aerial roots are often mistaken for pests or problems with your plant. They can benefit your plant if you know how to encourage them or take care of them properly.
Today, we’ll discuss aerial roots and why they appear in Monstera plants. We’ll also teach you how to use them to your advantage when caring for your plant…and more!
What Are Monstera Aerial Roots?
Monstera aerial roots are the ones that grow above the soil. They’re often 1 to 3 feet long and covered in small hairs. The roots can be green or brown, but they’ll turn brown as they age and dry out.
You might notice that your Monstera plant has aerial roots if you see new growths on your plant’s trunk or stems. These are where you’ll see baby aerial roots begin to form.
What Do They Look Like?
Monstera aerial roots are small white roots. They protrude directly from the plant’s stem. They’re harmless, but you can cut them off if you don’t like their appearance.
Monstera plants with aerial roots are healthy and thriving in their environment! You can remove the aerial roots by cutting them off with scissors at the soil level. They will grow back as soon as they touch the soil again.
Should You Remove Them?
If you want to remove the aerial roots, that’s fine. They’re harmless if you don’t mind them and can stay on your plant. You can sometimes use them to propagate new plants if you cut them off after they’ve formed. Just make sure there’s still a piece of stem attached.
Can They Damage Furniture?
It isn’t true that aerial roots can damage your furniture and other household items. The aerial roots of the Monstera are harmless and do not harm your furniture or home.
When properly taking care of your Monstera, it won’t grow any aerial roots! If you’re worried about them damaging anything in your home or garden—don’t be!
What Should You Do About The Aerial Root?
Aerial roots are okay for Monsteras. They’re completely harmless. Their ability to survive in warm climates has made them one of the world’s most popular houseplants.
Some people prune their plant’s aerial root out of fear that it will grow into their plant. Aerial roots will not grow into full-fledged plants alone. They act as an additional water source and nutrients for your Monstera leaves.
You can also cut them off if you want a more compact look. But ensure not to go overboard—too much trimming can stress your plant!
How To Encourage Monstera Aerial Roots
- Keep the plant in a sunny location.
- Keep the plant moist. Do not let it dry out, but don’t over-water it either.
- The aerial roots will continue to grow as long as you keep your Monstera healthy and happy!
How To Care For Monstera Aerial Roots
The best way to care for your Monstera aerial roots is to keep them in a warm and humid environment. It’ll ensure the plant’s leaves stay green and healthy and help grow new aerial roots.
Additionally, place your Monstera in bright light so it can photosynthesize more efficiently. You should also keep the plant in a pot with good drainage. It’ll ensure proper drainage throughout its root system so it doesn’t rot or get waterlogged.
Finally, don’t keep the soil soggy. It should only be moist. As long as everything is well drained and kept evenly moist (but not soaking wet), then you’re good!
They Are Harmless
Monstera aerial roots are not signs of stress, disease, or over-watering. Instead, they state that the plant has outgrown its container and is trying to spread its roots. You can snip them off if you want, but you don’t need to worry about them hurting your plants!
Monstera Aerial Root Length
Most of the time, aerial roots are longer than the plant itself. They can grow up to 1 foot long and reach as high as 1/3 of the plant’s height. The size of the aerial roots depends on your Monstera. If it grows, its aerial structure will become more extensive.
Aerial Roots vs. Underground Roots
The aerial roots differ from the underground roots that anchor the plant and grow into the soil. The aerial roots grow out of the stem and then attach to something, like a tree branch or wall.
When looking at your Monstera, you’ll see these growths coming from its stems in various spots. They’re white with a pinkish tinge around their base and can be quite long (up to three feet). You might think these are dead parts of your Monstera—but they aren’t! Aerial roots are normal for Monstera plants. So don’t worry about them being diseased or dying off soon after sprouting.
The aerial roots help your plant hang onto whatever surface it’s attached to. It ensures that it doesn’t fall over easily when you water it or change its location in any other way.
How Long Do Aerial Roots Grow?
Aerial roots can be anywhere from a few inches to a foot long. They grow out of the sides of the plant, not on top.
Aerial roots are usually brown, but they can also be green. They are different from your garden variety tomato or lettuce root too. These aerial roots have no connection with the plant’s underground root system. They won’t produce new plants if you remove them from their host plant.
Conclusion
While most people know the Monstera as a houseplant, it is a perfect addition to any garden. The aerial roots can be trimmed or tied off if they become too long. But we don’t recommend cutting them completely off. If you decide to take this step, ensure you disinfect your scissors before using them on other plants in your home or office!
