The most frequent queries I’ve been asked by my readers and followers are included below, along with a brief explanation.
What are Monstera aerial roots?
Even indoors, Monstera deliciosa plants eventually have very long aerial roots. What do they do, exactly? Understanding how they fit into nature is crucial.
Simply put, aerial roots are plant roots that develop above the soil’s surface.
In the wild, Monstera deliciosa plants grow higher and more aerially to reach stronger light and to cling to tree trunks for support.
Outdoor aerial roots can cling to walls, trees, and other constructions. Watch the one below as it scales a wall.
Here is another illustration of a Monstera in the Cleveland Botanical Gardens climbing a tree.
What do you do with aerial roots on Monstera?
The thick, brown, cord-like aerial roots on my own plant grew so much that they piled up in a huge heap on the living room floor. My plant got difficult to rotate, so I just cut the roots back until they were no longer in contact with the ground.
Your plant won’t be harmed by this. Just keep in mind that more aerial roots will inevitably erupt, necessitating further trimming.
I don’t totally remove the aerial roots since I like the way they look. However, doing so won’t hurt your plant in any way.
Some may give them direction so they can begin to grow in the dirt in their pot. Although there is no danger in doing this—I myself don’t—doing so frequently enough can make it more difficult to repot your plant in the future.
People have also questioned whether they ought to put their Monstera aerial roots in tiny containers of water.
Although it is possible, it is not absolutely necessary. You don’t need to bother about watering or even misting your aerial roots if you use excellent watering techniques.
Can you propagate monstera aerial roots?
You cannot develop a new Monstera plant from merely an aerial root; I’m not sure where the idea comes from.
Starting with a cutting with a node will allow you to grow a new plant (where the leaf meets the vine). View the image below.
On my own Monstera deliciosa plant, you can see the developing “eye” where the arrow is in the photo above.
Simply cut the vine where the two red lines are, on either side of the node, and plant it either directly into moist potting soil or in water to root.
How can I train Monstera roots into a moss pole?
Although you don’t have to train your Monstera on a moss pole, you may just fasten your vine to the pole.
The aerial root that is growing into the moss is visible above where I tied the vine with a green twisty tie in the image below.
It will be simpler for the aerial roots to develop into the moss if you water your moss post.
On Monstera, are aerial roots beneficial?
Most of us picture Monsteras’ big, gorgeous leaves when we think of them. The odd aerial roots that emerge from the stem of this plant, however, are something we don’t frequently picture. Despite the fact that they are entirely natural and have no negative effects on your plant, you may still be confused by the strange roots on your Monstera deliciosa. Why do aerial roots exist? Do you need to do anything with them? Can you cut them back?
Roots that grow above ground are known as aerial roots. By adhering to surrounding structures, they frequently offer support for tropical trees and vine-growing plants (such Monsteras). The aerial roots of a Monstera deliciosa should not be used for anything. They can be cut back, though, if you don’t like the way they look.
If you have a lot of different houseplants, you could assume that Monsteras is the only plant with these peculiar roots. However, there are several instances of similar plant growth in nature. What function do they fulfill? What distinguishes aerial roots from those that grow underground? What should you do in response to them? Continue reading for solutions to these questions and more.
Should I soak the aerial roots of Monstera in water?
I’ve seen several sources advise you to put a bowl of water in the planter for your Monster deliciosa and trail its aerial roots in there. According to the theory, this is because aerial roots may actually absorb moisture. However, submerging them in water nonstop won’t likely accomplish much more than cause them to deteriorate and perhaps put your plant in risk.
However, you can frequently spray the aerial roots of your Monstera. Again, there is no scientific evidence that this makes a significant difference, but it won’t hurt. In addition, since these tropical plants prefer their surroundings to be moist, make sure the air humidity is not too low.
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any additional queries regarding Monstera aerial roots or if you would want to discuss your own interactions with these magnificent tropical houseplants.
What happens if you cut a Monstera plant’s aerial roots?
You can, indeed. Your Monstera Deliciosa won’t suffer any harm if the aerial roots are cut, and they will quickly regrow. Although some individuals may find it an eyesore, you can also leave them alone. These air roots have a tendency to grow out of control and resemble wild cables. When cutting the air roots, take care not to harm the Monstera root node. However, remain composed and cut them off.
Must I remove aerial roots?
Philodendrons grown inside don’t need need air roots, and you can remove them if you find them ugly. Your plant won’t perish if you remove these roots.
A few days beforehand, thoroughly water the plant. No more than a teaspoon of water-soluble fertilizer should be added for every three cups of water.
Before you start, disinfect the blade of your instrument with rubbing alcohol or a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach.
Instead, roll the vines up and bury them in the potting soil (or the ground if you live in a warm environment and your philodendron is growing outdoors). You might try pinning your philodendron to the stick if it is growing on moss.
Can I plant aerial roots of Monstera in soil?
The functions of Monstera aerial roots are well known to you. We are now faced with this crucial question. What should you do with these aerial roots—cut them, let them alone?
Because the aerial roots of Monstera are not ugly, I avoid cutting them. The plant now resembles itself in the wild considerably more thanks to them. However, I do this when they are quite long and sprouting everywhere:
- I reroute the aerial roots of Monstera into the soil so that they can aid in water and nutrient absorption, just like they would in the wild. However, since the stem of your plant is still in tact, it is not required.
- Attach them to the stem: You can attach the aerial roots to the stem or moss pole using twist ties or gardening tape. Particularly if they are really long, it helps to make them less unruly. You may easily alter the leaves on a bushy plant to disguise the stems.
- Let them develop: I frequently leave them alone because they don’t bother me much and this helps to create the impression of a naturalistic tropical rainforest. Simply make sure you have adequate room.
My approaches won’t be liked by everyone. You can cut the aerial roots of Monstera if you belong to that group. Your plant won’t suffer any damage from them. To avoid stressing your plant, however, we advise pruning roughly 30% at once. You can choose the very long, unkempt ones and discard the shorter ones.
Use razor-sharp, disinfected pruning scissors to remove these adventitious roots. Rubing alcohol with a concentration of 70 to 90 percent is ideal for cleaning gardening implements. You don’t want to infect your plants with diseases.
Is it possible to grow Monstera without aerial roots?
A Monstera plant can be propagated without an aerial root. A leaf or two and at least one node are all that the stem cutting requires. It makes no difference if the plant node already has an aerial root.
In the jungle, a Monstera’s aerial roots enable them to cling to trees and ascend to the canopy. The same thing will happen to your plant indoors, especially if you’re utilizing a Monstera moss pole to encourage growth.
Your Monstera plant can climb by producing aerial roots from nodes along the stem or vine. If the cutting you are using to propagate your Monstera plant has an aerial root, it will frequently also grow micro roots.
Why are there no aerial roots on my Monstera?
Don’t forget to check out my DIY moss post technique. You can create one that is superior than anything currently on the market! I always found the quality of pre-made moss poles to be lacking, so I decided to make my own and am very glad I did.
Are moss posts required? Not at all, no. In reality, I created a simple bamboo tripod for my non-variegated plant and tied the vines to it for support.
Why doesn’t my Monstera have aerial roots?
Your Monstera delciosa is probably still too young in most circumstances. The aerial roots will start to show as your plant gets older and expands.
It may take some time before aerial roots begin to grow if your plant is still a young one like the one below.
Why are my Monstera roots shriveling?
The aerial roots of Monsteras are radically different from those of Phalaenopsis orchids, which would shrivel up if not given enough moisture.
Even when the humidity in the house is quite low throughout the winter, my plants still remain perfectly lush and solid despite never being misted or wet.
Check for physical injury if you see that the aerial roots on your Monstera are shriveling.
Maybe at one time you broke or snapped the roots by accident. Just cut off anything that has dried out or become shriveled.
Review your growing circumstances and make sure your Monstera plant care is up to par if your aerial roots are still shriveling or dying at the tips despite no visible physical harm.
Check out my Monstera Problems post for more than a dozen problems with solutions if you need assistance solving any issues with your plant.
Do you have any further queries I didn’t address in this post? Comment below. I’d adore to assist!
How is Monstera the aerial root trained?
You must fasten the Monstera to the moss pole once it is in the pot with the plant!
This will be a little simpler if your plant is still a young one. Tie the Monstera’s stem to the pole without pulling or bending excessively, making sure the nodes touch the wet moss. As a result, the aerial roots will be encouraged to encircle and grow into the moss pole.
This technique might need to be repeated whenever there is fresh growth. You can cut or loosen the ties once the aerial roots of the Monstera are securely fastened to the moss pole.
Your Monstera might not want to bend as much to attach to the moss pole if it is already pretty mature. This will require that you go extremely gently. Once the stem is up against the moss pole, tighten the ties every week to continue dragging it in that direction.
If the aerial roots of the Monstera are particularly lengthy, it can be beneficial for you to prune portions of them back. It will be more difficult to train them onto a support the longer they are. The aerial roots will generate more roots if you cut them close to the node; these roots will then develop into the moss pole.
Mist the Moss regularly.
The moss pole will draw the air roots of Monstera naturally, but only if it is moist. Regular misting of your moss pole will help your Monstera absorb extra moisture for its large, attractive leaves.
Use VELCRO garden tie.
VELCRO garden ties are a fantastic solution for securing your Monstera to the moss pole. There is no need to be concerned about tying a knot that will be strong enough because these plant ties attach to themselves. They are simple to put on and take off, and they won’t harm your Monstera’s stem.
The stems can also be attached to the moss pole using cable tie (zip tie). At least until the support begins to get hugged by the aerial roots. I performed this procedure on my Monstera Adansonii.
Can roots form on aerial roots?
An excellent example of roots you can plant is the aerial roots on houseplants. One of the most well-known examples of this can be seen on spider plants. Spider plants are frequently cultivated in hanging baskets, where they produce plantlets that dangle from peculiar, wiry stems that extend from the plant. There are numerous aerial roots on each plantlet. By cutting off the plantlets and placing them with their roots buried in the soil, you can propagate the plant.
Windowleaf plants are indoor plants that utilize aerial roots in a special way. Windowleaf vines climb trees in their natural environment, reaching high into the canopy of the rainforest. Aerial roots are produced, which spread outward until they touch the ground. The strong stems are held in place by the stiff roots, which serve as guy wires. These plants can be multiplied by cutting off a piece of stem just below an aerial root and planting it in a pot.
Some aerial root plants cannot be planted in soil. Epiphytes are plants that use the structural support of other plants to grow on them. The purpose of their aerial roots is to remain above ground, where they can collect nutrients from the air, surface water, and debris. An illustration of this kind of plant would be epiphytic orchids. When to water your epiphytic orchids depends on the color of the aerial roots. Aerial roots with little moisture are silvery gray in appearance, whereas those with lots of moisture have a green tint.
When should my Monstera be repotted?
The lovely swiss cheese plant thrives in nutrient-dense, rich soil that retains moisture without becoming always wet. The majority of premium potting soils will perform admirably. The Monstera will be particularly content if some coconut coir and/or perlite are added to the mixture. Making your own potting soil can be less expensive than buying it from the neighborhood garden center.
Remember to check that the pot you choose for your next project has enough draining holes. You don’t want the pot to fill up with too much water and risk root damage.
It’s time to move after you have the new pot and fresh potting soil. If you’re going to repot your Monstera deliciosa, be sure to first remove all of the old dirt by scooping it out with your hands or a spoon (but don’t press too hard or you risk damaging the roots). Make a hole at the top of your container large enough to fit all of the roots using fresh potting soil. The size of the Monstera will determine if you need a second hand to help you.
Fresh soil should fill the bottom third of the pot; lightly press it down with your hand. After setting the plant’s base on top of the soil, begin adding the remaining soil. Recompress the earth when the root system is completely covered. The plant should have a sturdy, upright posture. Add more dirt if it still feels a little loose.
Last but not least, irrigate the replanted Monstera deliciosa by around it with some room-temperature water and allowing it sink into the soil from above. Don’t overwater your plant; wait until it’s time to water again before replacing it in its location.
Repotting a Monstera is a crucial procedure that, depending on the size of your plan and the soil’s quality, you might perform once or twice a year. The optimum time of year to repot is usually in the early spring, before new leaves begin to emerge. Your plant will benefit from having new soil because it will give it the boost it needs for a spring and summer growth spurt. This will also work, albeit not as well, if you decide to repot later in the year.