Can You Cut Monstera Aerial Roots? A Complete Guide

Monstera plants are loved for their large, dramatic leaves with iconic split leaf shapes. But as monsteras mature, they develop another distinctive feature – abundant aerial roots. These thick, woody brown roots grow out from the stem above the soil line. While aerial roots are natural for monsteras, they can sometimes get unruly and unkempt. This leads many plant parents to wonder: can you cut monstera aerial roots?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cutting back monstera aerial roots. You’ll learn why the roots form, whether it harms the plant to remove them, when to trim, and the best techniques for aerial root pruning.

What Are Monstera Aerial Roots?

Monsteras are epiphytic vines native to the tropical forests of Central America In their natural habitat, aerial roots help anchor monsteras to the trees they climb up to reach sunlight in the canopy

Even when grown indoors as houseplants, monsteras still genetically produce aerial roots. While they don’t need to climb, the roots emerge from the stem and grow outward into the air searching for support.

In addition to anchoring the plant, aerial roots serve other important functions:

• Absorb moisture and nutrients from humidity, rain and debris
• Photosynthesize to make energy from sunlight
• Structurally reinforce vines and stems
• Help recover from damage if soil roots are compromised

So aerial roots are not just for climbing – they play many critical roles for the plant’s health.

Is It OK to Cut Off Aerial Roots?

Because aerial roots are natural for monsteras cutting them off doesn’t harm the plant. Removing the unruly roots is purely an aesthetic choice.

Here are some reasons you may want to prune aerial roots

• Improve appearance – Some find the messy roots unsightly
• Contain size – Roots can make plants look overgrown
• Slow growth – Removing roots directs energy to the main plant
• Limit propagation – Aerial roots that touch soil may root and spread

However, there are benefits to keeping the roots intact:

• Natural look – Roots provide a wild, jungle vibe
• Extra nutrients – Roots absorb and transport moisture and minerals
• Support structure – Thick woody roots help support stems and leaves
• Enable propagation – Aerial roots that reach soil will root and propagate new plants

Whether to trim aerial roots comes down to your personal preferences on appearance and growth habits. Both choices are perfectly fine for the plant!

When to Trim Aerial Roots

If you choose to prune away aerial roots, timing matters. Here are some tips:

• Dry season – Avoid actively growing seasons like spring and summer. Fall or winter is best.
• Only young roots – Don’t remove thick, mature woody roots. Just trim thinner juvenile roots.
• As needed – Monitor every few weeks and only trim roots that become unruly. Don’t over-prune.
• Not rooting – Don’t cut aerial roots that have reached soil and begun rooting and propagating.

Check aerial root growth periodically in the dry season. Only trim back roots that are getting out of control, leaving established roots intact.

How to Cut Aerial Roots Properly

Cutting aerial roots correctly is key to avoiding damage. Follow these tips:

• Sterilize pruners before each cut to prevent disease spread
• Use very sharp pruners or scissors for clean cuts rather than tearing
• Cut at a 45 degree angle to help the wound callous faster
• Apply rooting hormone or sealant to cut tips to prevent infection
• Only cut through younger, thinner roots. Leave thick mature roots alone.
• Don’t remove more than 1⁄3 of roots at once to limit stress on the plant

By carefully trimming only juvenile roots with proper sterile techniques, you can maintain the aerial roots without shocking the plant.

Caring for Monsteras After Pruning Roots

After aerial root trimming, give your monstera a little extra TLC while it recovers:

• Keep soil moist but not soaked as roots absorb more easily
• Mist leaves to boost humidity while new aerial roots regrow
• Fertilize every 2-3 months to provide nutrients the roots would absorb
• Watch for drought stress and water immediately if leaves droop
• Wipe away any sap bleeding from cut sites to avoid attracting pests
• Give bright indirect light only, no direct sun to limit demands on the plant
• Wait 2-4 weeks before trimming any more roots to allow recovery

With attentive care after pruning, your monstera will quickly bounce back and regrow new aerial roots!

Troubleshooting Problems After Trimming Aerial Roots

Pruning aerial roots can sometimes cause problems. Watch for these issues:

• Stem drooping – Stake stems if a thick root was cut too short
• Yellow leaves – Indicates too much stress from excessive root removal
• Cut tips browning – Apply antifungal spray to prevent rotting
• Vine decline – Leaving some roots intact prevents over-pruning

Adjust care to help your monstera recover quickly if you notice any distress after pruning its aerial roots.

Encouraging Aerial Root Growth

If your monstera looks sparse after aerial root trimming, use these tips to stimulate new growth:

• Increase humidity to help roots thrive
• Mount vertically on moss pole or wall to promote climbing habit
• Refresh potting mix with compost or worm castings to energize growth
• Provide some direct sun to leaves and stems to fuel growth via photosynthesis
• Be patient! Healthy monsteras will naturally regrow aerial roots over time

With proper care, your monstera will return to its former jungle glory with lush new aerial roots in no time.

Best Monstera Varieties for Managing Aerial Roots

While all monsteras get aerial roots, some varieties are better for controlling them:

• Monstera adansonii – Thinner roots are easier to manage
• Monstera siltepecana – Slow growing so roots stay orderly
• Monstera deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’ – More compact so roots grow slower
• Juvenile plants – Young monsteras haven’t developed mature woody roots yet

Choosing one of these monstera types will give you more control over aerial root growth.

While allowing aerial roots to grow freely creates a lush jungle vibe, keeping them trimmed provides a neater, more refined look. Cutting the roots carefully won’t harm your monstera as long as you use proper sterile technique. Just be sure to provide some extra TLC after pruning. With the guidance in this article, you can maintain aerial roots at the perfect level for your taste and growing conditions. Your ideal monstera is within reach with the right aerial root management!