Want a trendy houseplant that is also easy to take care of? You can’t go wrong with a type of monstera. The fenestrate foliage (holey leaves) that develop in mature plants is what most enthusiasts covet them for.
The aerial roots of monsteras, on the other hand, can make them look anything from pretty to messy. What should you do with these big sticks? Should you cut them off, or should you leave them alone? Keep reading to learn more about monstera aerial roots that grow quickly and how to deal with them.
Aerial roots grow above ground. They are classed as adventitious roots because they grow from the stem. The roots help provide anchoring support, reach for light, and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Plants that grow on other plants, tropical swamp trees, vines like English ivy, and, of course, monsteras are common places to find these kinds of roots.
Monsteras are having a huge moment right now as an Instagram-worthy, on-trend houseplant. But their rapid growth and prominent aerial roots creeping everywhere can quickly turn them from a beautiful statement plant into a messy disaster.
So what’s an aspiring green thumb supposed to do with those unruly aerial roots? You may have seen advice online or from well-meaning friends to just plop the roots in water. But is this harmless monstera hack really a good idea for your plant?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into whether putting monstera aerial roots in water is helpful or harmful. Here’s everything you need to know about the truth around this popular yet controversial care tip.
What Are Aerial Roots?
First, let’s quickly cover what exactly aerial roots are. Monsteras are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other plants and surfaces in tropical environments
To help them climb and cling monsteras develop specialized roots that grow above the soil line. These are called aerial roots. The roots absorb moisture and nutrients from humid air.
Aerial roots start off green and pliable but mature into thick, woody vines They help anchor the monstera and can get quite long, even several feet!
The Appeal of Putting Aerial Roots in Water
Now that we know what monstera aerial roots are, let’s explore why some plant parents decide to put them in water. There are a few perceived benefits:
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Extra hydration. By giving aerial roots constant moisture, it may help the plant stay hydrated. Roots in water can supposedly absorb more than what the soil provides.
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Faster growth. With readily available moisture, aerial roots may grow bigger and faster when sitting in water.
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Easy propagation. Some sources claim water propagation of monstera aerial roots allows you to grow new plants.
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Visual appeal. The look of thick aerial roots trailing into a vase of water matches the trendy jungle vibe monsteras give off.
With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see the appeal of this popular monstera care tip. But just because something sounds good in theory doesn’t mean it actually works in practice.
The Case Against Aerial Roots In Water
While aerial roots in water might seem helpful for your monstera, the reality is that this hack often causes more harm than good. Here are some reasons why it’s generally not advised:
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Risk of root rot: Constant moisture enables fungal and bacterial growth leading to rotting roots.
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Plant instability: Water-logged aerial roots lose their strength and ability to support and anchor the monstera.
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No added hydration: Monsteras don’t absorb much, if any, extra hydration from aerial roots sitting in water.
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No nutrients: Water alone doesn’t provide the nutrients aerial roots need to stay healthy.
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No propagation: Aerial roots alone can’t grow new monsteras. Nodes are needed.
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Messy and impractical: Water-filled vases must be refilled often to stay full and will spill over frequently.
Overall, the drawbacks and impracticalities of growing monstera aerial roots in water greatly outweigh any small benefits. For most plants, it ultimately does more harm than good in the long run.
Expert Insights on Aerial Roots In Water
Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what indoor plant experts say about whether to put monstera aerial roots in water or not:
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“I advise against it. The roots rot far too easily submerged in water.” – Lily, author of Lily & Val Gardening
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“Roots in water invite problems. Let them do their natural thing in the air.” – Indra, author of Houseplant Central
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“Never put aerial roots in water long term. An occasional misting meets their air moisture needs.” – Amelia, author of Greens and Coffee
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“While monsteras grow in tropical environments, constant soggy roots go against their epiphytic nature.” – Beau, author of The Indoor Cactus
The consensus among houseplant pros is clear: avoiding putting aerial roots in water long-term is best for a healthy, thriving monstera. An occasional misting gives aerial roots the hydration they need without risking root rot from overwatering.
Alternatives to Aerial Roots in Water
Now that you know permanently placing monstera aerial roots in water is generally not advised, what should you do instead? Here are some effective alternatives:
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Tuck back into potting mix: Conceal unsightly roots while still giving them access to nutrients.
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Train up support: Help anchor plant while showcasing aerial roots beautifully with a moss pole or trellis.
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Trim away: Prune back excessively long or unruly roots for a tidier appearance.
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Mist occasionally: Use a spray bottle to provide occasional aerial root hydration without risk of rot.
Caring for Monstera Aerial Roots
Beyond the debate around water, there are some other key tips for ensuring your monstera’s aerial roots stay happy and healthy:
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Provide good light but avoid direct sun burning the delicate roots.
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Ensure proper soil moisture – aerial roots indicate lower leaves aren’t getting enough water.
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Consider staking and training aerial roots as a natural support system for your monstera.
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Don’t worry if roots snap – the inner root often remains intact and will continue growing.
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Avoid burying thick, mature woody roots as they require air circulation.
Final Take: Say No to Constantly Wet Aerial Roots
Hopefully this provides helpful clarity on the debate over whether it’s a good idea to put monstera aerial roots in water or not. While it might seem logical, most experts advise against keeping aerial roots permanently submerged.
An occasional misting meets their air moisture needs without jeopardizing the health of your monstera. And be sure to address any underlying watering issues indicated by excessive aerial root growth.
With the proper care, your monstera and its aerial roots will thrive without needing the risky crutch of water vases. For even more tips, be sure to check my other in-depth monstera care guides. Enjoy your beautiful, trendy new houseplant!
Monstera Aerial Roots Aren’t Harmful
You may not like how the thick, brown aerial roots of your monstera look when they are not in control, but they won’t hurt the plant or anything nearby. Plus, they help the plant in terms of support. When they curl around a moss pole or trellis, they can stop it from drooping over.
Some fans love the unique, jungle-like look that aerial roots give off, while others might cut them off or train them to go back down into the ground for a cleaner look.
You Can Direct the Aerial Roots Back into the Soil
Before cutting off the roots that won’t behave, you might want to train them back down into the potting medium if you don’t like them. That way, they can keep taking in good nutrients, and more importantly, it helps give them support so you don’t have to train your monstera to grow on a moss pole, a wooden plank, or a wall all the time.
You might hear the hard brown root casing snap when you bend mature woody roots down. Unless youve gone overboard on the bending, its likely the inner aerial root is still intact.
But don’t forget that the aerial roots are still growing and will probably poke their heads out of the ground again at some point.
Monstera Roots – 4 Things to do with Aerial Roots – Monstera deliciosa (2023)
FAQ
Should you put Monstera aerial root in water?
Why is my Monstera only growing aerial roots?
Can you propagate Monstera without an aerial root?
Do Monstera aerial roots need to be watered?
Placing monstera aerial roots in water can help the plant quicker if the plant is already underwatered. For plants that are watered regularly, there is a chance that the plant will absorb too much water using this method. Here are the easy steps to put your aerial monster roots in water to encourage faster leaf growth. 1.
How to grow aerial Monstera?
The simple hack of putting aerial monstera roots in a glass, jar or even bottle of water around the aerial roots can make leaves grow faster in some cases. The roots will grow longer, and grow small white, water roots around it. This will enable the plant to grow leaves quicker if the plant is already lacking in water.
Can monsteras grow in water?
Don’t Put Aerial Roots in Water An often touted hack is to put your monsteras aerial roots in water. The theory is that this helps it absorb more moisture to stay healthy. However, the aerial roots aren’t designed to be permanently submerged in water, and it could lead to root rot and a less healthy or even dead plant.
How do you repot a Monstera with aerial roots?
When repotting a Monstera with aerial roots, carefully remove the plant from its current pot, being mindful not to damage the roots. If the aerial roots are long, consider gently wrapping them around the base of the plant. Place the Monstera in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly. Why do Monstera grow aerial roots?