A monstera’s broad, beautiful leaves are usually what people envision when they think of it. Plants have aerial roots that are visible from the top. However, the strange roots of Monstera deliciosa can still cause some concern because they are completely normal and won’t harm the plant. How do Monstera ariel roots differ from other roots? Can they be dealt with in any way? Do they seem to be able to be trimmed back?
Roots that grow above the ground are called aerial roots. Trees and vines of tropical climates often attach themselves to nearby structures, supporting them. An aerial root of a Monstera deliciosa is of no use. If you are happier with their looks, you can prune them back.
The unusual Monstera ariel roots might not be noticed if you have many other houseplants. Plants grow naturally in a similar manner. What are their functions? Do aerial roots differ from underground roots? Should you do anything about them? You can learn more about Monstera ariel roots by reading the rest of this article.
Types of Monstera Roots
A monstera plant is unique in that it has multiple roots found in a single plant. How do they affect the plant? What are those different types? Now let’s discuss that!
Subterranean-lateral
A lateral-subterranean root system is the most common for any plant type. A root system, or lateral root, grows vertically out of a plant into the soil or similar medium. The subterranean term refers to its confidential nature. Monstera ariel roots receive water, fertilizer, and sunlight through their lateral-subterranean roots.
Subterranean-aerial
It is also essential to know that monsteras have aerial-subterranean roots. Since it transitions from an aerial to a subterranean growth pattern, this root type perfectly combines aerial and underground roots. Many train monsteras this way since their aerial roots can be redirected underground.
Aerial
Airborne roots of houseplants pose the most significant challenge. Plants with Monstera usually have brown, rather than green, fibers or ropes. For monstera aerials to thrive, they do not need soil. Ideally, they should be attached to a trellis or a wall. Monstera ariel roots tend to droop even though their pots are unstructured.
Aerial roots: What Are They?
Like many other Aroids, Monstera deliciosa climbs naturally. As it moves toward higher and better-lighted areas of the forest, it uses taller trees and other support structures.
The Monstera ariel roots deliciosa can reach a height of more than 30 meters (100 feet) in their natural habitat in tropical forests in Central America. Some plants hang these to the ground, even from the topmost parts. How do these brownish or green, woody, worm-like appendages on stems function?
Aerial roots are typically sprouted from the leaf nodes of Monstera plants, though they aren’t always. They can reach a centimeter in length. Monstera aerial roots perform two essential functions:
Water and nutrients
The aerial roots of trees descend to the forest floor and become everyday roots. Aerial-subterranean roots are this type of root. They absorb water and nutrients and transport them throughout the plant.
Anchoring
The plant will probably fall off the tree or rock if it lacks support. Without causing parasitism, Monstera’s aerial roots hold the plant firmly in place.
As Monstera deliciosa isn’t the only plant that develops aerial roots, it’s familiar. It is a common characteristic of aroids. It is also possible for succulent roots to grow aerially if neglected or tilted to one side, but climbing succulents are not intended.
Monstera Aerial Roots: How to Grow Them
Aerial roots grow naturally on the Monstera plant. Aerial roots will sprout on Monstera plants in the right conditions. Monstera plants grow aerial roots whenever they are healthy.
Enough light
Low light is believed to be necessary for monsteras. Low light conditions are not generally favorable for them, even if they can survive them. They get bright light from a sunny window, but the afternoon sun also directs its rays at them.
Good soil
Like many tropical plants, Monstera plants require lightweight soil with good drainage. Aroid and monstera soil can be purchased at plant centers. It consists of peat moss and bark fines combined with perlite, bark, or pine fines.
Use all-purpose potting soil to prevent your Monsteras from suffering from soggy soil. As a result, Monstera leaves can brown.
Watering enough
Monsteras thrive in moisture, but wet soil is bad for them. Suffocating soil causes root rot when it is wet for an extended period.
Monstera soil should always be moist in the top two to three inches but dry at the bottom.
Fill the saucer or catch basin with water and let it run through the soil once it has filled. The soil won’t become squishy and won’t absorb standing water.
Nutrient-dense diet
Monsteras grow well with adequate nutrients, even though they don’t need a lot of food. When they grow actively, like in spring and fall, fertilize them every two weeks. Fertilize the plants sparingly during the winter.
Aerial vs Underground Roots
Roots can also differ in function and where they grow, from aerial roots to underground roots.
Plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their roots, supplying them to their entire structure.
An aerial root provides physical support to a plant when it climbs a tree in the rainforest. Even though aerial roots can absorb nutrients and moisture, they do so at a much slower rate than underground roots.
There is, therefore, a difference between the two root systems. Their functionality cannot be interchanged.
Is It Necessary to Moisten Aerial Roots?
An aerial root grows in the air, as its name implies. The air will provide them with all the moisture they need; they don’t need to be misted or placed in water.
It won’t take long for Monstera ariel roots to rot in water.
You can keep the plant healthy by misting it occasionally with water if the air in your home is dry. In the morning, mist the leaves to help them dry before nightfall.
What To Do With Monstera Aerial Roots?
It isn’t advisable to plant them in soil because of their limited capacity to absorb moisture.
It might not be possible to convince an aerial root to transform into an underground one. A long-term solution is not possible.
You want to avoid burying aerial roots in soil because aerial roots function differently than underground roots.
It will do the trick if you plant your Monstera in two pots. If the roots of your potted Monstera are tucked into the larger pot, there will be no root rot caused by excessive moisture.
Aerial roots can also be left alone. Keeping them from climbing nearby bookshelves or walls can also be secured to a moss pole.
How Long Will It Take For Aerial Roots To Regenerate?
Many aerial roots stop growing, become callous, and then cease functioning. The aerial roots don’t seem to wither and fall off like leaves, so I presume they still receive energy even though they appear dead.
It is common for aerial roots to develop brown, bark-like textures over time, making them appear dead when they are not.
Shrinkage of Monstera Aerial Roots
Monstera aerial roots shrivel up due to several reasons. Here are the top reasons and how to resolve them.
Damaged
As a result of physical damage, Monstera ariel roots dry up and shrivel. Breaking, bending, or knocking them causes them to turn black and die. The Monstera ariel roots will wither if their roots are broken, preventing water and nutrients from reaching them.
An infected plant can be infected by disease and pests when its aerial roots are damaged. Removing shriveled and damaged roots using sharp, clean secateurs is possible. Bacteria and pests will not be able to penetrate the wound once it heals.
Pest infestation
During pest attacks, Monstera aerial roots can shrivel. The sap is sucked up by spider mites and scales, causing roots to wither. A sap feeder attaches itself to the roots and stems of monstera plants to feed on their sap.
These insects can be treated with neem oil, for instance. Using neem oil, treat the plant outside that is affected. After it has dried, bring it back inside. The process should be repeated if the bugs remain after a week.
It does not matter whether the scales are directly attached to the aerial roots; they can still cause them to wilt. Infestation with scale mites is common in leaf joints and aerial roots.
Spray them with water and detergent before they attach to the stem. Once dark scales have formed on their bodies, neem oil works best.
Fungus
The roots of Monstera can shrivel up and die due to fungus growth. The roots of Monsteras can become infected with fungus, causing rot, blackening, and eventually death. Typically, this occurs when overwatering allows fungi to grow. The roots can shrivel if kept too moist or at high humidity levels.
Nutrient deficient
Monstera plants can suffer from fading roots if they lack nutrients. The roots can develop problems and wilt or become yellow. The best way to maintain monstera plants is to feed them slowly-released fertilizer.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants rely on aerial roots for nourishment and anchoring when they reach for the light. Observe the aerial roots of Monstera even if you don’t have anyone supporting you!
You can sometimes guide roots to grow higher by providing them with your guidance. Give gentle water sprays to encourage roots to grow freely.
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