In short: You shouldn't cut off the aerial roots of Monstera, Philodendron and other aroids. They support the plant, can absorb moisture and are a sign of healthy growth. If individual roots bother you, guide them to a moss pole or carefully into the soil instead.

Looks wild? It's supposed to!

They hang out of the pot, grow in all directions and sometimes look like tentacles: aerial roots. Especially with aroids like Monstera, or with orchids, many people reach for the scissors for aesthetic reasons. The reasoning: “Looks messy” – so off they go.

But careful: that's exactly one of the most common care mistakes with these plants. Aerial roots aren't a visual flaw but an important part of the plant – and they do more than you might think.

What aerial roots actually do

Aerial roots are specialized organs that take on different functions depending on the plant:

• Absorbing water and nutrients from the air (especially in orchids)
• Stabilization and climbing support (e.g. in Monstera, Philodendron)
• Anchoring in humid environments (e.g. in tropical epiphytes)
• Reserve organ in changing conditions

Cutting them off not only takes away some of the plant's abilities, it also injures it unnecessarily. The cut surfaces dry out, weaken the plant and, in the worst case, provide entry points for germs.

What you can do instead of cutting

If the aerial roots bother you visually or get in the way, you don't have to cut them off. Instead, you can gently redirect them, for example along a moss pole or trellis – which not only looks tidier but also adds stability.

Or you can carefully guide them into the pot: there they can absorb water and nutrients and anchor the plant further. This makes it more stable and supports healthy growth.

Most importantly: accept them for what they are – a visible sign of vitality and adaptation.

When it gets out of hand: an aerial root explosion and what FYTA tells you

Some plants, Monstera above all, suddenly produce a whole armada of aerial roots. That can look impressive, but it can also be a signal: maybe something isn't right in the environment – too little light, air that's too dry, or a root ball that has run out of space.

The FYTA Beam G2 helps you interpret these signals better. It measures soil moisture, nutrient levels, light and temperature right at the plant. The FYTA Sphere also records the humidity in the room – exactly the values that can be behind an “aerial root explosion”. Combined with the FYTA app, you get tips on how to optimize location, watering or substrate. You're supported by the FYTA support team – real plant experts who respond to your questions and share knowledge that goes far beyond generic care tips.

Step by step, you learn to truly understand your plant – and see that aerial roots aren't chaos, but communication.

By the way: other houseplants also show very clearly how they react to our living conditions – such as the Calathea with brown leaf edges. Why this is often perfectly normal is explained in our article Why your Calathea doesn't look like it did in the store.

Conclusion: aerial roots aren't a blemish – they're a sign of life

If you love plants, you can let them look a little wild. With FYTA, you develop a deeper understanding of the natural needs of your green housemates – and recognize when less intervention is more.

➡️ Discover the FYTA Starter Set with Beam G2 and WiFi Hub now and optimize your plant care from the roots up.

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