If you’ve ever noticed long, stringy roots growing out of your Monstera’s stem—or trailing from an orchid or philodendron—you’ve encountered aerial roots, also known as air roots. These quirky, sometimes wild-looking roots aren’t a sign that anything’s wrong with your plant. In fact, they’re a natural part of how many tropical plants grow and thrive in the wild.
So, What Are Aerial Roots?
Aerial roots are roots that grow above the soil, typically sprouting from a plant’s stem or node. Unlike underground roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil, aerial roots serve a variety of functions depending on the plant species.
In nature, these roots often help plants anchor themselves to trees, rocks, or other structures, especially in rainforest environments where light and space are in high demand. They’re also capable of absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air or rain, which is why they’re so common in humid climates.
Common Houseplants with Aerial Roots
You’ve probably seen aerial roots before, maybe without even realizing it. Here are a few popular indoor plants that naturally grow them:
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Monstera deliciosa – Their long, thick aerial roots help anchor them as they climb. In the wild, they attach themselves to trees to reach sunlight.
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Philodendrons – Especially the climbing varieties like Philodendron hederaceum or Philodendron micans.
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Pothos – Those little nubs at the nodes? Tiny aerial roots!
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Orchids – Their silvery aerial roots absorb water directly from the air.
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Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) – These can send out aerial roots if humidity is high enough.
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Banyan Trees – Outdoors, these trees are famous for their dramatic, curtain-like aerial root systems that eventually grow into additional trunks!
Can You Cut Aerial Roots Off?
Yes—you can trim them, and your plant will be totally fine.
Aerial roots aren’t necessary for a plant’s survival indoors. While they serve a purpose in the wild—like climbing and anchoring—inside the home, they can often appear messy or distracting, especially in more curated spaces like styled shelves or minimal corners.
Personally, I choose to trim most of mine, especially on Monsteras and climbing philodendrons, to keep a cleaner, more streamlined look. It doesn’t harm the plant and helps maintain a more intentional aesthetic.
Of course, if you prefer a more natural, jungle-inspired feel, you can let them grow freely. Some plant parents even train aerial roots onto moss poles or trellises. One of our favorite creators, @mariahgrows, keeps her aerial roots and tucks them into the planter for added stability and character.
A Little History + Fun Facts
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The term “aerial root” comes from Latin aer, meaning “air,” and radix, meaning “root.”
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Monstera plants in their native Central American rainforest use aerial roots to scale tree trunks, growing up to 70 feet tall!
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In hydroponic systems, some plants develop air roots as a response to high oxygen exposure in the root zone.
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Mangroves have specialized aerial roots that help them breathe in oxygen-poor swampy soil called pneumatophores.
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Some epiphytic plants (like orchids and some ferns) rely almost entirely on aerial roots since they don’t grow in soil at all.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Wild Side
Aerial roots are one of the many ways plants show off their adaptability. Whether you keep them trimmed or let them sprawl, they’re a reminder of your plant’s jungle origins and resilience. So next time you spot one growing, take a moment to admire it—or give it a quick snip if it’s cramping your style.
Looking to support healthy root growth—above or below ground? Pair your plant with a full-spectrum grow light like the Aspect Gen 2 or Vita bulb to give it the light it needs to thrive year-round.
