Monstera plants are vibrant tropical beauties with at least 50 known varieties. Plant enthusiasts love growing them for their unusual fenestrated leaves. Monstera plants are popular for their air-purifying qualities and the lush, tropical vibe they bring indoors. They are relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light, with moderate watering, and in well-draining soil.
Understanding aerial roots and their role in propagation
Long aerial roots do not propagate as well as younger, shorter ones. Either submerge the full length of the roots in water or cut them off and let new roots emerge from the base node. I have propagated several monsteras with far longer aerial roots than that, always with success! I know that water will work but I have always favored using some sort of very wet medium. Sand, peat moss and such. I'm thinking the new roots will later be better adapted to their new home (soil) that way.
Its better to skip that step IMO. Rooting in water just produces some roots that will then have to go through another process to adapt themselves to soil. You are after new roots not pampering the old ones. I rooted one by just potting it in the soil it was to be grown in. Skipped the water.
What to do with very long aerial roots
Long aerial roots do not propagate as well as younger, shorter ones. If you decide to cut the roots, should you just cut the one or both? The consensus from experienced growers is to trim long roots back close to the node to encourage new roots from the base. This often results in roots developing within 2 to 2½ weeks. The aim is to foster new roots that will be better adapted to soil.
When I have kept long aerial roots in water, they sometimes rot or slow down growth. Another practical approach is to bend or break the old roots without harming the plant, focusing on encouraging fresh roots from the base node. The plant will be fine; you are after new roots, not pampering the old ones.
Submerging roots vs. soil rooting
In practice, many propagators report better long-term success rooting Monsteras directly in a very moist soil mix or in a water-based setup that eventually leads into soil. I have propagated several monsteras with far longer aerial roots than that, always with success! I know that water will work but I have always favored using some sort of very wet medium.
In other cases, homeowners have rooted cuttings directly in moist soil mix, skipping water entirely. Right into moist soil mix is my method, like Gene. Rooting in water just produces some roots that will then have to go through another process to adapt themselves to soil. It’s better to skip that step IMO.
Practical steps for repotting and managing aerial roots
Put on your gardening gloves. While firmly holding the old pot with one hand, use your other hand to gently grip the base of your Monstera’s stem and carefully lift it out of the pot. Massage the root ball to loosen the roots and remove the old soil. Check the roots for damage. Plant your Monstera in the new pot, and fill up the space around the plant with the remaining soil mix.
Repotting your Monstera at the right time is essential for the plant’s well-being. Monsteras can tolerate their roots being crowded temporarily, but leaving them root-bound for too long can harm growth and health. The best time to repot is every 2-3 years, in the spring or summer, and when visible signs indicate it’s necessary. The plant doesn’t actually prefer being root-bound in the long term.
Aerial roots should be put to use and either fed back into the soil, into a moss pole, or in a vessel containing water. This helps moisture and nutrients reach the top of the plant, which will result in larger leaves with more holes, provided light and other conditions are adequate.
Incorporating aerial roots into the new setup
Below are practical notes from experienced growers: tease compacted roots to loosen them before planting, ensuring they can spread into the new pot. When repotting with a moss pole, place the pole in the new pot after filling it with about one-third of the soil so it anchors firmly, then guide aerial roots toward the pole. For better support, add a stake or wooden stick to assist upright growth.
One method is to root prune or top dress to control growth when the plant becomes large. Root pruning involves keeping the plant in its current pot, trimming the roots and replanting. This can help manage size while maintaining health. If you want to encourage upward growth and larger fenestrations, provide adequate light and keep the plant supported as needed.
Choosing a medium and watering strategy
Soil mix matters. A well-draining mix that holds some moisture without staying soggy is ideal. A commonly recommended approach includes a houseplant mix with perlite or bark to improve aeration. Whatever mix you prefer, ensure the plant isn’t sitting in water for extended periods, especially during propagation.
In terms of watering, as your plant grows and moves up in pot sizes, it will require more water. Ensure you aren’t under-watering or overwatering during and after repotting. After repotting, the plant may take 2-4 weeks to recover. During this time, provide bright, indirect light and water only when the topsoil dries.
Care during and after repotting
Monstera leaves sometimes curl or brown after repotting due to root stress or low humidity. Transplant shock is possible, but Monsteras usually recover with proper care. A good practice is to make sure roots are not damaged during handling and that the new pot provides adequate drainage and air for root growth. Regular cleaning of leaves helps maintain photosynthesis and overall plant health.
Adapting to a new home
When you transplant a Monstera with aerial roots into soil, you can bury some of the aerial roots, but it is not required. Aerial roots help the plant climb and absorb moisture from the air. If they reach the soil, they may grow into normal roots, contributing to stability and nutrient uptake.
In practice, it’s common to see gardeners repot monsteras into slightly larger pots rather than much larger ones, especially when the aim is to maintain balance in the display and ensure the plant can be supported by a moss pole or stake. A lighter, well-aerated soil mix with organic matter helps moisture retention without waterlogging.
Notes and tips from experienced growers
For cuttings with large, thick aerial roots, trimming them back near the node often encourages new root growth. Some reports indicate success with full submersion of long aerial roots in water, followed by soil transplantation after roots develop. Others have found direct soil rooting to be faster and more reliable, especially when prepared with a very moist substrate and careful handling.
Most importantly, monitor signs of stress after repotting: drooping leaves, slowed growth, yellowing or browning edges, and adjust light, humidity, and watering accordingly. Consistent care and careful observation help Monsteras acclimate to their new conditions and continue thriving.
