Long aerial roots on a monstera: do they have to stay?

Your plant is Monstera deliciosa, and the long, string-like growths are aerial roots. They are normal: they help the plant attach itself, find support and, to some extent, take up moisture. Shortening or removing a few therefore does not usually do much harm, but it is better to see them as useful rather than as a fault.

If you choose to cut them, use clean scissors or secateurs and cut near the root’s starting point without damaging the stem. Remove a few at a time rather than all at once. September is still suitable indoors, but with light levels falling, avoid a drastic cut-back unless necessary.

For your monstera, a better option may be to guide the aerial roots into the pot or give it a moss pole or other support. It will usually become steadier and less sprawling. Start with any aerial roots that are dry, excessively long or simply in the way, and keep the strongest ones that may help the plant later.