Do you need to cut off a monstera’s aerial roots?

Once roots begin hanging over the edge of the pot, a monstera can suddenly feel much larger. In the reader’s photograph, long roots run down from the plant beside the window. The question is whether they need to go.

The roots have a purpose

Monstera is a climber. Roots growing from the stem help it attach to a support. At home, a moss pole can give it something to climb and help a top-heavy plant stand securely.

Try support and positioning first

Leave roots that are not in the way. Check how the plant is positioned and give the stem a stable support. You do not need to cut the roots simply because they are there; start by making room for the plant’s shape.

A loose root is not a ready-made cutting

If you also want to propagate your monstera, you need a piece of stem with a node and a growth bud. A leaf or a detached root alone cannot replace that part. This is a different task from arranging a root that is hanging in the way.