I've recently started caring for a monstera and have researched that the aerial roots will need caring for (which is not a problem). But, Its roots are also growing through the bottom of the drainage holes of the pot... is this normal? Do I need to repot into something bigger? I'm concerned that if the roots are growing through the soil it won't survive. (I'm really new to this so any advise would be greatly appreciated, I already love this little guy).

WallisOwen said:I've recently started caring for a monstera and have researched that the aerial roots will need caring for (which is not a problem). But, Its roots are also growing through the bottom of the drainage holes of the pot... is this normal? Do I need to repot into something bigger? I'm concerned that if the roots are growing through the soil it won't survive. (I'm really new to this so any advise would be greatly appreciated, I already love this little guy).

Don't repot! A lot of bigger mistakes are made from people trying to quickly fix a problem with their plants. It is strange roots are already growing out of the drainage holes, but monstera deliciosa is a very strong grower. How much light are you giving it? If you give one a lot of light, they'll really grow fast. Some pictures would be helpful. If it's a young monstera, I could understand why it's growing so fast. @WillC should be able to supply more info.

Thank you :). I've just taken it out of it's pot just to check what's going on and it's not as bad as I though. I think it was possibly starting to suffer root rot (it was extremely soggy when I brought it home). But from the looks of it, it's not bad at all (photo attached).

Ariel roots do not need caring for.

Monstera deliciosa is an epiphyte that can also live as a hemiepipmyte. That mean in nature it almost never starts its life planted in the ground. It starts life in the cracks and crevices of rocks, other trees etc and the roots attach to the host. Then the aerial roots grow down the host, into the soil from above. And the body of the plant grows upward, toward the sun. It also sends roots around the host as anchors. And yes, these roots are also capable of absorbing water and nutrients, but they develop protective sheathing for lack of a better word that helps harden them off and protect them since they are out in the air.

Growing Monstera in a pot is growing it as a hemiepiphyte. That means starting out in soil and attaching to a host, like a tree, a rock face, or a totem, and growing up, toward the sun.

You can let it grow what I refer to as 'floppy' without tethering it to anything, but it will look better and grow better if attached to a support. That gives the aerial roots the chance to fulfill their natural function. And when you water it, you should always also soak the aerial roots.

Your Monstera has a healthy root system that is not quite ready for a larger pot. Roots tend to grow in a variety of directions and some will find their way through the drain holes. That is not necessarily a problem or a sign that it needs a larger pot. Those wandering roots can be cut off without damage to the plant.

As Gene stated, the aerial roots serve no purpose once a Monstera is potted up. In theory, they can be used to attach to poles for support, but as a practical matter, it rarely works well in a home environment. Monsteras can be allowed to spread as a vining plant or supported with a stake or can simply be pruned back to keep it at the size you prefer.

What is wrong with my monstera ? It's only been a month with me. There are brownish-yellow spots on the lower leaves. Please help.

@Barbasia - Please post a photo of the entire plant and its pot. How do you decide when to water it and how much do you give it? When was it last repotted?