Question
Hi Will
We have a monstera plant that was given to us as a wedding present 27 years ago! It has grown older and bigger (as have we!) despite my years of partial neglect of it. Never the less, it is a symbolic part of us and I'm worried that I need to do something to stop it dying of old age!
I've read some of your other postings and it seems I can cut off the old aerial roots with no danger to it. The bottom of the stems seem to be getting brown and I wonder if I should do some drastic pruning. But I'm worried - if I try and prune, will the original plant continue to grow or should I try to grow new children and accept that Arthur (his name) continue to grow older and perhaps die? He is about 10 feet high and 6 across. He is in quite a sunny spot and occasionally the leaves die (go brown)
If it helps with your diagnosis I can send photos
thanks
Sue

Answer
Hi Sue,

Congratulations on both of your successful relationships, which have lasted for 27 years!

From your description, it seems that your Monstera is still very healthy. Yes, you can prune off the aerial roots without damaging the plant.

As the lower stems age, they do start to develop a brownish covering. As long as the stems are not brown and dry and losing lots of leaves, then there is no cause for concern.

Ordinarily, it is best to keep a Monstera pruned back regularly so that it does not become too big. Younger stems rejuvenate better than older ones. I suggest that you prune yours back moderately, at first. You should see some new growth coming in on those pruned stems just below where you cut them. The pruned off sections can be rooted in water or damp soil. Shorter tip cuttings with just a few leaves root more readily than longer cuttings.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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