Why did I cut off aerial roots? This time I cut the aerial roots on my thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, the plant formerly known as philodendron selloum.⠀ ⠀ They were making a lot of mess on the floor and occupied a lot of space. ⠀ ⠀ Compared to cutting the aerial roots on my monstera, this was easy. Cutting off a few aerial roots will not harm your plant. Especially if you sterilize cutting tools. By sterilizing you are reducing chances of infection. ⠀ ⠀ I never sterilize my pruning shears as in