my philodendron has ugly root looking things sprouting off all over the place. two of them are trying to escape down the heating vent.

is it safe to cut them off? i inherited the plant from my mom, and they have been there for a few years at least. they start about a foot up the plant, and continue most of the way up.

Actually it depends on the type of Philodendron you have. There is a variety called "Trailing Philodendron" which has offsets that can grow from both the roots or the base of the plant. Once it has a secure root system you can cut it off from the "parent" plant using a sharp and clean knife and then plant it.

Then there are some types of Philodendrons that produce what is known as "aerial roots" that will cling to whatever support they find. Sounds like this is the type you have. In that case, the roots should NOT be cut off completely but they can be trimmed back if they become to long. Gardeners actually suggest that is best to attach those roots to a support pole or lead them back to the pot where they can start growing into the soil.

thanks georgia!
i spent half an hour searching and couldnt find any info.

i think i will cut back the ones near the top, and tie the long ones near the bottom to the rest of the plant, and bury the bottoms of them in the pot.

Sounds like a plan!