Black plastic wrap (better than clear plastic to avoid algae formation)Ĭhoose a stem that is about 1 to 2 years old that appears healthy and straight.The best time to perform this technique is spring or fall. Air layeringĪir layering is an advanced technique to encourage aerial root growth for plants with woody trunks, such as shrubs, climbers, and trees. If the air is dry, you can compensate by misting two to three times a day, wrapping the plant around with a plastic bag, or putting it in a greenhouse as explained below.Īerial roots can be put inside a jar to promote its growth by trapping moisture 3. 1.4 Hot and humid environmentĪ hot and humid environment that ranges between 85-105 Fahrenheit (or 30-40 Celcius) is ideal for growing aerial roots naturally. It helps the roots absorb water faster, thus drying up the soil faster and increasing the need for finding moisture in the air. Soil with good drainage has a large space between the particles. You can expose the plant to direct sunlight, though not necessary. Similar to the need for leaves, sufficient light is important for the plant to absorb water in order to carry out photosynthesis. While a dense foliage generates a higher need for moisture and nutrients, an abundance of soil roots creates a sense of dissatisfaction in the plant with the existing moisture condition as the roots absorb all the water in the soil.Ī combination of these two factors would thus force the plant to grow aerial roots above ground to find moisture in the air.Īnd to achieve a dense foliage, it is better to avoid pruning and let it grow. Sufficient leaves and soil roots are essential if your plant needs to develop aerial roots. The natural conditions optimal for growing aerial roots are: 1.1 Abundant leaves and soil roots In fact, when under certain conditions, the plant will start growing aerial roots on its own. Some people believe that the plant must be root bound in the soil or that the plant must be old to grow aerial roots. Can you put aerial roots in water to help them grow? When is the best time to grow aerial roots? You can propagate these plants by clipping off a piece of the stem just below an aerial root and potting it up. The stiff roots act as guy wires, supporting the weak stems in place. They produce aerial roots that grow downward until they reach the soil. In their natural habitat, windowleaf vines climb trees, reaching high into the rainforest canopy. Windowleaf plants are houseplants that make unique use of aerial roots. You can propagate the plant by snipping off the plantlets and planting them with their roots under the soil. Often grown in hanging baskets, spider plants produce plantlets that dangle from specialized, wiry stems that arch outward from the plant. You’ll find one of the most familiar examples of this on spider plants. Can I Plant Aerial Roots?Īerial roots on houseplants provide good examples of roots that you can plant. In some cases, however, they are essential to the plant’s health and best left alone. In many cases, aerial roots can be removed without harm to the plant. They help with air exchange, propagation, stability, and nourishment. Why Does My Plant Have Roots Coming Off the Sides?Īerial roots perform a number of functions. These plants produce above ground “breathing roots” to help them with air exchange. Plants that live in marshes and bogs have underground roots but they can’t absorb gasses from the air. Some types of aerial roots also absorb moisture and nutrients, just like underground roots. Aerial roots on woody vines function as anchors, affixing the plant to supporting structures such as trellises, rocks, and walls. What are Aerial Roots?Īerial roots are roots that grow on the above-ground parts of a plant. So you’re likely asking, “What are aerial roots?” and “Can I plant aerial roots to make new plants?” For answers to these questions, keep reading to learn more about plants with aerial roots. When it comes to plant roots, there are all sorts and one of the more common includes aerial roots on houseplants.
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