What is happening when a succulent plant produces aerial roots, and why do succulents grow aerial roots?

What is happening with the aerial roots of succulent plants

Let's talk about the little knowledge of flower cultivation about why succulent plants grow aerial roots, keep reading!

What is happening with the aerial roots of succulent plants

Succulent plants prefer a sunny, relatively dry, and well-ventilated environment. They are relatively drought-resistant. When the potting soil is particularly dry, the plant itself is short of water, but the air humidity is high, aerial roots are very likely to grow on the branches, which is a stress response to the environment and a manifestation of their strong vitality, serving as a life-saving measure.

Common situations where succulents grow aerial roots

Succulent old stakes

After succulents become old stakes, not only do they branch out more, but the branches also tend to become woody, and metabolism slows down. In a humid environment, it is easy for buds on the branches to grow aerial roots, which help the plant absorb some water and nutrients.

This is especially common in old stakes with fine and woody branches, such as Tiya, Jinhuangxing, Hongzhiyu, Supiter, and Yinmuxin, which look like they have grown "beards" from a distance. Although they look somewhat weathered, not handling them won't cause their death.

High air humidity

Succulent plants prefer a sunny, relatively dry, and well-ventilated environment and are relatively drought-resistant. When the potting soil is particularly dry, the plant itself is short of water, but the air humidity is high, aerial roots are very likely to grow on the branches.

This is a stress response to the environment and a manifestation of their strong vitality, serving as a life-saving measure. When water is provided in a timely manner or the climate becomes dry, and the balance of water supply and demand is achieved, these aerial roots will gradually wither even if not handled.

Unrooted or root rot

If newly planted succulents have not rooted after more than 2 weeks and have been in a state of "internal consumption" for a long time, they are very likely to grow aerial roots, and even the leaves may become dry and wrinkled to varying degrees.

In addition, succulents with waterlogging and root rot, unable to continue obtaining water and nutrients from the soil through the main roots, will also grow aerial roots in the middle of the branches after a long time.

Both of these situations are due to the main roots not functioning properly, so the buds on the branches self-sprout to form aerial roots.

Common ways to deal with succulent aerial roots

Repotting and pruning roots

If aerial roots grow on old stakes that have been cultivated for many years, the main consideration is root aging and insufficient soil nutrients, so repotting and changing soil, and appropriate root pruning can be done.

This helps stimulate the growth of main roots, making capillary roots more developed, thus stimulating the old stake to grow vigorously again, and the phenomenon of aerial roots will gradually ease.

Cutting and propagating

Succulents that are slow to root or become more shriveled usually have root problems and can be checked by removing the soil.

If root rot has occurred, cutting the top is the main approach. When cutting, retain the aerial roots on the branches for propagation by cutting and planting them, which can survive immediately and is more efficient than leaf propagation.

Balancing dryness and wetness

For varieties that easily grow aerial roots, such as Hongzhiyu, Tiya, Jinhuangxing, and Yinmuxin, if the plant is growing well and only the branches have aerial roots, it is necessary to adjust the humidity.

In addition to avoiding excessive water control and applying a light fertilizer during the vigorous growth period, ventilation needs to be enhanced during the plum rain season when the air humidity is high. Generally, when dryness and wetness reach a balance, the aerial roots on the branches no longer function and will naturally wither slowly.

The content shared in this article about why succulent plants grow aerial roots is for the reference of green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant and flower management.