What is the cause of aerial roots in succulents (the causes and treatment of aerial roots in succulents)

The most common situation of succulent aerial roots

(1) Old succulent plants

After succulents grow into old stumps, not only will they have more and more branches, but the branches will also gradually become woody and their metabolism will become slow. At this time, the buds on the branches can easily grow aerial roots in a humid environment, helping the plants to absorb some water and nutrients.

This is especially common on old stumps of Tia, Jinhuangxing, Rainbow Jade, Crispy Duck, Maiden Heart, etc., which have slender branches and are somewhat woody. From a distance, they look like they have "beards". Although they look a little weathered, they will not die even if they are not treated.

(2) High air humidity

Succulent plants prefer an environment with plenty of sunlight, relative dryness and good ventilation. They are relatively drought-resistant. When the soil in the pot is particularly dry, the plants themselves are already lacking water but the air humidity is high, it is easy for white aerial roots to grow on the branches.

This is a stress response to the environment, a manifestation of its tenacious vitality, and a life-saving measure. When water is given in time or the climate becomes dry, and the water supply and demand reach a balance, these aerial roots will slowly wither even if they are not treated.

(3) The plant does not adapt to the pot or has root rot

Newly planted succulents may not acclimate to the pot for more than 2 weeks after being potted. If they are in a state of "internal consumption" for a long time, it is easy for them to grow aerial roots, and even the leaves may become shriveled and wrinkled to varying degrees.

In addition, succulents with waterlogged roots and rotten roots will no longer be able to obtain water and nutrients from the soil through their main root system, and aerial roots will grow in the middle of their branches over time.

In both cases, the main root system fails to play its due role, so the buds on the branches sprout on their own to form aerial roots.

Common treatment methods for succulent aerial roots

(1) Repotting and root pruning

If an old stump that has been cultivated for many years has aerial roots, the main consideration is that the root system is aging and the soil is insufficient in nutrients. You can change the pot and soil in time and prune the roots appropriately.

  It is beneficial to stimulate the growth of the main root system, make the capillary roots more developed, thereby stimulating the old stump to grow vigorously again, and the phenomenon of growing aerial roots will gradually ease.

(2) Cutting and grafting

Succulent plants that are slow to adapt to the pot or become increasingly shriveled usually have root problems. You can remove the soil from the pot and check the roots.

If the roots have rotted, you can mainly cut off the top. When cutting, keep the aerial roots on the branches for cutting propagation. It can survive in a pot, which is more efficient than leaf cutting propagation.

(3) Dry and wet balance

For varieties such as Rainbow Jade, Tia, Jinhuangxing, and Maiden Heart that are easy to grow aerial roots, if there is no problem with the growth of the plants and only aerial roots grow on the branches, it is necessary to adjust the dryness and humidity.

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