Among the variety of indoor plants, there are a considerable number of flowers with aerial roots. The most common: ficus, fat woman (family, it is also a money tree) and monstera. The most famous are orchids, even those who are not inclined to cultivate a home garden are aware of them. The aerial root is very useful for both the plant and its owner. The latter in terms of the presence, development and appearance of an additional plant organ can draw very specific conclusions about its he alth. However, it is worth considering that aerial roots impose certain responsibilities for caring for the plant. And although their execution is not too troublesome, you should not forget about them.
Why we need aerial roots
They are present in those plants that have tropical ancestors. Moreover, they lived in swampy areas. For mostindoor flowers, such adnexal organs serve as an additional organ of nutrition. With their help, plants receive moisture from the air, and when rooted in the soil, nutrients from it. For some varieties, these processes also serve as additional support, such as monstera aerial roots. Therefore, they grow until they hit something solid (or the ground), and eventually become woody. The resulting dense surface layer not only creates support rigidity, but also protects the soft aerial roots from accidental damage. By the way, not only monstera appendages have a hard cover. It grows on such organs in all plants. Orchid aerial roots also have features. They also absorb light. That is why these flowers are planted in transparent containers.
Caring for additional Monstera organs
First of all, it must be taken into account that this plant itself is a liana. That is, it never forms a single strong trunk, and if you want the monstera to form a bush and grow up, it needs a stand. The plant will rely on it not only with leaves, but also with aerial roots. And will become stronger as it grows.
Since the adventitious roots serve primarily for additional nutrition, when spraying the plant, they must also be sprayed. With a lack of moisture (most often this happens in winter, when a tub with a flower stands near a working battery or heater), the aerial roots of the monstera begin to dry. If there are a lot of them, and you realized it in time, then there is no big trouble.will happen. But if the plant is young and has not had time to form a sufficient number of additional organs, it stops developing, the leaves become smaller, and without taking urgent measures, you can lose your beauty.
Most growers believe that the main thing without which the monstera cannot survive is aerial roots. What if they stick out in different directions, making the flower messy? Carefully but persistently direct them down, towards the ground or towards the nearest support. Those that lay on the ground are sprinkled with earth for rooting. In no case should they be cut off - this can seriously harm the plant.
Why don't these necessary "add-ons" grow on the monster
Many who have recently acquired a new pet are concerned that the plant lacks something that any "self-respecting" monstera can boast of - aerial roots. What if they don't grow? Do not worry! A young plant that has not yet filled the pot provided to it simply does not need additional organs. It has enough water from the soil, and it is not yet large enough to require support. As soon as it stretches out, it will grow aerial roots in the amount it needs.
Problems of the root system of orchids
These plants are much more delicate and capricious - they need special conditions for life and special, rather troublesome care. Therefore, not every grower dares to start orchids on the windowsill, even despite their wonderful flowering. BUTthose who nevertheless decided, but have not yet gained sufficient experience, are faced with problems that aerial orchid roots begin to create in abundance for them. If in monstera they can only begin to dry, and it is not difficult to deal with the reasons (as well as eliminate them), then in capricious beauties, adventitious roots can not only dry out, but also rot. And often there is a need to reanimate orchids that are completely without aerial roots.
Causes of decay and drying out
Most beginner orchid growers are convinced that these flowers live almost in a swamp, and simply fill them with water. Hence the following preconditions for root rot:
- Plentiful and frequent watering.
- Plenty of water during the cooler months.
- Unsuitable soil that dries slowly or retains moisture too well.
- Watering orchids with damaged (for example, during transplantation) roots.
Thus, in order to prevent rotting, you just need to observe the measure in the water supply, the integrity of the root system, choose the right land and monitor the temperature.
Drying aerial roots in orchids are much less common. Nevertheless, misconceptions about the water regime in this case save the plants. The “appendages” can dry up only when the flowers are not watered at all in summer or they do it extremely rarely, which is unlikely to happen to a person who decides to have such a capricious beauty.
Finally, the loss of aerial roots is more dangerous for an orchid than for a monstera. So it is very important to avoid such a phenomenon.diligently.
