Have you noticed aerial roots on your Jade Plant? Don’t worry, it’s a common occurrence, and it can be easily fixed. Most of the time, aerial roots indicate a lack of water. By simply adjusting your watering routine, your Jade Plant will regain its energy and laid-back nature. In this article, we’ll explore how to overcome this issue and address other possible causes.
What Are Aerial Roots?
Aerial roots are roots that plants produce above ground, usually from their stem. While this is a normal process for some plants, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with your Jade Plant. Succulents with aerial roots are often fast-growing.
What do Aerial Roots Look Like?
Different plants have different-looking aerial roots. On a Jade Plant, they are thin and white with a slight pink tinge, typically growing close to a leaf node. You’ll mostly see them during the growing season.
Functions of Aerial Roots
Aerial roots serve different functions depending on the plant. They can help expand a plant’s territory, provide stability as the plant grows, or even capture moisture from the air. However, with the Jade Plant, aerial roots indicate that it’s searching for something, usually extra moisture.
Identifying and Evaluating Causative Factors
If you notice aerial roots on your Jade Plant, consider it a sign that something is wrong. Here are some common causes and how to address them:
Too Little Water
This is the most common cause of aerial roots. Check the soil’s moisture by poking your finger into it. If it’s dry, your diagnosis is likely correct. To fix this, water your Jade Plant by placing the container in a sink or basin and watering until water drains out. Allow any excess water to drain completely before returning the plant to its original position.
Excess Water
Jade Plants don’t like to be waterlogged. Soft and soggy leaves are a sign of overwatering. While this can be critical or fatal, it won’t cause aerial roots.
Temperature Fluctuations
Sudden changes in temperature can prompt your Jade Plant to send out aerial roots as a precautionary measure. Maintain a room temperature between 65 and 75°F (18 – 34°C) to keep your plant happy.
Inappropriate Lighting
Jade Plants prefer bright but indirect light. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and grow longer, leading to the emergence of aerial roots. If you need to move your plant, do it gradually over several days to avoid shocking it.
Traumatic Incidents
Changes that occur too quickly can induce trauma in your Jade Plant, leading to aerial roots. This includes over or under-watering, moving the plant, or sudden temperature changes. If your plant suffers an injury or if you’ve recently applied fertilizer, consider repotting it and removing overfertilized soil.
Nutrients in Short Supply
Don’t overlook your Jade Plant’s basic needs. Just like light and moisture, it requires a supply of nutrients. If your plant shows aerial roots despite adequate lighting and watering, it may be time to feed or repot it. Use a proprietary cactus mix or create your own mix with coarse grit or vermiculite.
How Can You Get Rid of Aerial Roots?
Although aerial roots won’t harm your Jade Plant, they might be unattractive. Cutting them off near the stem with sharp scissors or a knife is completely acceptable and won’t harm the plant.
Can You Propagate from Aerial Roots?
Aerial roots don’t contain the necessary DNA for reproduction. While you can attempt propagation using stem nodes with aerial roots, it’s generally better to wait until your plant recovers fully.
Jade Plant Aerial Roots Drying Out
Once you address the stress factors causing the aerial roots, they will become unnecessary for the plant and eventually dry out and fall off.
Recap
Aerial roots on your Jade Plant serve as an early warning sign that something is wrong. By following these steps, you can help your plant thrive and eliminate the production of aerial roots:
- Ensure proper watering
- Establish a regular watering regime
- Repot if necessary
- Provide bright but indirect light
- Maintain the right temperature
- Feed the plant correctly
By taking these actions, your Jade Plant will thrive, and aerial roots will be a thing of the past. Remember, sharing this knowledge with fellow plant lovers is caring!
