Aerial roots - additional organs of monsters and orchids

Among all the variety of houseplants there is a considerable number of flowers having air roots. The most common: ficus, plump (family, it's also a money tree) and a monster. The most famous are orchids, even those who are not inclined to cultivate a home garden are aware of them. The air root is very useful to both the plant and its owner. The latter by the presence, development and appearance of an additional plant organ can make very specific conclusions about its health. However, it should also be taken into account that air roots impose certain duties on the care of the plant. And although their performance is not too troublesome, they should not be forgotten.

Why do we need air roots

They are present in those plants that have tropical ancestors. And living in wetlands. For most indoor flowers, such subordinate organs serve as an additional food organ. With their help plants get moisture from the air, and when rooted in the soil - nutrients from it. For some species, these shoots also serve as an additional support, as, for example, the air roots of monsters. Therefore, they grow until they are hardened into something solid (or into the ground), and eventually become arboreal. The resulting dense surface layer not only creates support stiffness, but also protects soft air roots from accidental damage. By the way, the hard cover has not only the appendages of the monster. It grows on such organs in all plants. Features also have aerial roots of orchids. They additionally absorb light. That is why these flowers are planted in transparent containers.

Care for additional organs of monsters

First of all, we must take into account that this plant itself is a liana. That is, it never form a single strong barrel, and if you want a monster to form a bush and grow up, it needs a stance. The plant will rely on it not only leaves, but also air roots. And it will become stronger as you grow.

Since the additional roots serve primarily for supplementary feeding, during spraying the plants they must also be sprinkled on them. With a lack of moisture (most often it happens in winter, when a tub with a flower stands near a working battery or a heater), the air roots of the monster begin to dry. If there are a lot of them, and you caught yourself in time, then a big trouble will not happen. But if the plant is young and has not managed to form a sufficient number of additional organs, it ceases to develop, the leaves grow smaller, and without taking urgent measures you can lose your beauty.

Most growers believe that the main thing, without which the monster does not survive, is the air roots. What if they stick out in different directions, making the flower untidy? Carefully, but persistently guide them down, to the ground or to the side of the nearest support. Those that have laid down on the ground, showered with soil for rooting. Cut them in any case impossible - this can seriously damage the plant.

Why does the monster not grow these necessary "additions"

Many who have recently acquired a new pet, are concerned that the plant lacks what any "self-respecting" monster-air roots can boast of. What if they do not grow? Do not worry! A young plant that has not yet filled the pot, just does not need additional organs. He has enough water from the soil, and it is not yet so large that it needs support. As soon as it stretches, it will grow the air roots in the quantity necessary for it.

Problems of the root system of orchids

These plants are much more tender and capricious - they need special conditions for life and a special, rather troublesome care. Therefore, not every florist will venture to plant orchids on the windowsill, even despite their remarkable flowering. And the one who has made up his mind, but has not yet gained enough experience, is faced with problems that, in excess, begin to create the aerial roots of the orchid. If the monsters can only begin to dry, and it is not difficult to sort out the reasons (as well as eliminate them), then the capricious beauties have additional roots that can not only dry up, but also rot. And often there is a need to reanimate orchids, left without air roots.

Causes of decay and drying out

Most of the beginning orchids are convinced that these flowers live almost in the swamp, and just fill them with water. Hence the following prerequisites for root rot:

1. Abundant and frequent watering.
2. Lots of water in the cool months.
3. An improper soil that dries slowly or retains moisture too well.
4. Watering orchids with damaged (for example, when transplanting) roots.

Thus, in order to prevent decay, one should only observe the measure of water supply, the integrity of the root system, properly select the ground and monitor the temperature regime.

Drying air roots in orchids are much less common. Still, misconceptions about the water regime in this case save plants. The "appendages" can dry up only if flowers are not watered at all in the summer or do it extremely rarely, which is unlikely to happen in a person who decided to have such a whimsical beauty.

Let us note at last that the loss of air roots for an orchid is more dangerous than for a monster. So avoid this phenomenon must be very diligent.