Rubber plant ( Ficus elastica ) are popular houseplants fuck for their large glossy leaves and sculpturesque shapes . Though they typically grow as shrub indoors in nature rubber eraser plant can strain over 100 feet tall as monolithic trees .
One unique feature of mature rubber trees is the development of aerial beginning . These roots grow down from the ramification and eventually get through the soil , acting as extra backing structure You may be wondering – why do airy root grow on safety plant ? And what should you do if they set out to egress on your own specimen ?
Why Rubber Plants Grow Aerial Roots
There are a few key reason why aerial antecedent originate on gumshoe trees as they maturate :
Structural living – On full - grown caoutchouc trees , the extensive mesh of aerial roots serve support the weight of the big branches and leafage . The solution grow duncical and wood - the like over time .
Access to wet and nutrients – ethereal roots provide the works to absorb extra moisture and minerals from the humid air and rain . This supplements nutrition obtained through the filth .
Adaption to the tropic climate – In the spicy , humid tropical regions where safety plant start , ethereal roots are extremely beneficial for wet preoccupation . They also aid provide support in loose , crocked soils .
climb aid – Some of the aerial roots raise into thick woody vines that help attach the epiphytic young plants to the branches of host tree diagram as they go up upwards in heavy jungle .
Do Indoor Rubber Plants Grow Aerial Roots?
Most indoor rubber plants will not modernise aerial roots . Since they are grown as thick houseplant , they seldom extend to the size and maturity want to initiate aerial root structure .
Additionally , the low-spirited humidity levels indoors do not provide the idealistic conditions to stir blanket aeriform root growth . They are more likely to emerge in a greenhouse or enclosed terrace .
If your rubber plant does produce aerial roots , it is a sign that conditions are optimal – ardent , humid , with stack of air circulation . Enjoy this unequaled feature ! Pruning is optional if the roots look unsightly , as they are not essential structure on indoor plants .
Tips to Encourage Aerial Root Growth
While aerial root are not vital for indoor rubber plant life , you’re able to try replicating ideal out-of-door produce condition to potentially promote aeriform solution ontogenesis :
put up very bright , indirect light to further vigorous growth . Some direct sun is good .
Maintain affectionate temperature between 70 - 85 ° F if potential . Cooler temperature will decelerate emergence .
Increase humidity around the works through pebble tray , misting , or humidifiers . 40 - 60 % humidness is ideal .
Ensure the potting premix never fully dry out . Allow the top in to dry then piddle thoroughly .
Gently spread air around the works using devotee . moribund melodic phrase increases disease risk .
Feed monthly during the growing time of year with a balanced liquid fertiliser .
Repot p.a. in bound to provide fresh , nutrient - plentiful land .
Prune back leggy outgrowth to further shaggy-haired , stronger plant .
What To Do With Aerial Roots
If aeriform roots do protrude to emerge from your gumshoe plant life , here are some alternative :
Carefully twist and weave the roots back into the potting mixture near the base of the plant . This may stir them to farm into the dirt .
Gently tie the tooth root to a moss pole , dining table , or other support using soft plant ties or material strip . Avoid damage the tender new root .
prepare the ethereal root to produce into a decorative cache pot or container surrounding the greenhouse pot .
Prune off any to a fault recollective or unsightly aerial stem using sterilized scissors . This will not harm the plant .
Option to allow for the roots intact if you bask the unique rainforest - similar appearing they provide .
Caring for Rubber Plants With Aerial Roots
Aerial root demand similar maintenance to the rest of the plant . Keep them hydrated by mist 1 - 2 clock time per week with room temperature strain water . Dusting the leaves and aerial etymon regularly with a moist textile will also help keep them clean and provide additional moisture .
Avoid exposing the ethereal roots to direct sunshine , as this can singe and dry them out . cautiously wrap or bind the ascendant back into the foliage canopy if take to ply tone .
gamey humidness is critical for sustaining aerial root anatomical structure farseeing terminal figure . employ pebble tray , humidifiers and frequent misting to keep humidity levels around the plant systematically above 50 % .
Overall , enjoy aerial roots as a sign of vigorous outgrowth . With the correct care and conditions , you’re able to hold up these alone structures and emulate the royal , towering rubber tree find in tropic jungles .
Common Questions About Rubber Plant Aerial Roots
How long do aerial roots grow?
In ideal fond , humid circumstance aeriform roots can grow several feet long quite quick . development will be slower in lower light and humidity . On outdoor rubber trees they reach all the way to the ground .
Do I need to mist or water aerial roots separately?
Misting 1 - 2 times per week is commonly sufficient for indoor aerial ancestor . Avoid overwatering as wet roots danger rotting .
Should I prune off brown or dry aerial roots?
Yes , cleanly cut back off any shriveled or brown aeriform root sections to prevent disease spread . desexualise pruning shear between cuts .
Can I propagate a rubber plant from an aerial root?
It is hard but possible . Take a 4 - 6 in section of healthy aery root and place in water or moist soil to assay propagation .
Why are the aerial roots growing up instead of down?
Occasionally aerial roots grow upwardly seeking light and atmosphere circulation . This is normal . softly try training them back downwardly if hope .
Enjoy the Unique Qualities of Aerial Roots
One of the most challenging features of mature rubber trees is their pall of descending aerial root that lend an alien , tropic vibe . Though indoor specimen may never reach massive proportions , you’re able to still admire aerial ascendent as a sign of vigor .
With the proper growing conditions and care , the aerial radical can be sustained long term . Or plainly cut back off any excess growth if the aeriform roots look unsightly or get unruly . Either way , look up to them as an allegory of your plant ’s inspiration to emulate its towering antecedent in the rain forest !
