Caring for aerial roots properly (Baumfreund)

Aerial roots are useful in two ways

If a philodendron gains height, air roots sprout from the leaf nodes of its shoots. In the tropical habitats they wrap around the bark of giant jungle so that the plant can climb in the direction of the light. Since a philodendron does not become a burden on the tree as a parasite, it is nicknamed the tree friend.

At the same time, the organs of attachment take water and nutrients from the rain and air in order to contribute to the supply. In contrast to other epiphytic tropical plants such as orchids, the main burden of supply on the philodendron rests on the earth's roots.

Care tips for aerial roots

With a view to their key function for the splendid growth of your philodendron, aerial roots should not be left behind with care. How to do it right:

• Spray aerial roots with soft water once or twice a week
• Do not cut off vital root strands that are too long
• Instead, redirect to the climbing aid

Unless you have your philodendron comprehensively cut back, the aerial roots on the clippings are naturally also removed. An aerial root that has become too long should only be shortened outside of a pruning measure if it has completely died off.

Aerial roots do not like smooth, dry subsoil

In order for the aerial roots of a philodendron to get hold of the climbing aid, the surface structure of a Tree bark equal. Hence, moss sticks and with Coconut mats(€ 21.90 at Amazon *) Wrapped poles are popular as a climbing aid. Even though the subsoil is sufficiently coarse, the aerial roots still do not find a hold at the beginning. How to solve the problem:

• Cover the bars on the climbing frame with a 5 cm thick layer of sphagnum
• Then tie the aerial roots loosely
• Spray the moss daily with soft water

After a while, thanks to the damp moss layer with the climbing aid, the aerial roots have anchored themselves so firmly that the binding material can be dispensed with.