From our perspective as Anthurium plants, the emergence of roots above the soil is not a sign of distress but a fundamental and normal aspect of our biology. We are epiphytes or hemiepiphytes by nature, meaning in our original habitats—the tropical rainforests—we often begin life perched on trees rather than in the ground. Our roots growing above the soil, commonly called aerial roots, are a key adaptation for survival in this environment. They are not a mistake or a problem; they are a vital tool for accessing resources and securing our position.
Our aerial roots serve several critical purposes that are essential for our well-being. Firstly, they are designed for anchorage. In the wild, we use these strong, flexible roots to clasp onto the bark of trees, holding ourselves firmly in place against wind and rain. Secondly, they are highly efficient at absorbing moisture and nutrients directly from the humid air. Unlike the roots of plants that live solely in the ground, our aerial roots have a special spongy outer layer called velamen. This layer acts like a sponge, soaking up water vapor, rainfall, and dissolved nutrients from decomposing leaf litter around us. In your home, this means these roots are actively helping to hydrate and nourish us.
If you notice an increase in aerial root growth, it is often our way of communicating with our environment. A common reason is that the humidity around us is ideal. We produce more of these roots to take full advantage of a moist atmosphere, which we find very comfortable. Conversely, if the air in our vicinity is very dry, we might send out aerial roots in search of the moisture we crave. Another trigger can be the conditions below the soil. If our potted soil is consistently waterlogged and lacks oxygen, or if it has become overly compacted, our subterranean roots may struggle to breathe. In response, we will grow more aerial roots to obtain the necessary oxygen directly from the air, a process called aerial root respiration. This is not an immediate sign of illness, but rather a clever adaptation to suboptimal soil conditions.
While aerial roots themselves are normal, their condition can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that requires your attention. The key is to observe the health of the entire plant, not just the presence of the roots. Healthy aerial roots should be firm, plump, and have a whitish or pale green color, often with greenish tips when actively growing. If these above-soil roots appear mushy, brown, and soft, this could be a sign of rot, often caused by them being buried in soggy soil or by excessive misting that doesn't allow them to dry. On the other hand, if they are shriveled, dry, and crispy, it is a clear signal that the air around us is too dry for our liking. In this case, the roots are not functioning effectively. The true problem is not the roots' existence, but the environmental condition they are highlighting.
The best approach is to accept and even support this natural growth. You can gently guide the aerial roots back towards the soil surface, where they can help stabilize us and absorb moisture from the top layer. Alternatively, you can leave them to grow freely; they contribute to our wild, natural appearance. To help us thrive, you can increase the ambient humidity by placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water or by grouping us with other plants. If you suspect the soil is the issue, check that it is well-draining and aerated, and consider repotting us into a fresh, chunky mix suitable for epiphytes, like one containing orchid bark and perlite. There is generally no need to cut off healthy aerial roots, as this can create an entry point for disease and removes a functional part of our body. Only prune if a root is clearly dead, dried out, or rotten.
