Pothos plants, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, are common and robust houseplants, often recognized for their long, trailing vines. Yes, these popular vines possess aerial roots, which are a defining characteristic of the plant’s structure and growth habit. These specialized roots emerge directly from the stem nodes, the slightly swollen points where leaves also develop. Their presence is a natural adaptation fundamental to the pothos’ survival and climbing success in its native tropical environment.
The Specific Function of Pothos Aerial Roots
The primary role of pothos aerial roots is not to draw up bulk water, but to provide mechanical support for the climbing vine. In their natural habitat, these plants are hemi-epiphytes, meaning they begin life in the soil but quickly seek to climb the trunks of rainforest trees. The aerial roots develop a strong adhesive quality, often with tiny, hook-like structures at their tips, that allows them to cling tightly to rough surfaces like bark or rock.
Once attached, the roots excrete a sticky substance that helps them penetrate small crevices, securing the vine against gravity. This climbing is a strategy to reach higher light levels. As a secondary function, aerial roots can absorb atmospheric moisture and dissolved nutrients directly from the humid air, supplementing the main water intake from the soil-bound roots.
How Aerial Roots Differ from Substrate Roots
Aerial roots are morphologically distinct from the subterranean substrate roots that grow within the potting mix. Substrate roots are adapted for the massive uptake of water and mineral salts from the soil, often possessing a protective root cap. In contrast, aerial roots emerge from the nodes along the vine and are primarily structured for adhesion and gas exchange, not bulk liquid transport.
These specialized roots grow in open air, exposed to different environmental stresses than their soil-bound counterparts. While substrate roots are generally thin, the aerial roots developed for climbing are often firmer and more visible on the stem. When a cutting with an aerial root is placed in water for propagation, the aerial root can develop into a true water root, illustrating its potential to adapt to a different medium.
Managing Aerial Roots in Indoor Settings
For indoor houseplant owners, the presence of aerial roots offers specific opportunities for care and training. Encouraging these roots to attach to a vertical structure, such as a moss pole or trellis, is highly beneficial for the plant’s growth. When a pothos vine climbs and secures itself, it can exhibit a phenomenon known as maturity, often resulting in significantly larger leaves than those on a trailing vine.
If the roots appear unsightly or are growing in an inconvenient direction, they can be safely trimmed without harming the plant, provided the plant is otherwise healthy and well-watered. Healthy aerial roots should not be confused with the stem node itself, which is the point where both the aerial root and new growth originate. This node is the reason a stem cutting with an aerial root is highly successful for propagation.