Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are popular houseplants, recognized for their striking foliage and unique daily leaf movements. As these plants grow, owners often notice roots emerging above the soil line, a natural occurrence that can sometimes raise questions. These roots are a common and expected feature.
What Are Prayer Plant Aerial Roots
Aerial roots are specialized roots that grow from the plant’s stem above the soil or water. On prayer plants, these roots typically appear as thin, wiry structures, often brown or reddish, emerging from leaf nodes along the stems. Unlike underground roots, aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the atmosphere or attach to surfaces for support.
Why Prayer Plants Develop Aerial Roots
Prayer plants develop aerial roots as a natural adaptation to their native tropical rainforest habitats, where high humidity is common. These roots help them absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, supplementing what they get from their roots in the soil. They also provide stability, allowing the plants to anchor themselves to other plants or structures as they grow. Even indoors, aerial root growth indicates a healthy, actively growing plant, often triggered by high humidity or the plant seeking additional support.
Managing Prayer Plant Aerial Roots
The presence of aerial roots on your prayer plant is normal and does not harm the plant. There is no need to remove them, as they serve beneficial functions. If the aerial roots are unsightly or become too long, you can trim them. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the roots close to the stem, taking care not to damage the main plant. Trimming does not negatively affect the plant’s health, but new aerial roots may grow over time.
Leaving aerial roots untouched is also an option. If humidity levels are low, they may shrivel, but they will continue to grow if conditions are favorable. You can also guide these roots into the soil if they reach it, allowing them to establish a more conventional root system. Alternatively, direct them onto a moss pole or other support for vining varieties, which can enhance plant stability and potentially increase nutrient uptake.
Propagating Prayer Plants Using Aerial Roots
Aerial roots facilitate the propagation of prayer plants, particularly through stem cuttings. To prepare a cutting, select a healthy stem segment that includes at least one leaf node, where aerial roots typically emerge. Make a clean cut approximately one inch below this node using sharp, sterilized shears. This node is essential because new roots will develop from it.
You can root the cutting in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged and leaves remain above the water line. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots typically form within a few weeks, usually reaching one to two inches before the cutting is ready for planting in soil.
For direct soil propagation, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, if desired, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Covering the pot with clear plastic can help create a humid environment conducive to rooting. Provide bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture for successful establishment.