Pothos plants are popular houseplants, often admired for their long, trailing vines and relatively easy care. As these plants mature, they frequently develop curious growths along their stems known as aerial roots. While these roots are a natural part of the plant’s growth, observing them turn brown can be a common concern for plant enthusiasts. Understanding the function of these unique structures and the reasons behind their discoloration can help maintain the plant’s overall health and appearance.
What Are Pothos Aerial Roots?
Pothos aerial roots are specialized roots that emerge from the plant’s nodes, where leaves and new growth originate. Unlike soil roots, these grow above ground, extending into the air. In their natural tropical environments, they allow pothos to climb and anchor to surfaces, helping the plant reach higher light levels. They also provide stability and support as the plant grows upward. Aerial roots can absorb moisture and some nutrients directly from humid air, though this function is less pronounced indoors. Their presence indicates a healthy, actively growing plant.
Why Pothos Aerial Roots Turn Brown
Several factors can cause pothos aerial roots to turn brown. Natural aging is one common reason; as the plant matures, older aerial roots can dry out and senesce, which is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle.
Insufficient humidity is a frequent cause. Pothos are tropical plants, and in drier indoor environments, their aerial roots struggle to absorb moisture from the air. This lack of moisture causes them to dry out, become brittle, and brown. Low humidity may also cause leaf edges to brown or foliage to appear dull.
Dehydration or consistent underwatering of the main root system also leads to browning. When soil roots don’t receive enough water, the plant experiences stress and may pull moisture from its aerial roots, causing them to shrivel and brown. The soil will often feel bone dry, and leaves may droop.
While overwatering primarily affects soil roots, severe cases can indirectly impact aerial roots. Consistently soggy soil compromises the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients due to lack of oxygen. This stress can cause the plant to decline, leading to browning of aerial roots.
Physical damage can also result in brown aerial roots. Accidental bumps or scrapes can injure these exposed roots, causing affected portions to dry out and brown. Nutrient deficiencies can also stress the plant, affecting all parts, including aerial roots, leading to discoloration.
Care and Prevention for Healthy Aerial Roots
When you notice brown aerial roots, assess your pothos plant’s overall health and environmental conditions. Check soil moisture, observe leaf appearance, and note room humidity to pinpoint the cause.
Trimming brown, dead aerial roots is safe for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a precise cut, avoiding damage to healthy parts. Removing unsightly brown roots improves appearance but is not strictly necessary for survival.
Humidity Management
To manage humidity in dry indoor environments, consider these strategies:
Misting foliage and aerial roots temporarily increases localized humidity.
Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water allows for gradual evaporation and increased moisture.
Using a room humidifier maintains consistent humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%.
Grouping several plants together creates a more humid microclimate through transpiration.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is crucial for both soil and aerial roots. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. For significantly dried-out plants, bottom watering, where the pot absorbs water from a tray, can be effective.
General Care
Providing a support structure, like a moss pole or trellis, encourages aerial roots to attach and climb. This allows them to absorb moisture more effectively and promotes larger leaf development. Regularly misting the moss pole encourages roots to adhere and draw moisture. Maintaining adequate indirect light, using a well-draining potting mix, and providing occasional balanced fertilization during the growing season contribute to overall plant vigor.