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Does Jade Plant Have Aerial Roots

Jade plants are gorgeous and let off a magical aroma. Their plump, green leaves and solid trunk-like stem give them a miniature, tree-like appearance. Jade owners may notice small, hair-like structures forming along the stem, concerned if their plant is starting to lose its health. Do Jade plants have aerial roots?

Jade plants have a shallow root system but sometimes sprout roots along the stem. Typically, this happens when jade plants are stressed, looking for ways to soak up more water and nutrients from the atmosphere. 

If you’ve noticed root-like structures coming from your jade plant, the good news is it’s not harmful as long as you take action quickly. To calm a stressed jade plant, you’ll need to give it more water and ensure that favorable conditions surround it in the soil and the atmosphere. 

What Are Aerial Roots? 

When plants sprout roots from the stem and into the air whether than the ground, they’re known as aerial roots, aerial roots are common among many plants, including corn, orchids, and mangrove.

However, when it comes to jade plants, aerial roots are not typical. When your jade plant has roots on the stem, that’s your plant’s way of letting you know they’re not getting the moisture or sun exposure that they need. 

What Do Aerial Roots Look Like? 

Aerial roots vary between plants and don’t always have the same look. When jade plants sprout them, they have a white or pinkish color and typically sprout directly from the leaf nodes. They look like roots – which have a hair-like, stringy appearance – only they’re growing toward the air whether than in the ground.

Why Is My Plant Growing Roots On Stem? 

The plants that typically sprout aerial roots do so to extend their reach and capture more light from the air around them. In the case of jade plants, they aren’t typically looking for more space or more access to sunlight. Instead, they’re looking for more moisture. 

You may need to do so if you don’t have your jade plant on a regular watering schedule. They don’t need much, but if you let the soil get too dry, they will start to grow aerial roots. The trick is to let the top portion dry out, leaving deep soil moisturized to promote better rooting. 

What To Do When Your Jade Plant Has Roots On Stem

Seeing roots sprouting out from the stems of your jade plant is usually nothing to be too concerned about. However, the faster you take action, the more chance you’ll give your jade plant of surviving. When you see roots sprouting from the stems of your jade plant, here’s what you’ll need to do. 

Water It Deeply 

Keeping the roots hydrated is not about the number of times you water your stems. Instead, it’s about watering deeply into the depths of soil when watering and adequately spacing out the times in between. 

For jade plants, the optimal watering frequency is every two to three weeks. It’s best to let the water run and thoroughly soak the soil when watering, allowing water to soak deep down. Then, check the soil each week and only water when the first two inches are dried out completely. 

Give It More Sunlight 

Jade plants fall into the category of succulents, which enjoy full days of long exposure to sunlight. When your jade plant starts to sprout roots, it may need more sunlight exposure. They thrive with at least 6-hours of sunlight as long as temperatures are not too hot. 

Temperatures over 90oF can damage the leaves of jade plants, leaving blisters. In areas of high heat, it’s best to place pots or plants in partial shade. Temperatures from 75oF to 85oF are best for jade plants, giving them the exposure to the sun they need without the damage that comes from temperatures that are too high. 

Dehumidify 

Plants have a way of sensing the atmosphere around them. If jade plants start to sprout roots on stem, it could be because they sense that there is more moisture in the air. That’s where a dehumidifier can come in handy, taking moisture out of the air to prevent aerial roots. 

Additionally, dehumidifying ensure that soils dry out properly and don’t stay too moist. Soils that stay too moist for plants can cause root rot – which damages plants root systems, sometimes past the point of revival. 

Give It More Nutrients 

Jade plants need not only moisture and sunlight exposure but also the proper soil and fertilizer treatments. Most gardening stores sell a potting mix for succulents, which works perfectly for jade plants. It’s usually free-draining and has bits of course materials to allow the soil to stay aerated and porous. 

For fertilizing, it’s recommended to feed jade plants every two months. Once they grow larger and are in the growing season, you should increase the frequency to every 5 to 6 weeks. 

Do I Have To Get Rid Of Aerial Roots? 

Aerial roots are a sign that your jade plant is lacking something. Once you supply plants with what they need, aerial roots may not disappear, which is okay. You may want to get rid of aerial roots after you’ve changed your plant’s conditions because they take away from the beauty of jade plants. 

If that’s the case, use a sharp, clean pair of scissors and trim all of the aerial roots off. If they grow again, you may need to make more adjustments for your plant, ensuring you’re watering properly and giving it the nutrients it needs. 

Final Thoughts 

Jade plants have a majestic look about them. When small aerial roots creep up from the stems, it takes away from the look, though the plant is trying to give you a hint. Give your jade plant the water, sunlight, and moisture it needs to keep growing – and get rid of aerial roots on stems. 

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