Epiphyllum Root Tips

Moisture

• Epiphyllum root systems are small, which means that if they are exposed to a continually water-soaked area, they will suffocate. Too much moisture can also be a sign of poor air circulation, another detriment to plant health. In fact, Plantcare.com, a leader in tropical plant care and maintenance, suggests that epiphyllum should be watered very little until established. However, epiphyllum enjoy a moist environment and they should never be allowed to completely dry out, so it is important to be vigilant about watering.

Root Growth and Development

• To ensure the success of your epiphyllum, establish proper root growth. Root development is crucial for epiphyllum; they produce immense flowers, so they require a sufficient root system to support those flowers during this stressful process. According to the San Diego Epiphyllum Society, if you plant an epiphyllum from a cutting, first dip the plant in a product that stimulates root growth. Rooting hormones or root-specific fertilizers are great choices available at your local garden center. The society also suggests using a loose potting mix with enough coarse material to prevent it from compacting. Compaction can also cause problems for epiphyllum roots.

Adventitious Roots

• If your epiphyllum has an abundance of adventitious roots (the ones that look like a mass of small, stringy roots), do not cut them off. It is completely natural for epiphytes like epiphyllum to produce these roots, and it is unnecessary to trim them. However, if these adventitious roots are produced in large quantities, it may be an indicator of other problems. If the condition persists, your epiphyllum may be in an overly moist area and you should consider moving it or reducing the frequency of watering. In addition, a profusion of adventitious roots can be a sign that the epiphyllum is reaching for nutrients or light that it is lacking. Essentially, a hefty amount of adventitious roots coming from an epiphyllum can be a sign that the plant is lacking something. So, consider how you care for your plant.