Content
- Does a rubber tree have aerial roots?
- Why are aerial roots good?
- How big can a rubber tree be?
- Can I just cut off the aerial roots?
- The essentials in brief:
- Tips
In particular, older rubber trees in the wild form aerial roots
Does a rubber tree have aerial roots?
If a rubber tree feels comfortable in its environment and in its location, then it also forms aerial roots over time. An old rubber tree in the open nature becomes a quite imposing plant.
Why are aerial roots good?
Many plants produce aerial roots. These seem to be often useless, but that is a completely wrong impression. Because with the help of these roots, the plants can absorb nutrients and moisture from the air. Orchids are a classic example of this.
Have you ever seen a rubber tree in your home country, or in a southern country? If the tree has reached a certain size, then it gets air root, which can be as thick as a branch or even a trunk. These roots support the whole tree, which in its natural environment can have a huge crown and a trunk up to 2 meters thick.
How big can a rubber tree be?
As a houseplant, your rubber tree likes to grow up to the ceiling. If you do not cut the tip, it will continue to grow under the ceiling. Its true size, however, he reaches only in the open air in mild climate. There he can grow up to 40 meters high.
Can I just cut off the aerial roots?
Even if the rubber tree in your living room does not need a support, you should not simply cut off the aerial roots. That could weaken the plant. It is better to redirect the aerial roots. Sometimes that is not possible. Before the roots become a dangerous pitfall or interfere with the harmonious appearance of your tree, cut them off.
However, prevention is better than a cut. At high humidity and sufficient watering, the formation of aerial roots is much less common. To ensure proper nutrition, fertilize your gum regularly.
The essentials in brief:
Tips
Cut off the aerial roots of your rubber tree only if they can become a source of danger or if they disturb the harmonic overall appearance of the plant too much.