Plant Roots - Basics For Houseplants, Landscape or Lawns

Plant Roots - I’m going to beat on that drum again! The roots of plants - unfortunately - are many times the most neglected and least maintained part of the plant. Yet they are probably the most vital.

Instead of considering a root is a root, let’s look a little farther. I know we in general all roots being equal what their basic functions they are.

One area I find many homeowners caring for:

• House Plants
• Landscape plants in the garden
• Potted Plants on the Patio or Deck area
• Grass - that plant which makes up our lawns

They assume all plants must have a vigorous root system. Don’t assume (myself included) that a newly purchased plant has a container full of roots. Stop and take a look at the root system before jumping into any regular maintenance routine.

Some plants don’t have a vigorous root system or deep root system. Probably the most widely grown indoor plant is the pothos or golden pothos. That “philodendron looking” plant with gold coloring on it. The pothos is a shallow-root plant. Many times I’ll see a basket or pot of pothos with the center completely rotted out.

The plant vines around and hangs over the edge of the pot, but the center looks pretty sad.

Why does this happen?

What is this person caring for? Roots or Soil?

Most likely what happens is they watch and water the soil - not the roots. The dirt doesn’t Grow!

Does this sound like you? Not all plants need a thorough soaking, but would prefer a light watering - depending on the plant and root system. Also most of the water is probably being poured right into the center of the plant and not around the pot.

Yes, roots may reach the bottom of the pot, but will most likely be found at the outer edges of the pot and not the center. The outer edges allow the soil to drain off, leaving the soil moist and not wet. This is one reason I like sub-irrigation - watering from the bottom up!

Another place we may find a shallow rooted plant is in new plant arrivals. These plants have been in transit and had their root systems knocked around. They need time to slowly repair themselves and become efficient again. In the case of an under rooted plant, it may need time to fill out it’s growing media in its new surrounding.

A plant in a 10 inch pot may only have the developed root system of an 8 inch pot. The bottom soil may take a long time to dry out. It may be necessary to allow the plant(s) to dry down halfway before watering again.

That being said, take a look at your plants and plant watering techniques.

Are you pouring your water right in one spot? Are you watering a plant with a shallow root system or undeveloped root system?

Take some time to look at the roots of your plants. Don’t forget plants in lower light levels probably aren’t going to use as much water. Learn to water the roots and not the soil.

Your plants like it much more and has less chance to create plant root problems.

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