Christmas Cactus Aerial Roots

Not a cactus expert but it looks like an areal root to me.

Christmas cactus aerial roots. Aerial roots grow from some species of cacti but not all. For example low light can cause the plant to send out aerial roots in an attempt to absorb more sunlight. They are typically white but they can also be pink. Once you have set your sights on a christmas cactus with aerial roots photograph it and share it with us hash tagged gkhpichunt via facebook twitter or instagram.

These natural survival mechanisms can give you clues why your potted christmas cactus is developing aerial roots. They are usually pink or white. Click on links below to jump to that question. Top questions about christmas cactus plants.

Schlumbergera is a small genus of cacti with six to nine species found in the coastal mountains of south eastern brazil plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats that are generally shady with high humidity and can be quite different in appearance from their desert dwelling cousins most species of schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf like pads joined one to the other and flowers which. Basically they are just roots that grow on the stem of your succulent rather than in the soil. Christmas cactus aerial roots help the plant reach sunlight and absorb necessary moisture and nutrients from leaves humus and other plant debris that surround the plant. What causes aerial roots to grow.

Rooting christmas cactus cuttings is simple. This week s featured scavenger hunt is for aerial roots on a christmas cactus. Roots on christmas cactus my christmas cactus has so many little roots coming from the joints on the stem that it is almost fuzzy. The soil mix is often completely depleted and lacks nutrients no food.

I think it might just be a propagation strategy as areal roots seem to be pretty common on plants that are prone breaking or falling over. Roots are relatively cheap for a plant to make so it isn t to much effort to put one out in the middle of the plant. Generally aerial roots will form on a succulent that isn t getting enough water and often when it s in a humid environment. The cutting should consist of at least two or three joined segments.

Another cause is low nutrients no fertilizer or not enough food. Read our article on christmas cactus aerial roots to get clues on what you are seeking. Allow the cutting to dry a few hours before potting it up for rooting as to avoid potential stem rot from excessive moisture. When doing christmas cactus propagating always be sure that cuttings are taken from healthy foliage.

Usually you will see them where the leaves originate from.