Philodendron Lickety Split Aerial Roots: Everything You Need to Know

Philodendrons are a staple in the houseplant community, and the Philodendron Lickety Split is no exception. With its striking, deeply lobed leaves, it adds a touch of the tropics to any indoor space. But what often intrigues plant lovers are its aerial roots, those mysterious, spindly growths that seem to appear out of nowhere.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the aerial roots of the Philodendron Lickety Split. From understanding their purpose to practical care tips, we’ll cover all the bases to help you make the most of these unique features in your home.

What Are Aerial Roots?

Aerial roots are quite the spectacle, especially if you're new to the world of houseplants. Simply put, aerial roots are roots that grow above ground. Unlike the usual roots that dive deep into the soil to soak up nutrients and water, these roots extend into the air.

In their natural habitat, aerial roots help plants like the Philodendron Lickety Split climb and stabilize themselves on trees, rocks, or other surfaces. By latching onto these structures, they can reach for more sunlight, an essential ingredient for photosynthesis. Indoors, these roots might not have trees to climb but they still serve some interesting purposes.

Think of them as the plant's way of saying, "Look, I'm ready to expand my horizons!" They can absorb moisture from the air, and if given the right conditions, they might even help the plant anchor itself to a nearby support. So, don’t be too quick to cut them off; they’re a sign your plant is thriving.

Why Does My Philodendron Lickety Split Have Aerial Roots?

It's completely normal for your Philodendron Lickety Split to sprout aerial roots. This is simply a part of its natural growing process. In the wild, these roots help the plant stabilize itself and reach for more light, and they're a sign that your plant is healthy and growing.

Indoors, aerial roots can be a sign that your plant is looking for more humidity or that it's trying to stretch out and anchor itself. If you notice a sudden growth of aerial roots, it might be worth checking the humidity levels in your home. Philodendrons love a moist environment, and bumping up the humidity can make them happier.

Don't worry if your plant has a lot of these roots; it's not a problem. In fact, many plant lovers find them to be an interesting and attractive feature. They can even contribute to the plant’s aesthetic, giving it a more jungle-like appearance in your living room.

How to Care for Aerial Roots

Caring for aerial roots isn't as complicated as it might seem. In fact, they require very little intervention. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best.

• Humidity: As mentioned earlier, these roots thrive in humid conditions. If your home is a bit on the dry side, consider getting a humidifier or placing a tray of water near your plant to boost moisture levels.
• Support: If you want your plant to climb, provide a stake or a moss pole. Aerial roots will naturally latch onto these supports, helping your plant grow upwards.
• Trimming: If you find the aerial roots too unruly, you can trim them back. Use clean scissors to avoid any potential infections.

With these simple steps, you can ensure that your Philodendron Lickety Split's aerial roots are not only healthy but also add to the plant's visual appeal.

Should You Cut Off Aerial Roots?

Whether to cut off aerial roots is a question that comes up often. There's no hard and fast rule, and it largely depends on your personal preference. Some plant parents love the wild, natural look that aerial roots provide, while others prefer a more contained appearance.

If you decide to trim them, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors to prevent any damage to the plant. Cut close to the base of the root, but avoid cutting into the stem itself. While trimming, keep an eye on the plant’s response. If it shows any signs of stress, like wilting or discoloration, stop trimming and let it recover.

For those who like a more natural look, leaving the roots as they are can be rewarding. They can add an interesting texture and dimension to your plant display, making it feel more like a piece of living art in your home.

How Aerial Roots Affect Potting and Repotting

When it comes to potting and repotting your Philodendron Lickety Split, aerial roots can play a role in how you handle the plant. These roots can be delicate, so it's important to be gentle when moving the plant to avoid damaging them.

Here are some tips for dealing with aerial roots during potting and repotting:

• Be Gentle: When removing the plant from its pot, take care not to tug on the aerial roots. They can be quite fragile and breaking them can stress the plant.
• Positioning: If you’re using a support pole, make sure to place it in the pot before you add the plant. This way, the aerial roots can naturally find their way to the pole as they grow.
• Soil and Pot Size: Choose a well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system, including the aerial roots if you want to tuck them into the soil.

By being mindful of these tips, you can help your Philodendron Lickety Split settle into its new home without any issues, allowing it to continue thriving.

The Role of Aerial Roots in Propagation

If you’re thinking about propagating your Philodendron Lickety Split, aerial roots can be an asset. They can make the process easier and increase the chances of successful propagation.

When taking cuttings for propagation, include a section of stem with at least one node and an aerial root. The node is where new roots will develop, and the aerial root can help the cutting establish itself more quickly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to propagate using aerial roots:

1. Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a stem with a couple of leaves and at least one aerial root. Make sure the stem is healthy and free from pests or disease.
2. Make the Cut: Use clean scissors to cut the stem just below a node. Ensure there’s an aerial root attached to the cutting.
3. Prepare for Propagation: Place the cutting in water or a moist potting mix. If using water, ensure the node and aerial root are submerged to encourage root growth.
4. Wait and Watch: Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot, away from direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, you should see new roots developing.

Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, you can pot it up and enjoy a new Philodendron Lickety Split in your collection.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Aerial Roots

Aside from their practical roles, aerial roots can also add a unique aesthetic element to your plant display. They give the Philodendron Lickety Split a more natural, jungle-like vibe, which can be a great addition to your indoor garden.

For those who love a tropical theme, allowing aerial roots to grow freely can enhance the look of your indoor space. You can even use them as part of your interior design, letting them drape over shelves or climb along walls.

Consider pairing your Philodendron with other tropical plants to create a lush, green corner in your home. The aerial roots can add depth and texture, making your plant display more dynamic and visually appealing.

Common Problems with Aerial Roots

While aerial roots are generally low-maintenance, they can sometimes present a few challenges. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Dryness: If the aerial roots are dry and shriveled, it might be a sign that your home lacks humidity. Increasing the humidity can help. You can also mist the roots occasionally to provide them with some moisture.
• Pests: Aerial roots can sometimes attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plant and use a gentle insecticidal soap if needed to keep pests at bay.
• Breakage: As mentioned earlier, these roots can be delicate. Avoid rough handling when moving or repotting your plant to prevent breakage.

By keeping an eye out for these issues, you can ensure that your Philodendron Lickety Split’s aerial roots remain healthy and vibrant.

Integrating Aerial Roots into Interior Design

For the creatively inclined, aerial roots offer a fantastic opportunity to integrate your Philodendron Lickety Split into your interior design. These roots can be used to create living art, adding a unique touch to your home decor.

Here are some ideas for incorporating aerial roots into your design:

• Vertical Gardens: Use the aerial roots to help your plant climb a vertical garden setup, creating a lush, green wall in your home.
• Hanging Displays: Allow the roots to dangle freely from hanging planters, adding a bit of whimsy to your space.
• Natural Accents: Use the roots as a natural accent on shelves or mantels, letting them drape and add texture to your displays.

With a little creativity, you can turn your Philodendron Lickety Split into a stunning piece of living decor that complements your home’s aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Philodendron Lickety Split’s aerial roots are more than just quirky appendages. They play a role in the plant’s health and growth, and they can even add a unique aesthetic touch to your home decor. By understanding their purpose and how to care for them, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy these fascinating features.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping plant lovers care for their green friends. Whether you’re looking for new additions to your collection or need advice on plant care, we’re here to help. Reach out to us via email or connect with us on Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to bring joy and connection to our lives, and we’re excited to share this journey with you.