Money Plant Root Type – Your Ultimate Guide To Aerial & Soil Roots

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your beautiful, trailing Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) and wondered about those little brown nubs sticking out from the stems? Or perhaps you’ve marveled at how it can thrive so happily in a simple vase of water, seemingly without any soil at all. It’s a common point of curiosity for many gardeners, and you’re not alone in asking these questions!

I’m here to promise you that understanding the unique money plant root type is the secret to unlocking its most lush, vibrant, and resilient growth. It’s simpler than you think, and it will completely change how you care for this wonderfully forgiving houseplant.

In this complete guide, we’ll journey deep into the fascinating world beneath the surface (and along the vines!). We’ll explore the two distinct types of roots your Money Plant uses, learn how to care for them perfectly, and troubleshoot common issues like a pro. Get ready to become a Money Plant root expert!

The Two-in-One Wonder: Understanding the Money Plant Root Type

The Money Plant is a bit of a superstar in the plant world, and its secret weapon is its dual root system. Unlike many other plants that are stuck with one type, this adaptable vine has two, which is key to its survival and easy-going nature. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated at all!

Think of it like this: your plant has one set of roots for anchoring and feeding in the soil, and another set for exploring and climbing. This amazing adaptation is one of the primary benefits of money plant root type versatility.

The two types are:

  • Subterranean Roots (or Soil Roots): These are the “traditional” roots you find growing downwards into the potting mix or water.
  • Aerial Roots: These are the small, stubby roots that emerge directly from the nodes along the plant’s stems.

Understanding how both of these work together is the first step in our comprehensive money plant root type guide. Let’s break them down one by one.

Soil Roots: The Unseen Foundation of Your Plant’s Health

When you pot a Money Plant, you’re relying on its subterranean roots. These are the workhorses, forming a complex network hidden within the soil. Their primary job is to anchor the plant securely and absorb the majority of its water and nutrients.

These roots are essential for the plant’s long-term stability and nourishment. A healthy, thriving Money Plant will always have a robust system of soil roots working hard behind the scenes.

What Do Healthy Soil Roots Look Like?

It’s a good idea to gently check your plant’s roots during repotting. Healthy Money Plant soil roots should be firm and white or light tan in color. They should have a fresh, earthy smell.

If you see roots that are dark brown, black, mushy, or smell foul, you’re likely dealing with root rot—but don’t panic! We’ll cover how to handle that a little later in this money plant root type care guide.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

To keep these essential roots happy, providing the right environment is crucial. Here are some simple tips:

  1. Use a Pot with Drainage: This is non-negotiable! Money Plants hate “wet feet.” A pot with drainage holes allows excess water to escape, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged and causing root rot.
  2. Select a Well-Draining Soil Mix: A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix is perfect. To improve drainage even more, I love to add a handful of perlite or orchid bark. This creates air pockets, which roots absolutely love.
  3. Don’t Overpot: Choosing a pot that’s too large can lead to the soil staying wet for too long. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is only 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current root ball.

Aerial Roots: The Adventurous Climbers Explained

Now for the really interesting part: the aerial roots! These are the small, finger-like growths that sprout from the nodes on the stems—the same spots where leaves emerge. In their native jungle environment, these roots are a Money Plant’s climbing gear.

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They latch onto trees, rocks, and other surfaces, allowing the vine to climb upwards toward the sunlight. They can also absorb moisture and nutrients from the humid air, giving the plant an extra boost.

The Role of Aerial Roots in Your Home

Inside your home, aerial roots serve a few cool purposes. They are a sign of a healthy, maturing plant that is looking for something to climb. Providing a moss pole or trellis will encourage this natural behavior and can even lead to larger, more impressive leaves!

These roots are also the key to how we propagate Money Plants so easily. Each little aerial root is a potential new soil root just waiting for the right conditions. This is the foundation of how to money plant root type propagation works so well.

To Trim or Not to Trim? A Common Question

Many gardeners ask if they should trim off the aerial roots for a “cleaner” look. My advice? Leave them be!

Trimming them doesn’t necessarily harm the plant, but it removes a valuable tool it uses for stability and moisture absorption. If you find them unsightly, you can gently tuck them back into the pot. When they touch the soil, they will often grow down into it and become new soil roots, making your plant even stronger.

A Practical Money Plant Root Type Care Guide: Soil vs. Water

One of the greatest joys of a Money Plant is how easy it is to create new plants from cuttings. This is all thanks to its adaptable root system. You can root a cutting in either water or soil, and both methods are perfect for beginners.

Tips for Successful Water Propagation

Growing a Money Plant in water is incredibly satisfying, as you get to watch the roots grow day by day. It’s one of the best money plant root type tips for new plant parents.

  • Take a cutting with at least 2-3 nodes (and their little aerial roots).
  • Place it in a glass or jar of clean, room-temperature water. Ensure at least one node is submerged.
  • Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
  • Place the jar in bright, indirect light. You should see new white roots emerging from the nodes within a few weeks!

Transitioning from Water to Soil

While a Money Plant can live in water for a long time, it will grow more robustly in soil. The roots grown in water (hydroponic roots) are more delicate than soil roots, so the transition requires a gentle touch.

Once your water cutting has roots that are 2-3 inches long, it’s ready for soil. Plant it in a small pot with well-draining mix and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks. This helps the roots acclimate from their aquatic life to a terrestrial one.

Common Problems with Money Plant Root Type (And How to Fix Them)

Even the toughest plants can run into trouble. Fortunately, most root-related issues are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let’s tackle some common problems with money plant root type health.

Problem #1: Identifying and Treating Root Rot

Root rot is the number one enemy of Money Plant roots, and it’s almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The roots essentially drown and begin to decay.

Signs: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, a foul smell from the soil, and black, mushy roots.

The Fix (It’s like plant surgery!):

  1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off the old soil.
  2. Using clean scissors or pruners, trim away all the mushy, black, or smelly roots. Be ruthless—diseased roots cannot be saved.
  3. If you’ve removed a lot of roots, you may want to trim back some of the foliage to reduce the stress on the remaining root system.
  4. Repot the plant in a clean pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
  5. Water it lightly and place it in indirect light. Wait to water again until the top inch of soil is dry.

Problem #2: Why Are My Aerial Roots Drying Out?

Sometimes you might notice the little aerial roots looking brown, dry, and shriveled. This is usually a sign of low humidity in your home. While it’s not a major danger to the plant, it does indicate the air is drier than the plant would prefer.

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The Fix: You can increase humidity by misting the plant a few times a week, placing it near a humidifier, or grouping it with other plants. A moss pole that you keep damp is also a fantastic way to give those aerial roots the moisture they crave.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Root Type Best Practices

Caring for your plants can and should be a green practice. Adopting a sustainable money plant root type care routine is easy and makes a big difference. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.

Here are a few of my favorite eco-friendly money plant root type tips:

  • Harvest Rainwater: If you can, collect rainwater for your plants. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water and is naturally the perfect pH for most houseplants.
  • Reuse Propagation Water: When you change the water in your propagation jar, don’t pour it down the drain! Use it to water your other potted plants. It contains small amounts of rooting hormone released by the cutting.
  • Compost Tea: Instead of synthetic fertilizers, nourish your soil roots with a diluted “tea” made from your own compost. It’s a gentle, organic way to provide essential nutrients.
  • Choose Sustainable Pots: When repotting, consider pots made from terracotta, ceramic, or recycled materials rather than new plastic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Roots

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes, it can! A Money Plant can live happily in water for years. However, to help it thrive, you should add a very diluted liquid fertilizer to the water every 4-6 weeks to provide nutrients it would otherwise get from soil.

Should I cut off the aerial roots from my money plant?

It’s generally best not to. Aerial roots are part of the plant’s natural growth system for climbing and absorbing moisture. While cutting them won’t kill the plant, leaving them on or tucking them into the soil is more beneficial for its overall health and strength.

How can I encourage my money plant to grow more roots?

For soil roots, ensure you have a healthy plant in well-draining soil and a pot that isn’t too large. For propagation, you can dip the cutting in a rooting hormone before placing it in water or soil to speed up the process. Providing a moss pole can also encourage more aerial root development as the plant begins to climb.

What do the little brown bumps on my money plant stem mean?

Those are the very beginnings of aerial roots! They are called root primordia. It’s a perfectly normal and healthy sign that your plant is maturing and looking for opportunities to climb or spread.

Your Journey to a Thriving Money Plant

There you have it—everything you need to know about the amazing money plant root type! From the hardworking soil roots to the adventurous aerial roots, this dual system is what makes the Money Plant so resilient, adaptable, and a joy to grow.

By understanding what’s happening both above and below the soil, you’re no longer just a plant owner; you’re a plant partner. You can now confidently diagnose problems, propagate with ease, and provide the perfect environment for your green friend to flourish.

So go take a closer look at your Money Plant’s vines. Appreciate those little aerial roots and give a silent thank you to the soil roots working hard out of sight. You’re officially equipped with the knowledge to help it grow stronger and more beautiful than ever. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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