You might think plant roots only need water to survive, but they also need oxygen just as much to stay alive and grow. Find out how water and oxygen are important to healthy roots. Without enough oxygen, roots will suffer.
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Today, I’m going to talk about the fact that roots need more than water. In addition to water, what keeps roots alive and allows them to grow is oxygen—specifically, oxygen in the soil.
We have a nice arrowhead plant here. This plant, like all terrestrial plants that are planted in soil, needs oxygen at the root zone as well as water. In the ground, air and water are held in little pockets called soil pores. If the soil is dense and compacted with no soil pores, there will not be enough oxygen available for respiration for the roots. Remember, roots also need to breathe.
Too much water in the soil will also limit the amount of oxygen the roots can take in. Roots need to take in that oxygen and have an oxygen exchange to stay healthy and viable. They grow best when they have sufficient growing space, well-drained soil, and a balance of oxygen and water, but not too much water.
The depth that oxygen can reach depends on the type of soil and the amount of compaction. Most oxygen will be found near the surface of the soil. For this reason, roots tend to grow right under the surface. Many houseplant roots are growing just beneath the surface of the soil, and while they do grow deeper, the roots at the surface are particularly important for exchanging oxygen with the air.
Creating drainage for your plants will lead to good air and water exchange for your houseplant roots. This is easy to provide by adding pumice to your soil. I have a pumice product linked below. That pumice product will create those pockets of air in the soil, allowing the roots to breathe while they also soak up water. This prevents compacted soil, which is harmful to root health.
So, remember: roots need more than just water to survive. They need air as well, and when the roots thrive, the entire houseplant thrives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do roots need to survive?
Roots need more than just water to survive; they also require oxygen. Oxygen in the soil is essential for healthy root growth and respiration.
Why is oxygen important for roots?
Oxygen is crucial for roots because it facilitates respiration, which is necessary for the roots to remain healthy and viable. Without sufficient oxygen, roots cannot function properly.
How does soil density affect root oxygen levels?
If the soil is dense and compacted, it can limit the availability of oxygen for the roots. Soil needs to have sufficient air pockets, known as soil pores, to allow for oxygen exchange.
What happens if there is too much water in the soil?
Excess water can also restrict the amount of oxygen that roots can take in. Proper water balance is essential for optimal root health.
Where do roots typically grow in relation to oxygen?
Most oxygen is found near the surface of the soil, which is why roots tend to grow just beneath the surface. This allows them to exchange oxygen with the air effectively.
How can I improve drainage for my houseplants?
To improve drainage and promote good air and water exchange for your houseplant roots, you can add pumice to your soil. This will create air pockets that allow roots to breathe while absorbing water.
What type of soil is best for houseplant roots?
Well-drained soil that has a good balance of oxygen and water is best for houseplant roots. Avoid compacted soils that limit root oxygenation.
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