Tomato plants are vines that originated in the humid tropics of South America. As a result tomatoes sometimes exhibit a relic trait from their ancestral vines – aerial roots. These strange protrusions on tomato stems are not a cause for concern though. Read on to learn all about aerial roots on tomato plants.
What Are Aerial Roots?
Aerial roots also called adventitious roots, are roots that emerge above the soil line on plant stems and branches. They often look like small white bumps or knobs protruding from tomato stems.
Aerial roots act as an auxiliary root system that absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air. They allow vines and climbing plants to gather additional support by attaching to surfaces as they grow.
Why Do Tomato Plants Grow Aerial Roots?
There are several reasons why tomato plants produce these odd above-ground roots:
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It’s an ancestral trait – Wild tomato vines in the tropics evolved aerial roots as a survival mechanism. This allows tomatoes to reroot if vines become damaged.
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High humidity stimulates aerial root growth by providing abundant moisture.
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Some heirloom and older cultivars genetically have a greater tendency to generate aerial roots.
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Stress from improper irrigation, disease, or lack of nutrients can worsen aerial root formation.
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Aerial roots act as a backup root system if the original roots fail.
Are Aerial Roots Harmful to Tomato Plants?
Aerial roots are completely normal structures that do not harm tomato plants. Tomatoes generate these bonus roots naturally, so aerial roots themselves are not a cause for concern.
As long as the tomato plant looks healthy overall, aerial roots on their own are not a sign of problems. There’s no need to worry about aerial tomato roots infecting or damaging your plants.
When Are Aerial Roots a Sign of Trouble?
While aerial roots themselves are innocuous, prolific development of aerial roots can indicate issues with the tomato plant. Abundant aerial roots may signal:
- Overwatering
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Root diseases impairing the underground root system
- Stem and root damage
- Varieties prone to abundant aerial root growth
So while a few aerial roots are normal, numerous aerial roots suggest you should inspect for other trouble signs. Address watering, fertilization, pests/disease, and culture to optimize the environment.
What To Do About Aerial Roots on Tomato Plants
Since aerial roots don’t harm tomato plants, there’s no required action. But here are some options if desired:
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Carefully prune off aerial roots to improve appearance. Avoid damaging stems.
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Bury lower aerial roots in soil to help them turn into functional roots.
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Take cuttings from aerial root sections to propagate new plants.
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Ensure proper irrigation and fertilization to minimize excessive aerial roots.
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Tolerate aerial roots as an odd but natural tomato plant trait.
Using Aerial Roots for Propagation
The small aerial roots on tomato stems can be used for propagation. To propagate from aerial roots:
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Select a stem segment with healthy aerial roots. Remove it with sterilized pruners.
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Allow the cutting to dry for 1-2 days.
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Plant the aerial root cutting in sterile potting mix, burying the roots 1-2 inches deep.
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Maintain warm temperature and high humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist.
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New leaf growth will signal when roots have formed. Gradually acclimate to normal conditions.
Key Takeaways on Aerial Roots
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Aerial roots are a natural part of tomato plant development. They allow vines to gather support and reroot if damaged.
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Minimal aerial roots are harmless. But abundant aerial roots can indicate suboptimal conditions.
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To manage aerial roots, address irrigation, nutrients, and diseases. Pruning or propagating aerial roots are optional.
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While odd in appearance, aerial roots themselves do not damage tomato plants or indicate problems if the plant looks healthy overall.
So take note of aerial roots on tomato plants, but don’t be alarmed. Enjoy those vine-ripened tomatoes! With proper care aerial roots are just an interesting quirk of growing heirloom tomato varieties.
Bumps and growths or adventitious roots on tomato stems Adventitious or aerial roots on tomato stem
Tomato plants, particularly heirloom varieties, and tomatillos may produce small growths with short, fleshy, bristles. These are adventitious roots or aerial roots that would grow into normal roots if placed in contact with the soil. But in many cases, they can appear higher up on the stem.
The degree to which a gardener will see this is determined by cultivar, weather conditions, and culture. Adventitious roots forming on tomatillo stem
What is this on my tomato stem -60 second garden tip Air roots
FAQ
Why is my plant growing so many aerial roots?
- Root Bound: The plant may have outgrown its pot, leading to roots growing upwards as they search for space.
- Soil Erosion: Over time, the soil can settle or erode, exposing the roots.
- Watering Issues: If you are overwatering, the roots may become stressed and start to push up to the surface.
What are the signs of overwatering tomato plants?
- Standing water around the base of the plant.
- Soggy soil or foul odor to soil.
- White, green, or dark crust on the soil surface or lower part of the main stem.
- Leaves and stems droop and wilt but remain green.
- Roots are brown or black and limp or mushy instead of whitish and turgid.
What should you do with aerial roots?
- 1) retrain them back into the soil, they’ll take root
- 2) provide a growing stake, your plantbaby will begin to climb/grow upward
- 3) trim them down, they’ll grow back over time
- 4) must them frequently, your plantbaby absorbs some of its moisture through them.
What are the air roots on tomatoes?
Tomato plants, particularly heirloom varieties, and tomatillos may produce small growths with short, fleshy, bristles. These are adventitious roots or aerial roots that would grow into normal roots if placed in contact with the soil. But in many cases, they can appear higher up on the stem.