Roots: As Above, So Below
The quote “As above, so below; as within, so without; as the universe, so the soul” originated in the Emerald Tablet, an ancient text from between the 8th and 9th century CE. This text alludes to the connection between all realms, specifically the physical (below) and spiritual (above). It isn’t surprising that this can also be applied to the world of plants.
The Crux of the Issue
Root structure is one of the most accurate predictors of plant care needs. Understanding what is going on below the soil is crucial in understanding what is going on above it. Before looking at leaves, flowers, or other growth habits, understanding how a plant’s roots evolved reveals how it interacts with water, oxygen, and substrate.
Functional Root Morphology in Houseplants
(size, thickness, density, soil depth)
The physical characteristics of your plant’s roots can tell you a lot, from how often you should water, to what pot sizes are preferred. Characteristics can even help you predict what could go wrong, such as rot or dehydration.
For the sake of clarity, we will talk about 4 different plants, all with very differing root morphology: Hoyas Alocasias, Anthuriums and African Violets.
➝Hoyas
Root morphology-
Hoyas have relatively fine but resilient root systems, adapted to intermittent moisture availability. They are more tolerant of drying out than most tropical houseplants and often prefer to become slightly root-bound, which allows for vigorous growth or flowering.
What this reveals about care-
Perform well in tight pots
Store some moisture in stems/leaves rather than roots
Sensitive to overwatering, especially in cool conditions
Requires orchid-like potting mixes for optimal aeration and drainage
➝Alocasias
Root Morphology-
Alocasias grow from corms or tuber-like storage organs with fine feeder roots extending outward. These structures function as internal reservoirs, storing water and energy for growth cycles and dormancy periods. Because the roots are fine, they are more prone to damage.
What this reveals about care-
Highly sensitive to overwatering—stores water and has fine roots
Prefer moist-but-aerated substrates
Need periods of dry-down between watering
➝Anthuriums
Root Morphology-
Anthuriums develop thick, fleshy roots adapted for attachment and airflow, often growing along bark or within loose organic matter. Many roots function partially above soil, absorbing moisture and oxygen from humid air. Anthurium roots are highly resilient to stress, allowing for new leaf growth even if all other leaves have fallen.
What this reveals about care-
Require high oxygen availability at the root zone
Thrive in chunky, bark-based mixes
Prefer consistent humidity without saturation
Extremely prone to rot in dense substrates
➝African Violets
Root morphology-
African violets have an extremely fine, shallow, network-like root system that occupies the upper portion of the soil. These roots are delicate, easily damaged, and highly dependent on stable moisture conditions. Even the slightest tug during repotting can cause breakage.
What this reveals about care-
Require even, consistent moisture
Need light, airy, moisture-retentive soil
Very sensitive to both drying out and waterlogging
Prefer small pots that match their shallow root zone
So Below, So Understood
Even experienced plant owners misread roots because they assume all tropical houseplants want the same conditions. In reality, most problems come from applying one “watering + soil rule” across plants that evolved completely different underground strategies. Both Anthuriums and Alocasias are Aroids, but as you now know, their roots have very different characteristics.
Ultimately, it’s important to do research on each of your plant varieties. One of the best ways to learn is by looking at the roots while repotting. Actually seeing vs. reading can make a big difference in understanding. Seeing the difference between the fine roots of a Hoya and the fine roots of an Alocasia can really illuminate how plants that appear similar below the surface are, in truth, built for entirely different worlds.
