This article reviews the responses of plant roots to elevated cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the rhizosphere. Cd enters plants through the soil solution, traverses the root via symplasmic or apoplastic pathways, and is translocated to the shoot. Excess leaf Cd concentrations (over 5–10 μg g⁻¹ dry matter) are toxic to most plants, leading to the development of mechanisms to limit Cd translocation to the shoot. Cd movement through the root symplasm is restricted by the production of phytochelatins and the sequestration of Cd-chelates in vacuoles. Apoplastic movement of Cd to the xylem can be limited by the development of barriers such as the exodermis and endodermis. Increasing rhizosphere Cd concentrations increase Cd accumulation in the plant, particularly in the root, and inhibit root elongation and influence root anatomy. The article discusses the proteins involved in Cd transport across root cell membranes and its detoxification through sequestration in root vacuoles. It highlights the accelerated maturation of apoplastic barriers to Cd movement to the xylem, which is functional in protecting the shoot from excessive Cd loads.This article reviews the responses of plant roots to elevated cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the rhizosphere. Cd enters plants through the soil solution, traverses the root via symplasmic or apoplastic pathways, and is translocated to the shoot. Excess leaf Cd concentrations (over 5–10 μg g⁻¹ dry matter) are toxic to most plants, leading to the development of mechanisms to limit Cd translocation to the shoot. Cd movement through the root symplasm is restricted by the production of phytochelatins and the sequestration of Cd-chelates in vacuoles. Apoplastic movement of Cd to the xylem can be limited by the development of barriers such as the exodermis and endodermis. Increasing rhizosphere Cd concentrations increase Cd accumulation in the plant, particularly in the root, and inhibit root elongation and influence root anatomy. The article discusses the proteins involved in Cd transport across root cell membranes and its detoxification through sequestration in root vacuoles. It highlights the accelerated maturation of apoplastic barriers to Cd movement to the xylem, which is functional in protecting the shoot from excessive Cd loads.