If you’ve noticed your spider plant’s leaves turning yellow – don’t panic! It’s a very common issue with plenty of simple fixes.
This guide will take you through the reasons your spider plant might be yellowing and how you can fix it, bringing it back to full health. Along with those reasons we’ll look at what you can do to keep your spider plant from getting yellow again.
1. Overwatering – The Most Common Culprit
There’s a good chance that overwatering is the reason your spider plants leaves are going yellow. Spider plants do not like to have their roots sit in water or waterlogged soil. And it’s very easy to let happen if you’re not careful.
The roots can start to rot if they’re sat in soggy soil for too long and it’s then that the leaves start turning yellow.
Fix:
- You shouldn’t be watering your spider plant until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil that it’s in is dry.
- The soil must drain well (adding perlite into the potting soil really helps this).
- The pot it’s in must have good drainage holes so the water doesn’t sit or build up.
2. Underwatering
Overwatering tends to get more attention because it happens more often but underwatering can also be a cause of yellowing. If your spider plant isn’t getting enough water the leaves might start to curl, feel dry and of course look yellow.
Fix:
- Keep watering but do it less often. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- You can make a watering schedule and set it so that you water less in the winter, more in the summer.
3. Poor Light Conditions
Spider plants like bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight will burn the leaves which can result in yellowing.
But on the other side too little light can also cause weak leaves that look faded. So the right balance is important.
Fix:
- Put your spider plant somewhere that gets filtered sunlight. A few away from a window is a good spot.
- If your plant isn’t getting enough light then move it somewhere it will! A bright window, possibly easy or west facing, should be good enough.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Spider plants don’t like it when the temperature changes suddenly. It can really upset and shock them.
If your spider plant is near a drafty window, heater or air conditioner then there’s a good chance it’ll be turning yellow.
Fix:
- Keep your spider plant in a stable environment. If possible the temperature should be between 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C).
- Don’t put it near direct sources of heat or cold.
5. Humidity Imbalance
Spider plants like the humidity levels to be moderate. If it’s too dry then the leaves will become brittle and turn yellow:
Fix:
- Mist your spider plant to increase the humidity. You can also put it near a humidifier or set it on a tray of water filled with pebbles.
- If you can then putting your plant in the kitchen or bathroom helps as they usually have better humidity levels.
6. Nutrient Deficiency
Yellow leaves can also be a sign of your plant not getting enough nutrients. They need nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to really do well.
Fix:
- Use a balanced fertilizer every month whilst in the growing season (spring and summer).
- Don’t over fertilize though. You may think you’re helping but too much can do more harm than good.
7. Too Much Fertilizer
As just mentioned, too much fertilizer is bad too. If you overdo it the nutrients will build up on the soil and could result in the tips of your spider plants leaves turning brown or yellow.
Fix:
- Water your spider plant well as it will help to flush through and get rid of the buildup of salts.
- Stop fertilizing as often. Bring it down to once a month in the spring and summer and don’t feed your plant at all in the winter.
8. Tap Water Sensitivity
The chemicals in tap water like fluoride and chlorine can be damaging to spider plants. If there’s enough of them they can cause the leads tip to turn yellow or brown.
Fix:
- Use distilled or rainwater.
- If you do keep using tap water let it sit out overnight so some of chlorine naturally evaporates before you use it.
9. Pests
Spider mites, aphids and other pests can do real harm to your spider plant, stressing it and making the leaves turn yellow.
Fix:
- Check your plant for pests on a regular basis.
- If you find any pests then use insecticidal soap to kill then off. Neem oil also works well.
- You can also stop them from becoming an issue by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
10. Transplant Shock
If you’ve moved or repotted your spider plant recently then it may have become stressed from it. This can cause the yellowing.
Fix:
- Be patient. It may take some time to get used to its new home.
- Be consistent with your care. The right temperature, water and light will help it recover quicker.
Preventing Yellow Leaves in the Future
Consistent Care Routine
Having a good care routine is important for keeping your spider plant healthy. Follow this quick guide and you’ll be well set up for getting a successful spider plant:
- Water: Check the soil regularly and only water when it’s dry to the touch.
- Light: Keep it in bright, indirect light. If you don’t have a good spot then using a sheer curtain can help to filter the sunlight.
- Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Don’t over do it though.
- Humidity: Keep a check on the humidity and when it gets drier so all you can to increase it.
Potting and Soil Considerations
Spider plants like to spread (a little too much!). So they will probably need repotting at some point so the roots aren’t getting crowded. Having and using the right potting medium is important for this:
- Use a potting mix that has good drainage. Adding perlite will help.
- The pot it lives in needs to have good drainage holes.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatering | Yellow, soggy leaves | Let the soil dry out before you water again |
| Underwatering | Yellow, dry, crispy leaves | Water but less frequently |
| Nutrient Deficiency | Yellow, fading leaves | Use a balanced fertilizer every month |
| Excess Fertilizer | Brown or yellow tips | Flush the soil and don’t feed as often |
| Poor Light | Pale yellow leaves, slow growth | Put it in a brighter spot that gets indirect light |
| Tap Water Sensitivity | Yellow or brown leaf tips | Use distilled or rainwater |
| Pests | Yellowing, spotting, sticky residue | Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
It shouldn’t take a lot to get your spider plant growing well again. And without those yellow leaves. Check through the causes found here and once you’ve found the most likely cause for your plant you can try the easy fixes.
Once you’ve give your spider plant the right balance of light, water and nutrients it’ll be looking back to its old self again quickly.