10 Signs Your Spider Plant Is Dying (And What to Do)

If you’ve noticed that your spider plant is looking a little worse for wear you’re probably wondering what’s gone wrong. Although spider plants are tough and able to withstand a lot they’re not indestructible.

And they can develop problems even if you think you’ve done everything right.

So lets go through the most common signs that your spider plant is in trouble and what you can do to nurse it back to health.

1. Brown Leaf Tips

Cause: Fluoride or Low Humidity

One of the most common signs of a spider plant in distress is brown leaf tips. This could be caused by a few factors, but the most likely culprits are fluoride in tap water or low humidity. Spider plants are sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, which can accumulate in the soil and damage the leaves. Dry air, especially in winter, can also cause the tips to dry out.

Solution: Use distilled or rainwater to water your plant. You can also try increasing humidity around your plant by misting it or placing a humidifier nearby. Grouping plants together can also help boost humidity naturally.

2. Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or Poor Drainage

If your spider plant’s leaves are turning yellow, this could be a sign of overwatering or waterlogged soil. Spider plants prefer to dry out between waterings, and if the soil remains soggy, it can lead to root rot, causing yellow leaves.

Solution: Adjust your watering schedule. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again. Make sure your plant pot has drainage holes, and consider repotting with fresh, well-draining soil. If root rot has set in, remove the plant from its pot, trim away rotted roots, and repot in fresh soil.

3. Wilting Leaves

Cause: Underwatering or Poor Light

Spider plants are generally drought-tolerant, but if left too long without water, their leaves will start to wilt and lose their vibrancy. On the flip side, too little light can also cause the plant to become limp and lethargic.

Solution: Water your plant thoroughly, ensuring it’s not sitting in water. Place it in an area with bright, indirect light. If underwatering is the problem, bottom watering (placing the plant pot in a tray of water) can help rehydrate the soil evenly.

4. Stunted Growth

Cause: Insufficient Light or Nutrient Deficiency

If your spider plant seems stuck in place with little to no new growth, it might not be getting enough light or nutrients. Spider plants need a balance of bright, indirect light and occasional feeding to keep growing well.

Solution: Move your plant to a brighter location, avoiding direct sun that might scorch its leaves. Consider feeding your plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

5. Pale or Faded Leaves

Cause: Too Much Sun

Spider plants love light but don’t appreciate direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays. If your plant’s leaves are looking pale or faded, it could be sunburned.

Solution: Move the plant to a location with bright but indirect light. Consider using sheer curtains if it’s near a sunny window to diffuse the sunlight.

6. Roots Growing Out of the Pot

Cause: Root Bound

If you see roots spilling out of the pot or notice the soil drying out quickly after watering, your spider plant is likely root-bound. This means the roots have outgrown their container and are crowding each other out.

Solution: Repot your plant in a container that’s one or two inches larger in diameter. Use fresh soil and loosen the roots gently before placing the plant into its new home.

7. Leaves Turning Brown in the Middle

Cause: Overexposure to Sun

If you’re noticing browning in the center of the leaves, your plant might be getting too much direct sunlight. This can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter months.

Solution: Move your plant to a spot with indirect light. If necessary, prune the damaged leaves to encourage new, healthy growth.

8. Drooping Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or Poor Soil Aeration

Drooping leaves are often a sign of waterlogged soil or poor aeration around the plant’s roots. When spider plants sit in soggy soil for too long, the roots can’t get enough oxygen, causing the leaves to droop.

Solution: Repot the plant with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite or vermiculite. Make sure you’re watering only when the top inch of soil is dry.

9. White Deposits on the Soil Surface

Cause: Salt or Mineral Buildup

Over time, salts and minerals from water and fertilizer can accumulate on the surface of the soil, forming a white crust. This can eventually lead to root issues and hinder the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Solution: Flush the soil periodically by watering generously and allowing it to drain thoroughly. Using distilled water can help prevent this buildup. If it’s severe, repotting with fresh soil might be necessary.

10. Infestation by Pests

Cause: Aphids, Mealybugs, or Spider Mites

Spider plants can fall prey to pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. These pests can cause discoloration, sticky residue on the leaves, and general decline in health.

Solution: Regularly inspect your plant, particularly the undersides of the leaves. If you notice pests, treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring you cover both sides of the leaves. Isolate the plant from others until the infestation is under control.

Spider Plant Care Tips: A Quick Reference Table

By keeping a close eye on your spider plant’s behavior and responding quickly to signs of distress, you can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Remember, spider plants are hardy and can usually bounce back with the right care.