If your usually lively spider plant isn’t growing as it should then don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Spider plants are, for the most part, easy going and simple to care for. But they do have some quirks too. It’s not always plain sailing looking after them and things can and do go wrong.
So if yours has started to struggle the following guide will take you through the main reasons as well as how to get it back on track.
Common Causes of Stunted Growth
1. Light Problems: Too Much or Too Little
Spider plants like bright, indirect light. If they don’t get enough their growth will slow down. On the other hand too much direct sun will burn the leaves making them brown and crispy.
If you’ve had your slider plant is a spot that’s not getting much like then that’s going to affect it negatively. In fact it’s time to move it right now!
Get it closer to a bright window – north or east facing windows are best as they should give it lots of indirect light without the harsh sun from the midday.
But if your spider plants leaves are yellowing or browning then it could be getting too much direct sunlight. If this is case then you’ll want to move it farther away from the window. Or if you can’t then use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
You can help some more by rotating your plant in a regular basis. This way it will get even growth all over.
The lighting balance is really important, arguably the most important aspect of spider plant growth, especially during the winter months when there is much less natural light.
So focus on this first if your spider plant isn’t doing well.
2. Watering Mistakes
Spider plants like their soil to be moist but not soggy. If your give them too much water it can result in root rot. Not enough though and it will struggle to grow properly.
So the solution is to water your spider plant only when you notice the top of the soil is dry. The first inch of soil is the most important so if that’s dry start watering.
On top of that make sure the pot has proper drainage so the soil isn’t getting waterlogged.
If you notice any leaf tips turning brown it could be a sign that the water you’re using has too much fluoride or chlorine. Tap water can contain those chemicals and spider plants don’t like them. Using filtered, distilled or rainwater will usually stop this from happening.
And an extra tip: when you water your spider plant do it fully and thoroughly. Let the water run through the drainage holes and them emit the saucer or dish that the pot is sitting in. You do not want your spider plant sitting in standing water.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Spider plants want a tropical sort of donate which means warmth and moderate humidity. So you should try to keep yours somewhere the temperature stays between 55°F and 80°F (13°C to 27°C).
If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C) your spider plants growth will slow down and it may even start getting mushy leaves.
Heaters and air conditioners can cause drafts that also stress your spider plant. So make sure you haven’t put yours near a vent or vents.
Humidity is also something to think about. If you live somewhere that gets dry then this can cause the leaves to curl or wilt. If you’ve seen this then it’s a good sign you need to increase the humidity.
A simple way to increase a the humidity is to group it with any other plants you have. They work together to improve humidity levels for each other.
You can also use a pebble try with water under it. Or even a small room humidifier which will work well in the winter.
Solutions for Common Spider Plant Problems
1. Root Bound Plant
Spider plants grow fast and before you know it they have outgrown their pot. So you’ve got to keep on top of them.
If the roots are starting to poke through the drainage holes then it’s probably root bound. Being too root bound will make it grow less as it struggles to take up the water and nutrients it needs.
So make an effort to repot your plant every two to three years. Go for a pot that’s only a little bigger than the current one it’s in.
If you go too big it could lead to problems with overwatering as the bigger pot will hold on to more moisture than the plant can deal with.
2. Poor Soil
A soil that drains well is what spider plants really like. If the soil is compacted then the roots can suffocate and this will slow growth as well.
So instead use regular potting soil but add some pumice or perlite to it. Those improve the drainage of the soil and allow for more air to flow to the roots so they can breathe more.
Advanced Tips for Encouraging Spider Plant Growth
1. Fertilize Sparingly
Spider plants don’t need much fertilizer. If you overdo it then salts can build up in the soil which in turn can result in the leaves turning brown.
So make sure you’re giving your spider plant a balanced fertilizer. Feed it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). But don’t feed it as often in the fall and winter because the plant isn’t growing and so doesn’t need it.
2. Pruning for Health
If your spider plant is getting a bit gangly or developing brown tips then don’t be afraid to prune it. Trimming off dead or damaged leaves will help it in the long run.
And if you’ve got any spiderettes removing them can also redirect the energy being used to grow them back to the main plant and allow it grow bigger and more healthy.
3. Addressing Pests
Even though spider plants are pretty tough and able to withstand pests they can still be affected by them. Spider mites and aphids are particularly an issue. If you notice a sticky substance or insects on the leaves then you should begin treatment as soon as possible.
The usual way to deal with pests is spraying some insecticidal soap or using neem oil. Both work well. You should make an effort to inspect your spider plants regularly, especially if it lives outside in the summer.
Troubleshooting Specific Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turning brown | Fluoride or chlorine in the tap water | Use distilled or rainwater |
| Yellowing leaves | Too much direct sunlight | Move to a spot with indirect light |
| Limp, droopy leaves | Under or overwatering | Change your watering schedule |
| Stunted growth | Pot bound roots or poor soil quality | Repot and use soil that drains well |
| Root rot | Overwatering or poor drainage | Let soil dry out and repot if necessary |
Final Thoughts
Spider plants are, for the most part, willing to forgive a lot. Which is part of the reason they’re so popular. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them completely. They still need some basic care to really do well.
If your spider plant isn’t growing the way it used to then you should look at it’s light, water, soil etc. Even small changes can make a big difference. So something like moving it to a better spot or repotting it with fresh soil may be all it needs.
You’ve just got to have some patience and be willing to wait and see. But if you’re sensible and think about it you should be able to figure out where the problem lies. And then once you’ve addressed it you’ll see some new growth quickly.
