Spider plants are known for being probably the toughest houseplant. And for looking great, of course!
But while they are definitely resilient they occasionally get bent or curled leaves, which can make them look a lot less beautiful than they usually are.
Thankfully the cause is usually pretty simple to diagnose. So in this guide we’ll look at the main reasons behind bent leaves and also the ways to fix them and keep your spider plants looking their best.
1. Poor Watering
Watering issues top the list when it comes to problems with spider plants. Both underwatering and overwatering can cause the leaves to bend or droop.
- Underwatering: Spider plants like the soil to be consistently moist. So if the soil is dry when you put your fingers in to it then you know it’s the right time to water.
- Overwatering: If you overdo it and give your plant too much water it can cause root rot. This will stop it from absorbing the right amount of nutrients and this in turn makes the leaves bend and become discolored.
Fix:
Keep to a water schedule that works for your plant. In the growing season (spring and summer) water thoroughly but let the soul dry out before you water again.
In the cooler months water less often so you aren’t overdoing it. Make sure the pot your spider plant is in had enough drainage holes so that it doesn’t sit in water and the roots rot.
2. Light Conditions Affecting Growth
The light also plays a big role in the health of spider plants.
- Too Much Light: will burn the leaves making them turn brown and bend.
- Too Little Light: Not enough light will weaken your spider plant and the leaves will end up drooping, becoming limp and even bending.
Fix:
Put your spider plant in a spot that gets indirect, bright light. Being near a window that gets filtered light is perfect. If you don’t have a window that gets light like this try using a sheer curtain which will diffuse the direct sunlight.
If there isn’t enough light in your home then try using a grow light, especially in the winter months.
3. Humidity and Environmental Stress
Spider plants like moderate humidity. If you go too high or too low it can cause the leaves to curl or even bend.
- Low Humidity: If your home is heated, especially in the winter, then you will likely have dry air. This can cause dry and curly leaves.
- Temperature Fluctuations: If the temperature changes suddenly, be it too high or too low, it will stress your spider plants and the leaves will bend.
Fix:
Keep the humidity in your home at around 50 to 60%. You can use a humidifier if you need to or try a tray of water near your heater to improve the moisture.
Keep your spider plants away from drafty windows and air conditioning vents as they can cause quick changes to the temperature and stress your plant.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your spider plant not getting enough nutrients can cause the leaves to bend.
- Nitrogen Deficiency: Leads to weak, leaves that change color and bend or droop.
- Potassium Deficiency: The tips of the leaves will curl and look burnt.
Fix:
Give your spider plant a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks when it’s growing (spring and summer)
Don’t feed it when it’s dormant in the winter. Make sure the fertilizer you’re using has things like magnesium and iron in it as that will help your plant to stay healthy.
5. Root Bound Plants
As spider plants grow it’s not uncommon for them to become root bound. When the roots don’t have enough space it stops them from being able to take up the water and nutrients they need. This leads to the leaves bending.
Fix:
Repot your spider plant every 2 or 3 years or when the roots start to come out of the drainage holes. Use a pot that’s a little larger than the one it’s currently in. Use a potting mix that drains well.
6. Pests and Diseases
Pests like spider mites and diseases like fungal infections will stress and cause deformities in spider plants. This can cause the leaves to bend too.
- Spider Mites: Get an infestation of them and the leaves can end up becoming discolored and bent.
- Fungal Infections: If your spider plant gets too moist it can develop fungal problems. These make the plant weaker and the leaves will then bend.
Fix:
Keep checking on your spider plant regularly. Any signs of pests or diseases you need to act quickly.
If you do find one affected then isolate it so that the pests or disease doesn’t spread. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. And be sure the soil is drying out between waterings so fungus doesn’t have a chance to grow.
Final Tips
If you understand and deal with the needs of your spider plant you can stop things like bending leaves from ever happening. Or return them to their original health.
A few final tips:
- Regularly prune dead or dying leaves as it will encourage new growth.
- Rotate your spider plant so every side of it is getting exposed to the light it needs. Then it will grow evenly.
- Make sure you’re aware of things like heat sources or drafts as they can have unexpected affects on the health of your spider plant.
If you’re caring for your plant properly and reacting quickly when it starts to show any issues you should be confident about stopping any bent leaves.