Spider plants are known for being low maintenance, adaptable and frankly, downright hard to kill!
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. And so caring for them the right way and providing them with what they need is still important.
So despite their easy care a few tips can take your spider plant from surviving to thriving. Which is what I have for you here.
What You Need to Grow a Healthy Spider Plant
- A healthy spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Start with a small plant or a pup.
- Pot: One with drainage holes is ideal. Spider plants don’t like to sit in water.
- Potting soil: A well-draining, light potting mix.
- Fertilizer: Optional, but a balanced liquid fertilizer helps, especially in the growing season.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Spider Plant
Spider plants are relatively easy-going when it comes to light. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions.
The secret to vibrant, healthy leaves? Avoid direct sunlight. Too much sun will scorch the leaves leaving them brown and crispy around the edges.
Ideal Light Conditions:
- Bright, indirect light: Near an east or west-facing window is ideal.
- Partial shade: They can adapt to lower light but won’t grow as quickly.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Too much sun can cause leaf burn.
Common Mistakes:
- Placing in too dark a spot: Growth may slow down and you might notice pale, leggy leaves.
- Exposing to direct afternoon sun: This can fry your plant and leave it with nasty looking brown edges.
Watering
Watering is the trickiest part of spider plant care for many people. They don’t need too much but they don’t want to dry out either.
Inconsistent watering can lead to browning tips on the leaves though. It’s tricky. So how do you strike the perfect balance?
How Often Should You Water?
- Spring and summer: Water your spider plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fall and winter: Reduce watering to once every two to three weeks. They don’t need much when they’re not actively growing.
Watering Tips:
- Check the soil: Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry then it’s time to water.
- Use room temperature water: Cold water can shock the roots especially in winter.
- Drainage is key: Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Spider plants hate soggy roots.
Common Watering Mistakes:
- Overwatering: A surefire way to kill your spider plant. Watch for yellow leaves as they’re usually a good sign of too much water.
- Underwatering: Leaves turning brown at the tips? You might be underwatering or exposing the plant to too much dry air.
The Best Soil for Spider Plants
Spider plants aren’t particularly picky about soil but they do appreciate good drainage. A light, well draining potting mix is all you need.
Ideal Soil Mixture:
- Standard potting mix: A regular houseplant soil will do.
- Optional additives: If you want to go the extra mile mix in a bit of perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Fertilizing: Does Your Spider Plant Really Need It?
Spider plants don’t need much in the way of fertilization but a little boost during the growing season can help them flourish. If you choose to fertilize then do it sparingly.
Fertilizer Tips:
- Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer: Something like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend will work.
- Frequency: Fertilize once a month during spring and summer.
- Skip winter feeding: They’re not actively growing so there’s no need to fertilize during the colder months.
Fertilizing Mistakes:
- Overfertilizing: This can lead to salt buildup in the soil and cause leaf burn. If you notice leaf tips browning and you’re sure it’s not underwatering you might be feeding too much.
Repotting Spider Plants: When and How to Do It
Spider plants grow fast! Especially when they’re happy. Repotting might become a regular task as they quickly outgrow their pots.
Signs Your Spider Plant Needs Repotting:
- Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
- Water sits on top of the soil and doesn’t drain quickly.
- Your plant is looking a little too top-heavy for its pot.
How to Repot:
- Choose a slightly larger pot: Moving up a couple of inches in diameter is plenty.
- Loosen the roots: Gently tease out any tangled roots at the bottom.
- Add fresh soil: Place the plant in the new pot filling in with fresh potting mix.
- Water well: Give your plant a good soak after repotting.
Extra Tip:
Spider plants are happiest when slightly root-bound. So don’t rush to repot unless you see the signs above.
Propagating Spider Plants
One of the most fun aspects of growing a spider plant is watching it produce those adorable little “pups” or baby plants. Propagating them couldn’t be easier and it’s a great way to share plants with friends or expand your own collection.
How to Propagate Spider Plant Pups:
- Wait for a pup to develop roots: You’ll notice little roots forming at the base of the pup while it’s still attached to the mother plant.
- Clip the pup: Use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the baby plant from the mother.
- Place in water or soil: You can either place the pup in a small pot with moist soil or put it in a glass of water until the roots grow longer.
- Transplant into soil: If you started the pup in water transplant it into soil once the roots are about an inch long.
Dealing with Pests and Problems
Even though spider plants are easy to care for they can occasionally run into some issues. Knowing what to look for can help you deal with any problems quickly.
Common Spider Plant Pests:
- Aphids: Look for tiny green, black or white bugs on the leaves. A mild soap solution can help.
- Spider mites: These cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing on the plant. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove them.
- Mealybugs: These cottony white bugs can be found hiding in the crevices of the leaves. Dab them with rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
Problems and Fixes:
| Problem | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Browning leaf tips | Dry air, inconsistent watering | Increase humidity, adjust watering routine |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering | Allow the soil to dry out before watering |
| Limp or drooping leaves | Pot-bound, not enough water | Repot or water more frequently |
Spider Plant Varieties to Consider
Not all spider plants are the same! There are a few different varieties and they each have their own unique flair.
These are some of the most popular choices:
- Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’: This is the most common variety. It has a white stripe down the center of its green leaves.
- Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’: Similar to ‘Vittatum,’ but with white margins and a green center.
- Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’: A curly-leaf variety that brings a whimsical touch to your plant collection.
Final Thoughts
Spider plants are fantastic additions to any home. They’re forgiving of small mistakes, can put up with a lot of neglect and add greenery to even the darkest corners of your home.
So if you follow these tips your spider plant will not just survive – it will thrive, producing plenty of lush leaves and healthy pups.
