Spider plants may be one of the strongest houseplants but they can still be hit by root rot. It’s a silent killer than if you don’t deal with quickly will absolutely devastate your spider plant.
Root rot almost always happens when you aren’t watering the right way. It could be overwatering or that the soil isn’t draining properly. But whatever the cause it can be a disaster for your spider plant.
So in this guide we’ll look at how to recognize root rot, the reasons it occurs and most importantly – how to save your spider plant when it does.
What is Root Rot?
Root rot is a condition where the roots of a plant begin to decay or a fungus infects them due to sitting in too much water. Spider plants particularly are vulnerable to root rot because their roots are designed to store water. So there’s a lot of water constantly around or in the roots and it’s easy for them to get waterlogged.
It’s a good adaptation so they can survive droughts and a lack of water it makes them far more prone to becoming waterlogged and rotting.
Root rot usually begins at the tips and move up. Why it’s so bad for the plant is the roots then can’t take in the nutrient it needs. So you really want to catch it early to save your spider plant.
Signs of Root Rot in Spider Plants
Discovering root rot early can be the difference between a quick recovery or your spider plant dying. So look out for these signs:
- Yellowing leaves: If you notice your spider plant’s leaves are turning yellow this is an early sign of the roots being stressed. Yellowing happens because the roots can’t absorb the nutrients the plant needs.
- Brown or black leaf tips: As the damage to the roots gets worse the plants leaves can begin to get brown or black tips, especially around the edges.
- Wilting despite proper watering: A confusing symptom of root rot is that your spider plant might begin to wilt or droop regardless of how well you’ve been watering it. This is because the roots have reached the point where the rot is stopping them from taking up water, even if the soil contains more than enough moisture.
- Mushy roots: When you look at the roots (which we’ll discuss how to do shortly) they should be white and firm if they’re healthy. If they’re rotting then they will be mushy and dark brown or black. They’ll also break easily if you touch them.
- Foul smell: Rotting roots will stink. A musty odour when you remove them from the pot is a clear sign. This is because of yen decaying or fungus that’s growing.
- Slow growth or no new offshoots: When spider plants are happy they will give you spiderettes or “pups”. If your plant isn’t giving out any new shoots it could be a sign of the roots rotting and that they can’t support any new growth.
These symptoms can be confused with other issues like lack of nutrients or pests. So you must take your plant out of it’s pot so you can confirm it’s the roots rotting and not something else.
Causes of Root Rot
So, what causes root rot in spider plants? The main reasons are usually overwatering and poor drainage. But other factors can also play a role too.
Let’s go through each one:
Overwatering
Spider plants are actually adapted to do well even when they aren’t getting much water. They have thick roots and that store water so they don’t need as much as a lot of tiger houseplants.
So if you water them too often, especially when the soil hasn’t dried out, it will drown the roots and you’ll be creating the perfect conditions for root rot to start.
Poor Drainage
You’ve got to have a good pot for your spider plant. If it’s one that doesn’t have any or enough drainage holes then the water has nowhere to go. It will simply sit at the bottom of the pot, mean the roots either begin to rot from being submerged in water or they’ll suffocate. Either way it’s bad news.
But you can also have problems if the soil you’re using hold on to too much moisture. If so then that water will get stuck around the roots and again suffocate or drown them.
The best soil mix for spider plants should be light and one that drains well. A mix that has perlite or pumice in it will work well.
Cold Temperatures
Spider plants like the warmth, the best temperature being between 60 to 75°F (15 to 25°C). If it’s subjected to too much cold it will stress the plant and slow down how well it can absorb water. This means the soil stays wet for longer and raises the risk of rotting.
Overfertilization
Fertilizing can definitely help but if you overdo it you can hurt your spider plant. Too much will change the chemistry of the soil which can damage the roots and make them more likely to be affected by rot.
Only fertilize your spider plant once a month in the growing season. Make sure you’re using a balanced fertilizer. And dilute it to half its strength too.
Winter Watering
When spider plants become dormant in the winter their growth naturally slows. And so they need much less water.
So if you water at the same rate or on the same schedule as in the summer and spring when your plant is growing the so will get waterlogged. And that will turn in to rotting roots.
How to Save a Spider Plant from Root Rot
There is good news though. If you catch root rot early then you can save your plant from succumbing to it.
These easy to follow steps will rescue your plant if it’s being affected by root rot:
Step 1: Remove the Plant from Its Pot
Take your spider plant out of its pot. Brush the soup out of the way so you can see the roots.
If more then about 75% of them are still firm and white then you have a good chance of saving your plant. If the majority over the roots are mushy, black or brown then sadly you me plant may not survive.
Step 2: Trim the Rotting Roots
Cut away any of the rotting roots. Focus on the damaged sections and get rid of them all.
Be sure to use scissors or shears that you’ve sterilized first. And don’t be scared or pruning too much – it’s better to take more than you need than leave behind any diseased roots.
Step 3: Clean the Roots
Once you’ve pruned rinse the roots that are left in lukewarm water. You can also soak the roots in a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide (one part peroxide to four parts water). It will help to disinfect the roots and with healing afterwards.
Step 4: Repot in Fresh Soil
You can either give the current pot your spider plant is in a very thorough clean or use anew one. Make sure whichever you go with the lot has lots of drainage holes.
Then fill it with a a mix of soil that drains well. I would go with a blend of standard potting soil but adding in some pumice or perlite (as they will help to make it drain better)
Put your spider plant back in its pot and fill in around it with soil. Don’t fill it all the way to the top though as you want to leave some space to water it.
Step 5: Water Sparingly
Once you’ve finished repotting then water it sparingly. You want to allow the roots to dry out and start healing.
From then on you should be watering only when too few inches of the soil are dry. You can simply use your fingers and touch to see how dry it feels.
Or get yourself a moisture meter if you would feel more confident using a tool.
Step 6: Maintain Optimal Conditions
Your spider plant should live in a spot where it gets bright and indirect light. You want the temperature to stay at between 60 to 75°F.
Keep it away from air conditioners, heaters and cold windowsills too.
Preventing Future Root Rot
Stopping root rot isn’t hard. As long as you give your spider plant the right environment to live and grow in then root rot shouldn’t be a problem.
These are a few tips for avoiding root rot:
- Pot Choice: Always use a pot with lots of drainage holes so the excess water can get out.
- Soil Mix: Use soil that drains well. Adding perlite and pumice can help with the drainage.
- Watering: Try to check the soil before you water. It must be dry. If it’s damp then wait a few days before you try again.
- Winter Care: Water less in the winter as the plant is growing less and doesn’t need it.
- Temperature Control: Keep your spider plant somewhere warm and out of cold drafts.
Final Thoughts
Root rot is a common problem with spider plants but it’s also entirely preventable as long as you give it yeah right care. Do everything you’ve found here and you can be confident of avoiding root rot.
If you do find your plant had developed rotting roots then don’t panic. A little pruning, some fresh soil and being patient and it can definitely make a full recovery.