Spider plants are very easy to grow but watering is the one area with them you need to get right. In my years of working with spider plants I’ve learned that while they can tolerate some neglect, getting their watering routine spot on makes all the difference.
This guide will take you through everything about watering a spider plant, caring for them and other aspects of keeping your spider plant thriving.
Spider Plant Watering Frequency
Watering spider plants isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The amount and frequency of watering depends on several factors like the season, pot size, plant size, soil, humidity and temperature.
Seasonal Watering Changes
- Spring and Summer: This is the active growth season for spider plants. During this period, they require more water as they are busy producing new leaves and potentially even flowers. In warmer months water your spider plant once a week and if temperatures soar you may even need to water it twice. Always check the soil before adding more water.
- Fall and Winter: As the plant’s growth slows down in the cooler months it needs less water. You should reduce your watering frequency to once every two weeks, or even less in particularly cool or dry environments. During this period, it’s easy to overwater since the plant uses less water when it’s not growing much.
How to Water Based on Pot and Soil
- Small pots dry out more quickly than larger pots because there’s less soil to hold moisture. So, if you have your spider plant in a smaller pot, you’ll likely need to water it more frequently.
- Pot material matters too. Terracotta and clay pots allow for more water evaporation through the porous material, meaning the soil will dry faster, while plastic or ceramic pots will retain moisture longer.
If you’re uncertain about when to water then check the soil moisture a couple of inches deep. You can also lift the pot; if it feels light it’s likely time for a drink.
How Much Water Does a Spider Plant Need?
The amount of water you give a spider plant should be enough to thoroughly moisten the soil but not so much that the plant becomes waterlogged. Always water until you see it running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot
then empty any excess from the saucer to avoid root rot.
Top Watering
Watering from the top is by far the most effective way to hydrate your spider plant. Slowly pour water over the soil until it begins to drain out of the bottom of the pot. This method will make sure that all the soil is evenly moistened and excess water can escape through the drainage holes.
Here’s an extra tip: always empty the saucer beneath your plant. If you leave water sitting in the saucer the plant will continue to absorb it and that could lead to overly wet roots and potential root rot.
Bottom Watering
While bottom watering can help in certain situations, like when the soil has become very dry and is difficult to re-wet, I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular practice for spider plants. If you’re not careful the soil may remain soggy at the bottom while appearing dry on top leading to overwatering without you realizing it.
How to Recognize Overwatering and Underwatering
Mistakes happen and both overwatering and underwatering have their own tell-tale signs. Learning to recognize these early can save your plant from serious damage.
Overwatering Symptoms
- Yellowing leaves
- Soil that remains soggy for days after watering
- A foul smell from the pot (a sign of root rot)
- Fungus gnats flying around the plant
Underwatering Symptoms
- Brown or crispy leaf tips
- Leaves that droop or shrivel
- Dry, light-colored soil
- Leaves losing their vibrant green color
Environmental Factors That Affect Watering
It’s important to adjust your watering routine based on the conditions in your home.
Humidity and Temperature
Spider plants thrive in moderate humidity and temperatures between 55°F and 85°F. If your home is particularly dry (especially in the winter with heating on), you might need to water more frequently. Similarly if your plant is near a drafty window or air conditioner this can dry out the soil faster.
Light Levels
Spider plants do best in bright, indirect light. If your plant is in a sunnier spot it will require more water as it uses up moisture faster. In lower light conditions the plant’s water needs decrease.
Pot Size and Material
As mentioned earlier smaller pots dry out quicker. Consider upgrading to a larger pot as your spider plant grows but make sure it has proper drainage holes to avoid water accumulating at the bottom.
Best Water for Spider Plants
The quality of the water matters more than you probably realize. Spider plants can be sensitive to the minerals and chemicals in tap water, particularly fluoride and chlorine, which can cause the leaf tips to turn brown. To avoid this:
- Distilled water is a great option as it’s free from minerals.
- Rainwater is ideal because it’s naturally soft and contains fewer chemicals, plus it’s free!
- If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow some of the chemicals to dissipate.
Soil and Fertilizer
Watering habits are only part of the equation. The type of soil you use and how often you fertilize can drastically impact how much water your spider plant needs.
Soil Mix
A well-draining soil mix is crucial. I would recommend a mix that includes peat moss or coco coir, perlite and a bit of compost. The peat or coco coir helps retain some moisture while the perlite helps stop the water from stick around too long. A good potting mix prevents the common problem of waterlogged soil which can drown your plant’s roots.
Fertilizing Schedule
Spider plants don’t need much fertilizing, but during the growing season (spring and summer), use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Too much fertilizer can build up salts in the soil which can cause brown leaf tips, so be careful not to overdo it.
Location and Light Preferences
Spider plants can tolerate lower light conditions but as mentioned earlier prefer bright and indirect light. Just remember, the more light your plant gets the more water it will need as it will dry out quicker in a sunnier spot. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
A location near an east-facing window is ideal as this is where the plant can enjoy the gentle morning sun but be protected from harsher afternoon rays.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overwatering: Always allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Use a well-draining pot and never let the plant sit in water.
- Using tap water without caution: Consider switching to distilled or rainwater to prevent brown tips.
- Ignoring signs of distress: Keep an eye on your plant’s leaves. Drooping, yellowing, or browning leaves are signals that something’s wrong.
Spider Plant Watering Frequency Table
| Season | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Every 7-10 days | Active growth season, moderate watering |
| Summer | Every 5-7 days | More frequent watering due to heat |
| Fall | Every 10-14 days | Slower growth, less water needed |
| Winter | Every 2-3 weeks | Dormant period, minimal watering |
Final Thoughts
Spider plants may be low maintenance but attention to detail – especially when it comes to watering – will help them properly flourish. With a bit of care your spider plant will reward you with vibrant green leaves and plenty of baby spiderettes.