Care for Spider Plants: Your Complete Guide

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When it comes to care for spider plants , there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to ensure that your plant thrives. First lets investigate a few facts about this intriguing plant to get to know it better.

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a flowering perennial in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to southern Africa, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world and is now a common houseplant.

The spider plant has strap-like leaves that are often variegated with white stripes. In fact the spider plant makes for a beautiful hanging plant thanks to it’s glorious leaves or it can even be potted on a shelf.

One of the reasons this plant is so popular is because it’s very easy to care for, making it ideal for those who are new to plant parenting.

The spider plant is a very versatile houseplant that can be grown in a wide range of conditions. It is tolerant of low light levels, making it ideal for growing in rooms with little natural light. The plant is also drought tolerant and can survive periods of neglect.

Even though the spider plant can withstand a certain amount of neglect its still important to know how to care for Spider Plants so that they thrive. Thriving plants release good energy and vibrations in the your home. Spider plants also purify the air of toxins and are said to be helpful in treating anxiety and depression.

When it comes to care for spider plants , here are the key points to pay careful attention to:

Watering

The spider plant is a drought tolerant plant, however it will thrive if watered on a regular basis. Spider plants like to have moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water. The best way to water your spider plant is to use the “soak and dry” method. This means that you should water your plant until the water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

When it comes to care for spider plants It’s a good idea to use a well draining potting mix. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. You can test the moisture of the soil by simply sticking your finger into the potting mix. If the soil is dry then it’s time to water. Avoid over-watering. Over-watering is the most common reason for spider plants to die so err on the side of under-watering rather than overwatering.

Light

The spider plant prefers bright, indirect light but it will also tolerate low light conditions. If you are growing the plant indoors then place it near a window where it will receive plenty of light. Spider plants are not fans of direct hot sunlight, you will be able to tell if your plant is getting too much sun as the leaves will start to fade or turn brown.

Temperature

The spider plant prefers warm temperatures and will thrive in temperatures between 18-24 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius then the plant may go into dormancy. Dormancy basically means that the plant will stop growing until the temperature rises again. Maintaining average household temperatures should be sufficient for the spider plant to thrive.

Fertilising

The spider plant is not a heavy feeder, however it will benefit from being fertilised on a regular basis. Use a good quality all purpose fertiliser and apply it every couple of weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilising during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Potting and Repotting

The spider plant doesn’t like to be potbound so it’s important to check the roots periodically and repot into a larger pot when necessary. They generally like to be repotted every 2 years. The best time to repot is in springtime before the plant starts actively growing again. Be sure to use a well draining potting mix and select a pot with draining holes. You can use cactus mix or add some perlite to regular potting mix. When repotting, gently loosen the roots before placing the plant into its new pot. The correct pot size to choose will depend on the size of your plant. It’s best to go up one pot size rather than choosing a pot that’s too large.

Propagating

One of the great things about spider plants is that they are very easy to propagate. The plant will produce baby spider plants (called offsets or spiderettes) on long stems. These can be carefully removed from the main plant and potted up separately. To pot up your new spider plant, fill a small pot with well draining potting mix and place the offset into the pot. Firm the potting mix around the offset and water well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in time your offset will develop roots and start to grow. Its a great way to share such a beautiful plant with friends.

You can also propagate spider plants from seed, however this is not as common. If you do want to try propagating from seed then you will need to purchase some spider plant seeds first. Sow the seeds in a well draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep an eye on the seeds. They should start to germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once they have germinated, you can then transplant the seedlings into individual pots.

Care for Spider Plants – Common Problems

One of the most common problems with spider plants is browning or yellowing leaves. This is usually due to too much direct sunlight, however it can also be a sign of over-watering or nutrient deficiencies. If you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to turn brown or yellow then try moving it to a shadier spot and/or reduce watering frequency. Another common problem is root rot, which is caused by over-watering. If you think your plant is suffering from root rot then you will need to remove it from the pot and replant it in fresh, well draining potting mix. as soon as possible.

Pests are another common problem with spider plants. The most common pests are aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. These can all be controlled with regular applications of Insecticidal soap or Neem oil. If you notice any pests on your plant then isolate it from other plants to prevent the pests from spreading. Regularly check your plant for pests and take action as soon as you see them.

I hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to care for your spider plant. These plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home.