Spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum Comosum, are the under rated in the indoor plant world. They have beautiful leaves with green and white stripes, and are easy to care for , and propagate. If you’re a novice plant parent or simply looking for a low-maintenance yet visually appealing addition to your home, spider plants should be at the top of your list.
Spider Plant Care: Lighting
Spider plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, place them near a window with sheer curtains or blinds that filter the direct rays of the sun. East or north-facing windows are usually the best spots. This provides them with the gentle, diffused light they crave without the risk of scorching their delicate leaves.
Spider plants have an ability to tolerate low-light conditions. They won’t thrive as vigorously in dim corners as they would in brighter spaces, but they’ll survive. However, in low-light environments, their growth may be slower, and they may produce fewer offsets (pups). If you place them in such areas, consider supplementing their light with artificial sources, like LED grow lights.
While spider plants can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, one thing they don’t appreciate is direct sunlight. Direct sun can scorch and damage their leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches. If your spider plant receives too much sun, move it to a shadier location, or provide a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight.
As seasons change, so does the angle of the sun and the intensity of light. Pay attention to how your spider plant responds to its current location. If you notice leaf browning or a lack of growth, it may be time to adjust its placement to ensure it’s getting the right amount of light.
Spider Plant Care: Watering
Proper watering is essential to prevent overwatering or underwatering:
- Water thoroughly: Water your Spider Plant when the top two to three inches of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant thoroughly but ensure that the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Avoid soggy soil: Spider Plants are susceptible to root rot, so it’s crucial to prevent water from accumulating in the pot’s saucer or tray.
- Dormant season: Reduce watering during the plant’s dormant season (fall and winter) when growth slows down. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Spider Plant Care: Potting & Soil
Potting and soil are more important to successful plant care than a lot of people realize. If you’d like to repot your Spider Plant, there are two things to consider when choosing a new pot, size, drainage.
Potting
When picking a new pot, opt for a pot that allows for some room for your Spider Plant’s roots to grow. While they don’t require a vast amount of space, a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current root ball is usually suitable. Don’t go too much larger though, as this can make your Spider Plant more prone to root rot—a common issue for Spider Plants.
Putting a plant in a pot without a drainage hole is the fastest way to kill it. Ensure that the pot you choose has drainage holes at the bottom. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged soil, which can also lead to root rot.
Soil
Most plants come from the store in a soil mix that isn’t ideal for their growth. If your Spider Plant looks like it is in straight peat moss, or peat moss with very little perlite, I would recommend repotting it.
Before repotting it, if you just brought it home, I would give it a week or so to acclimate to your home. Too much change can shock your plants, so its best to wait until it has acclimated to your home to repot.
This plant will do best in a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. This can be hard to find in stores, so I like to make my own. To make mine at home, I mix two parts potting mix and one part perlite.
Spider Plant Propagation Guide
Propagating Spider Plants is not only a fun and rewarding process but also a way to share the beauty of these resilient houseplants with friends and family. Luckily, spider plants do most of the work for you!
Spider plants send out offsets called pups. These are baby plants that grow connected to the main plant by a runner or shoot. Wait until the offsets are a few inches tall before separating them from the parent plant.
Once they are big enough to remove, you can cut them off their stem and put them in water until they grow roots that about two inches long. I tend to wait until I see secondary roots coming out to put up my propagations.
At this point, all you have to do is pot it up, give it a good watering, and you’re all set!
As you continue your journey with your spider plant, remember to adapt your care routine to its unique needs. Keep a watchful eye on its environment, monitor soil moisture, and address any issues promptly. Like any living creature, spider plants respond positively to attention and care. If you have any questions, or additional advice, feel free to leave a comment. Happy Growing!