Learn How to Grow Spider Plants with this step-by-step guide and keep this low-maintenance plant happy and thriving.
The spider plant is considered one of the most adjusting houseplants and is easy to care for. It can grow in various growing conditions and does not suffer much from bugs and diseases. Spider plants are available in variegated or green varieties, and spiderettes usually start as tiny white flowers. Read on to learn how to grow spider plants to keep them happy.
Spider Plants Information
Spider plants can tolerate a wide range of conditions. This hardy plant looks striking and healthy when you offer conditions that are similar to those of its native tropical habitat. It can grow tall and wide to about 1-1.5 feet long.
The leaves are usually found in white, striped green, or green. Usually, mature plants produce tiny, white flowers in the shape of stars.
Varieties of Spider Plant
There are many kinds of Spider plants to grow. We have listed the top three:
1. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’
This kind is more compact than the main species. It has loosely curled leaves, a cream-colored center stripe, and green margins. It bears yellow-colored blooms.
2. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’
This variety has leaves with a white-colored center stripe and long white stems with green margins.
3. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’
With long green stems, this kind bears leaves with a dark-green-colored stripe in the center and margins of white or cream.
Propagating Spider Plants
You can choose to grow many Spider babies easily from cuttings.
Leave the small plantlets until they do not establish roots that are at least 1-2 inches in length. Then, cut off the stem carefully that ensure the roots are intact.
Plant the stem cuttings in a container with a good number of drainage holes. The soil needs to be kept evenly moist but not soggy until the cutting develops roots.
From Division: You can also choose to propagate Spider plants using mature plants by division. You need to:
- Dig up a mature, healthy plant to divide.
- Safety tug at the root ball. Carefully pull apart the ball into parts, keeping the roots intact.
- Now, you can replant the divisions.
Best Container for Growing Spider Plants
The Spider plant prefers a container slightly bigger than the plant’s roots. The container should have enough drainage holes to ensure excellent drainage and avoid any chances of root rot. Ideally, you can choose to grow Spider plants in containers made of metal, plastic, wood, or even fabric.
The size usually depends on the plant’s size, but it needs to be only 2-4 inches bigger than the plant and no more.
Requirements for Growing Spider Plants
Location
Spider plants love to be planted in light shade and thrive well in the same light conditions. However, Spider plants can tolerate heavier shade, which could make the plant’s growth less robust. Also, direct sunlight can lead to scorching of the leaves. Ideally, you can place the plant near a bright, sunny window that receives partial shade and indirect, bright sunlight.
Soil
The Spider plant thrives well in various soils, but it prefers loamy, loose soil with excellent drainage. Though the plant can tolerate slightly alkaline and acidic soil, it is best to plant it in a relatively neutral soil pH. Make sure to keep the salt level in the soil in check, as a higher level of salt could cause the leaf edges to turn brown.
Watering
Spider plants love lightly and evenly moist soil but not soggy soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and the plant’s death. The plant is also susceptible to the chlorine and fluoride content in the water, which leads to the browning of leaf tips. You can use distilled or rainwater for plants planted in pots, too.
Temperature
Spider plants are tropical plants and love the hot and humid climate. The plant does not love to live in temperatures below 50°F or 10°C. Though they would not be damaged, the plant would not grow much below the temperature of 65°F or 19°C. The ideal temperature range for the plant to thrive well is 70-90°F or 20-32°C.
Keep the plant away from AC vents and drafts if spider plants are growing indoors.
Humidity
Generally, Spider plants love a moderate level of humidity. The tip of the leaves tends to turn brown whenever the humidity level drops to being too low. You may need to place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water or mist it regularly. To maintain the ideal humidity level, you can even put a humidifier near the plant.
Spider Plants Care
Fertilizer
Spider plants like to be fed with a moderate level of fertilization. An excessive fertilization amount can lead to the browning of the leaf tips, and too little could weaken the plant.
To feed your spider plants, you need to use an all-purpose water-soluble or granular time-release fertilizer. Please follow the instructions on the fertilizer’s label. Depending on your plant’s growth, you may need to adjust the amount to be used.
Repotting
The best time to repot is during spring. Start by carefully removing the plant from the old pot and placing it at the same level in a 2-4 inches bigger container than the old one. Then, fill the container with fresh potting soil mix.
Pests and Diseases
Typically, Spider plants are healthy and only attacked by some common plant bugs, including spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. If you notice any signs in the foliage that look unhealthy, it could mean an infestation. Consult an expert to learn the best technique to tackle pests. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal infections.
