Spider plants, also known as airplane plants, are a popular houseplant due to their easy-to-care nature and ability to purify the air. As a gardener, I have personally grown several spider plants over the years, and I can attest to their durability and aesthetic appeal. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and tricks on how to grow and care for a spider plant, so you too can enjoy their beauty in your home. As you can see by spider plant above they look great in pot head planters.
Best Pot Type for Spider Plant
When it comes to choosing the best pot type for your spider plant, opt for a well-draining pot. These plants don’t fare well with waterlogged soil, hence, a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom is crucial. Ceramic or terracotta pots are excellent choices as they are porous and allow for better air and water movement than plastic pots. However, if you choose a plastic pot, just be sure it has ample drainage holes. Remember, the key is to prevent the plant’s roots from sitting in water and risking root rot.
Soil Mix for Spider Plant
Spider plants prefer a well-aerated soil mix that drains quickly. A good formula for spider plants is to mix equal parts of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand. This combination will ensure that the soil retains enough moisture to nourish the plant without waterlogging it. Potting soil provides essential nutrients, peat retains a moderate amount of moisture, and perlite or sand allows excess water to drain quickly. If you prefer an easier option, you can also use high-quality pre-mixed potting soil designed for houseplants. Just ensure it has good drainage qualities to keep your spider plant healthy.
Water and Fertilizer for your Spider Plant
When it comes to watering spider plants, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown. As a rule of thumb, water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually equates to watering once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. However, this may vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels in your home.
As for fertilizing, spider plants aren’t heavy feeders, but they do benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. From spring through early fall, feed your spider plant with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks. Be sure to follow the package’s instructions on dilution rates to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt build-up and cause the leaf tips to brown. In winter, when growth slows down, you can skip the fertilizer altogether. Following these tips will help your spider plant thrive and flourish.
Light Requirements for Spider Plants
Spider plants are quite adaptable when it comes to their light requirements. They prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low-light conditions. However, it’s important to note that spider plants grown in low light may not produce the characteristic baby spider plants or “spiderettes” as abundantly as those in brighter locations. Avoid placing your spider plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown.
If you have a spot that doesn’t get enough natural light, you can use a grow light to supplement it. Grow lights are especially useful during the darker winter months when daylight hours are fewer. A basic fluorescent or LED bulb that emits a broad spectrum of light is ideal for spider plants. The light should be placed such that it illuminates the plant without overheating it. Consider leaving the grow light on for about 12-16 hours each day for optimal growth. By catering to their light needs, your spider plant can maintain its vibrant green color while promoting healthy growth and development.
Propagating Spider Plants in Soil and Water
Spider plants are incredibly easy to propagate through the spiderettes, and you can do so either in soil or water.
How to Propagate Spider Plants in Soil
To propagate spider plants in soil, you’ll want to focus on the small plantlets or ‘spiderettes’ that grow from the mother plant. Choose a healthy-looking spiderette, preferably one with a few small roots already growing. Cut it from the main plant and plant it directly into a small pot with a well-draining soil mix (as described earlier in this blog) so that the roots are covered. Water it thoroughly and then keep the soil moderately moist until you see new growth, a sign that your plant has rooted.
How to Propagate Spider Plants in Water
If you’d like to propagate in water, follow the same initial steps – choosing a healthy spiderette and cutting it away from the mother plant. Instead of planting it in soil, place the spiderette in a small jar or a glass with the roots or bottom part submerged in water. Make sure the leaves remain above the water to prevent rotting. Place the jar in a location with bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to prevent it from getting cloudy. Within a couple of weeks, the spiderette should start growing roots. Once you see a healthy root system, you can transplant it into a pot with soil.
Both methods of propagation are fairly simple and can produce a new spider plant in no time. It’s a great way to multiply your collection or share with friends and family.
How to Grow a Spider Plant in Water
Growing a spider plant in water is an interesting alternative to traditional soil planting. This method, also known as hydroponics, can be a fun experiment and a great way to appreciate the beauty of a spider plant’s roots.
Start by choosing a healthy-looking spiderette from an existing spider plant. Cut it off carefully, ensuring that you have a few inches of stem. Rinse any residual soil from the spiderette and place it in a clear glass jar or vase. Fill the jar with enough water to submerge the lower half of the stem, but be sure to keep the leaves above water to prevent them from rotting.
Place your jar in a location with bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly to replenish the nutrients and prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. Within a few weeks, you should start seeing roots growing from the submerged part of the stem.
Growing a spider plant in water requires minimal maintenance. You don’t have to worry about under- or over-watering, and with transparent containers, you can enjoy watching your plant’s roots grow and develop. However, it’s worth noting that while spider plants can survive indefinitely in water, they do tend to grow slower than their soil-planted counterparts.
Happy Gardening!
Growing and caring for spider plants is a rewarding experience for any home gardener. With their purifying qualities and easy maintenance, spider plants are a great addition to any indoor space. By following these simple tips on light, soil, water, fertilizer, pruning, and pest management, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of spider plants for years to come.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponic Gardening, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!
