Spider Plant / Ribbon Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

description

Spider Plant is an easy arching plant that produces hanging plantlets on long stems.

benefits

Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
Suitable for containers

How to care for Spider Plant

sunlight

In southern Africa, spider plants grow in filtered light beneath shrubs and trees. At home, give them bright, indirect light for the fullest growth and strongest variegation.

Bright indirect light

Place near an east window, or a few feet back from a south or west window behind a sheer curtain. Avoid strong midday sun, which can bleach or scorch the leaves.

Lower light tolerated

It will cope with a dimmer room, but growth slows and variegated varieties may become less distinct. Move it closer to a window if new leaves are small or pale.

Rotate the pot every week or two so the arching leaves grow evenly instead of leaning toward the window.

watering

Water thoroughly, then let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry before watering again. Spider plants tolerate a brief dry spell better than constantly wet roots.

Spring and summer

In active growth, this is often about every 5-10 days. Check the soil first, then water slowly until excess runs from the drainage holes and empty the saucer.

Autumn and winter

In cooler or lower light, water roughly every 10-21 days, once the upper half of the potting mix feels dry and the pot is noticeably lighter.

Use the soil and pot weight, not the calendar: bright warmth, small terracotta pots, and fast-draining mix dry sooner than dim rooms, large pots, and dense soil.

If leaf tips brown despite good watering, try rainwater or filtered water and occasionally flush the soil to reduce mineral buildup.

Do not leave the root ball soggy. Yellowing leaves and persistently wet soil can signal overwatering and root rot.

humidity

Preferred humidity

40-60%

Spider plants come from warm parts of Africa and appreciate moderate humidity, but adapt well to most homes. Typical indoor levels of about 30-50% are usually fine.

Very dry air can make leaf tips turn brown or crisp, especially near heaters or air conditioning. Brown tips can also come from mineral buildup in tap water, so humidity is not always the only cause.

Keep it away from direct heat vents, which dry the leaves quickly.

How to increase humidity

Group plants together or use a small humidifier nearby.
Move it a little farther from radiators and hot, sunny windows.
Aim for at least 40% humidity if crisp tips keep appearing in winter.

temperature

Preferred temperature

18-27°C (65-80°F)

Winter minimum

13°C (55°F)

Spider plants come from warm African woodland habitats and prefer steady room temperatures. Growth slows in cooler rooms, while prolonged heat above 27°C (80°F) can dry the soil and leaf tips faster.

Keep it away from cold window glass in winter, and move it a little farther from radiators if the soil is drying unusually fast.

Cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can cause yellowing and limp leaves.

nutrition

March - August

Feed about once a month while the plant is making new leaves or plantlets. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the label strength. Pause feeding in autumn and winter unless it is actively growing in bright, warm conditions.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the leafy growth that keeps a spider plant full and green. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing soft, floppy growth.

Potassium

Potassium supports sturdy growth and overall resilience. It is supplied by a general houseplant fertilizer, so separate supplements are rarely needed.

Feed only on already moist soil, and flush the pot with water occasionally if you see a white crust or leaf tips begin browning.

soil

Loose, moisture-retentive soil

Spider plants like a mix that holds some moisture but lets excess water drain freely, keeping their fleshy roots from staying soggy. Use regular potting mix with perlite or fine orchid bark for extra air around the roots.

pH 6,0 - 7,0

This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range most houseplant potting mixes naturally provide. Choose a fresh indoor potting mix and avoid strongly acidic specialty mixes.