A: Yes, a spider plant likes to be slightly root-bound since this encourages it to produce more flowers and offsets. Nevertheless, if you notice the roots circling inside the pot or running out of space to grow, your plant needs repotting. Otherwise, it may suffer from stunted growth and various leaf-related issues.
Spider plants generally benefit from repotting every 1-2 years, or when you notice the root ball has become overcrowded and the plant has outgrown its current pot. Younger plants may require repotting more frequently, while older plants with slower growth may need it less often.
Potting and Repotting Spider Plant
Use pots that aren't much bigger than the plant root for spider plants—about 1/3 larger. Planters should have good drainage holes. Repot spider plants in fresh potting mix every two to three years, but keep the new planter only a couple of inches larger than the previous pot.
When you grow spider plants indoors, you'll want to choose a good spot in your home or office. Select a location that has bright indirect sunlight. Regular direct sunlight can burn your plant's leaves. I suggest about a foot away from South or West facing windows.
Should You Cut the Brown Tips Off Spider Plants? You can cut the brown tips off your spider plant to get back the aesthetically pleasing appearance of your green companion. The damaged fronds may not affect your plant's overall health but pruning them will make your spider plant look so much better.
Try to water your spider plant about once a week. Letting the soil dry out a little between waterings is a good idea. If you start to see fungus growing, yellowed leaves, or root rot occurring on your spider plant, you may be overwatering.
Brown Leaves
If you notice the leaves turning brown, your spider has likely been overwatered with tap water.
Spider plant generally has few pest problems other than scale insects and mealybugs. Tip burn of the leaves is a common problem that can have many causes. Low humidity, excessively dry soil, salt accumulation and/or chemicals, particularly fluoride or chlorine, in tap water may cause brown leaf tips.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
They appreciate the nutrient boost from coffee grounds. Benefits: Enhances foliage growth. Helps maintain soil health.
Unlike the other indoor plants on this list, the spider plant is not a vining species. Instead, it grows grass-like ribbons of leaves that spill over the edge of a hanging basket. It also sends out long stems with small white flowers and new spider plants at the tips.
A: Spider plants like bottom watering, but only when the soil is completely dry. If there's still some moisture in the soil, it's a good idea to avoid bottom watering. Note that watering houseplants over the soil helps flush any salt buildups.
A: For propagation purposes, you can cut or leave the babies on the spider plant and root them while still connected to the stolons. If you don't intend to multiply the plant, you should cut the spiderettes during pruning sessions.
Getty images. Long, vine like stems will emerge from the centre of your plant when it is mature and happy. Spider plant babies grow at the tip of these long stems. To make new plants from spider plant babies, either snip off the spider plant baby or grow it on while it's still attached.
After the repot, your Spider Plant may throw a bit of a tantrum, showing signs of transplant shock. Keep an eye on it and trim any leaves that decide to go rogue and turn brown. It's just the plant's way of saying, "I'm adjusting over here!"
Spider plants will put up with most light conditions, but will flourish in brighter spots in your home. Keep your spider plant away from harsh, direct sunlight; he'll enjoy being on a desk or hanging from a shelf.
When you prune, you're essentially telling your plant, "Hey, it's time to wake up and get growing!" By removing the spent or damaged foliage, you're redirecting your plant's energy to the new shoots. This means more green, more growth, and more of that Spider Plant charm.
Shaving the root ball helps to stimulate new root growth and allows for better nutrient absorption. It's a common problem with spider plants to become root-bound if they aren't repotted regularly. When the roots become overcrowded, it can lead to stunted growth, yellowing or browning leaves, and waterlogging.
🐦 Birds and Groundhogs. Birds may peck at Spider Plants, sometimes causing significant damage, while groundhogs are known for their voracious appetites, often eating entire plants.
These hardy houseplants can live for a long time. The typical lifespan of a healthy spider plant is about 20 years, although some gardeners have kept their spider plants alive for over 50 years. These plants can withstand a fair amount of neglect, but thrive with moderate attention.
Gently wiggle the roots of their shape and then plant into a new, larger pot with fresh potting soil for indoor plants. Once the plant is repotted, this will stimulate new growth and make your spider plant bushier once again.
If you notice the green striping on your Spider plant is fading, it's likely because it's very thirsty! Fading leaves may also be droopy and limp.
Reviving a Dying Spider Plant
Overwatering is a common misstep. To promote recovery, let the soil dry out before watering again. This isn't a cactus, but it's not a fan of soggy feet either. Check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to hydrate.
The humidity is too low.
If the air around a spider plant gets too dry, its leaf tips can dry out and turn brown. Spider plants are tropical plants that need 50% to 60% humidity. You may naturally have this much humidity in your home during the summer, but in winter, indoor humidity levels tend to drop.