Gently coax your spider plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and resilient, like a fresh carrot. If they're black, mushy, and crumble faster than a cookie in a toddler's grip, you've got root rot.
How to check for root rot. The main signs to look out for are: yellowing, wilting leaves, wet soil that isn't drying, black, wet roots, quickly declining health, and stunted growth.
Brown Leaves
If you notice the leaves turning brown, your spider has likely been overwatered with tap water.
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.
Spider plants boast a rhizomatous root system, which is like nature's version of a survival kit. These roots store water, allowing the plant to forgive your forgetful watering habits. The roots are tuberous and fleshy, and they're the reason your spider plant doesn't throw a fit if you miss a watering or two.
If you want to give your spider plant a boost, feed it some liquid fertiliser once a month during warmer seasons.
You may notice the tips of your spider plant's leaves browning and drying. This is called leaf tip burn, and it is most likely caused by too much fertilizer or too little water. It may also be due to water that has too many minerals or salts in it.
Typically, a spider plant will grow and thrive for several years, with the potential to live up to a decade or more under optimal conditions. The life cycle begins with the growth of the main plant. This stage is marked by the development of strong, arching leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length.
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.
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.
Where to grow a spider plant. Grow these easy plants in a bright spot out of direct sun as this can scorch their leaves. They can cope with a bit of cold, but don't leave them anywhere where the temperature will drop below 8 degrees in the winter. The best room for a spider plant will depend on the light.
The most common uses of hydrogen peroxide for plants include: Eliminates root rot. Supports growth of healthier roots.
Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water, and drench the soil around the affected plant. Cinnamon is another natural remedy that can help prevent root rot due to its antifungal properties. Sprinkle cinnamon on the soil surface or mix it into the soil to help combat fungal pathogens.
However, we're still here to assist, offering a chance to potentially save your indoor plant. Root rot typically doesn't fix itself, so we recommend following the 3 steps below.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
They appreciate the nutrient boost from coffee grounds. Benefits: Enhances foliage growth. Helps maintain soil health.
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.
You know your spider plant is thriving when new long, viney stems emerge from the centre of the plant for baby plants (or spidettes) to grow on. Spider plant babies are so easy to grow; you just need to cut the spidettes off from the stem and pot them in damp compost.
Spider Plant's Needs Are Simple
Place the plant in bright to moderate light in a room that's a comfortable temperature for everyone. Keep the soil slightly moist. Once-a-week watering is sufficient in spring and summer; in winter, allow the soil to dry a bit more between waterings.
Spider plants can be watered from the top or the bottom—but always check the soil moisture beforehand. Top watering is more common, but bottom watering can be beneficial if the soil is very dry.
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 repotting, gently loosen the roots and remove any dead or damaged ones. After repotting, place the spider plant in a bright, indirect light location and water it thoroughly. By following these steps, the spider plant can thrive and continue to beautify your space.
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.