Why does my spider plant look dead?

Author: Lacy Gusikowski  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Keep a consistent watering schedule–water when the top 50% of the soil is dry. If you accidentally let your Spider Plant's soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, lose color, and possibly start to brown. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a thorough soak is in order.

How to revive a dead spider plant?

How to revive a dying spider plant? Fill up your bathtub with water and dish soap. Dunk the whole plant in. Whatever was in the soil was drowned/equalized & the plant comes back. New babies will grow. Remove all the dead leaves. Trim off the crispy ends of the leaves. Remove pups. Move to a new and bright spot.

What does an overwatered spider plant look like?

Brown Leaves

If you notice the leaves turning brown, your spider has likely been overwatered with tap water.

What is the lifespan of a spider plant?

When grown indoors, Spider Plant can be expected to grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

Should I cut the brown off my spider plant?

This usually means watering approximately once a week, but it may be less frequent during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Q2: Should I cut the brown tips off my spider plant? Yes, you can cut the brown tips off your spider plant.

My Spider Plant is Dying? What Do I Do?

How often should I water my spider plant?

How often should I water my spider plant? A light drink every week or so is all your spider plant needs, watering less frequently in autumn and winter. You're just looking to dampen the compost. A good way to check if it needs watering is to dip your finger into the soil, up to the second knuckle.

How do you nurse a spider plant back to health?

Aftercare and Maintenance
  1. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage in the pot.
  2. Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid compacting the soil.
  3. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again.

Do spider plants need full sun?

The Spider plant grows best in indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sun in the morning, too much full sunlight will burn its leaves. Filtered light is the best option for this green beauty. Your plant should receive only 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily to prevent leaf issues.

How do you know if your spider plant is dying?

In spider plants, the leaves may fall out, yellow, or wilt, depending on the location of the damage. Remove the plant from the pot and check the roots. If they are black, brown, soft, or smelly, your plant is suffering from root rot. You may be able to save it by repotting.

How far back can you cut a spider plant?

When you're ready to trim, cut the fronds at the base, at a 45° angle. This not only gives a clean cut but also helps the plant heal faster. Make sure to remove any baby spider plants, called plantlets or spiderettes, as they take up the energy of the mother plant. Gently snip them near their base.

Where is the best place to put a spider plant?

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.

What does a thirsty spider plant look like?

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.

Should I cut the babies off my spider plant?

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.

What does a sick spider plant look like?

Wilting or yellowing leaves signal over/underwatering or root rot. Brown tips and stunted growth indicate fluoride toxicity or cramped roots. Prevent issues with proper watering, light, and regular inspections.

How do you perk up a spider plant?

If you want to give your spider plant a boost, feed it some liquid fertiliser once a month during warmer seasons.

How to tell if a spider plant has root rot?

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.

Do spider plants like coffee grounds?

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

They appreciate the nutrient boost from coffee grounds. Benefits: Enhances foliage growth. Helps maintain soil health.

What eats spider plants?

Common Pests Affecting Spider Plants
  • 🕷️ Spider Mites. Tiny but mighty, spider mites wreak havoc with their webbing. ...
  • 🛡️ Scale Insects. Scale insects masquerade as harmless bumps on your plant, but don't be fooled. ...
  • 🦟 Fungus Gnats / Fruit Flies. ...
  • 🐛 Mealybugs. ...
  • 🦗 Thrips. ...
  • 🦋 Whiteflies. ...
  • 💡 Understanding IPM. ...
  • 🌱 Cultural Control Methods.

How do you thrive a spider plant?

Spider Plant's Needs Are Simple
  1. Place the plant in bright to moderate light in a room that's a comfortable temperature for everyone.
  2. Keep the soil slightly moist. ...
  3. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, following product directions.

What does a spider plant look like with too much sun?

⚠️ The Downside of Too Much Sun

The leaves might start looking like overcooked spinach, and that's a distress signal. You'll see them turning pale, as if the color is being bleached right out of them. And if they're throwing shade by leaning away from the light, that's their way of saying, "Enough already!"

Should I cut the brown tips off my spider plant?

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.

Can I put my spider plant outside in the summer?

Others that do well outside include dieffenbachia, schefflera and spider plant. Big tropical plants, such as bird of paradise or monstera, also do well outside in more muted light.

What does an underwatered spider plant look like?

A great way to tell if your spider plant is underwatered or overwatered is by checking the leaves. Yellowish leaves indicate too much water! If it's not getting enough water, the leaves will look dry and maybe feel a little crispy.

Should I cut dead leaves off spider plant?

Any foliage being pruned should be cut at the base of the plant. Always use sharp pruners or scissors when pruning spider plants. Remove all discolored, diseased, or dead foliage as needed. To remove the spiderettes, cut the long stems back to the base from both the mother plant and the baby.

How do you restart a spider plant?

How to Propagate Spider Plants in Water
  1. Fill Your Jar With Water. Gather a clean, clear jar and fill it with water. ...
  2. Gather Your Cuttings. ...
  3. Add Cutting to Jar. ...
  4. Place in Sunlight. ...
  5. Fill Your Pot With Soil. ...
  6. Plant Your Cuttings. ...
  7. Place in Indirect Sunlight. ...
  8. Check Cuttings.

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