The spider plant, originating from South Africa, is an incredibly versatile and resilient houseplant that makes a great addition to any home or office. It is incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, although it is prone to developing brown tips if it isn’t properly cared for. With the right environment and a bit of TLC, the spider plant can thrive, bringing beauty and life to any space.
Drought Tolerant
Pet
safe
Easy to Care for
Airplane Plant | Ribbon Plant | Spider Ivy Plant
easy to propagate
Once a week
well draining soil
Indirect
sunlight
Humid environment
Spider plants love humid environments but can handle lower humidity. They thrive in steamy bathrooms as long as they have access to some sunlight. In winter conditions where the air is drier, you should mist your Spider Plants regularly to emulate warmer, more humid environments.
Spider Plants like well draining pots, too much moisture can cause root rot and prevents healthy root growth. Healthy Spider Plants can be repotted every 1-2 years, but good indications are roots growing out of the bottom of the pot and/or roots popping up on the surface of the soil.
The spider plant is considered one of the most adaptable of houseplants and the easiest to grow. This plant can grow in a wide range of conditions but prefer bright, indirect sunlight because they can get sunburnt in the direct sun.
Generally you should water your Spider Plants about once a week, when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Drought hardy due to the large tubers that develop with other roots, these popular household plants are easy to keep alive.
There are over 200 varieties of Spider Plant, check out a few below!
The Variegated Spider Plant boasts medium green leaves adorned with a stylish cream stripe down the center, adding a touch of elegance to its foliage. This distinctive feature sets it apart, creating a visually appealing contrast and making it a charming addition to any space. Easy on the eyes and easy to care for, this plant is an excellent choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and those new to indoor gardening.
The Reverse Variegated version of the spider plant stands out with its distinctive long, blade-like green leaves that gracefully transition to a vibrant yellow along the edges. This unique coloration adds a dynamic flair to its appearance, making it an eye-catching choice for plant enthusiasts. With minimal care requirements, it promises optimal results, making it a hassle-free and rewarding addition to any indoor space.
Everything you adore about the classic, but with a literal twist! Curly Spider Plants have long, slender leaves with curls and twists. A content Curly Spider Plant is generous too, producing dainty white flowers and numerous baby plants, perfect for sharing with friends. From my experience, these are slower growing than their original varieties.
The Green Spider Plant is a distinctive rarity amid its variegated counterparts. Its solid green hue not only makes it a unique and captivating find but also sets it apart in terms of health. Chlorophyll, responsible for the plant's green color, is crucial for photosynthesis. In the case of the Green Spider Plant, more green means more chlorophyll, translating to enhanced photosynthetic activity and a healthier, thriving plant. This makes it not just an intriguing addition to your green family but also a robust and flourishing one.
Spider Plants send out shoots that branch off into multiple directions. These shoots may produce small, starlike white flowers that, when fertilized, will produce seed pods. These shoots will product 'Spiderettes' with tiny roots at the bottom. There are multiple methods that can be used to propagate these Spiderettes:
Cutting the spiderettes from the shoot with a clean knife or scissors, you can place it in a jar of water with only the bottom submerged. Place the jar in indirect sunlight and new roots will develop in 7-14 days, allowing for the plant to get a head start on root development before being placed in soil. When those new roots are about 2 inches long, plant the spiderette into a 2-3 inch pot with a well-draining soil mixture.
This is the easiest form of Spider Plant propagation, but from my experience, this takes the longest with the most amount of 'trauma' to the Spiderettes. Prepare a 2-3 inch pot with well-draining soil mixture. Using a clean knife or scissors, cut the shoot close to the base of the Spiderette and place the base in the potting soil, deep enough that the plant stands on its own.
There can be a small trauma period where the spiderette gets droopy and stressed, however, with close attention and frequent watering, the plantlet will establish its new roots and recover.
This is similar to the second method but provides a more gradual transition away from the parent plant, resulting in less trauma. Prepare a small 2-3 inch pot with well-draining soil mixture. Without separating from the parent plant, place the bottom of the Spiderette in the soil. Keep the Spiderette's soil moist and roots should develop in about 2-3 weeks. When pulling on the plantlet, it should remain firmly in its potting mix. At this point, it is safe to cut away from the parent plant.
Try planting multiple Spiderettes in the same pot. As they grow, this will create a more full and robust mature plant. Spider Plants do not mind being root bound and will actually produce more shoots with spiderettes for propagation.
Through all my research and experimentation, I have found some best practices and care tips that I feel would be good to share! Learn from my mistakes, take what works for you and feel free to share additional tips! Plant parenthood is a forever-learning process with new mistakes to be made.