Spider plants are one of the easiest indoor plants that you can grow. They are a fantastic option if you are new to growing indoor plants. But there are still a few things that you should know, so that you can have a flourishing happy spider plant. Let me share what I have learned on growing these simple plants.
We have grown spider plants for many years and collected a few varieties over that time. I have found that I really like the look if the different spider plants grouped togethers. They will also clean the air in your home which I think is so important nowadays.
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Lighting and Temperature Requirements
The reason that spider plants are a popular beginner house plant is because the will survive many different growing environments including low light. This is nice especially if you have north facing windows, perhaps you are surrounded by trees or maybe you live in a basement with limited light.
Now that being said they do prefer a bright window with lots of light. Like I said this plant will survive in low light and if that is all you have then it will do ok. But it will thrive if it can receive a lot of light.
When I say bright light, I am not meaning intense direct sunlight, especially through a glass window. Pretty much all plants will burn if they get too much direct sun, especially the hot midday sun.
As for temperature average warmth is ideal. Most homes have comfortable living temperatures so worrying about the growing temperatures shouldn’t be a problem. If it is comfortable for you then your spider plants will be happy. They just need a little spritz of water every so often to help with humidity.
We live in growing zone 8 (you may need to look up your corresponding zone) in BC Canada so we actually put our plants outside all summer. Then we leave them outside until the evening get below 10C (50F). These plants are native to South Africa so if you live in a similar climate then you too can grow them inside or outside all year round.
Feeding spider plants
Like any potted plants feeding is a good idea the soil tends to get quite depleted if you don’t. Also, repotting your plant with fresh soil every couple of years is a good idea.
Whenever you repot a plant use a good quality indoor potting soil. It will have the right nutrients for indoor plants and I believe they treat is to remove any bugs, like tiny flies that can hatch. No one want that to happen.
Different Varieties of Spider Plants
There are a lot of different varieties of spider plants out there but there are three main varieties that you will more than likely find along with one other that is also gaining popularity.
- The first is called the green spider plant this is the original and is actually pretty hard to find. It is solid green with no variegation.
- Vittatum. This is probably the most popular it is variegated with green edges and an off white stripe down the centre of each leaf.
- Variegatum. Another popular variety its variegated leaves are the opposite to the vittatum. Off white edges with a green centre stripe.
- Lastly there is Bonnie. I just found this variety recently in my local nursery. It has the same variegetion as vittatum except the leaves have a curl. You will more than likely see it named curly leaf spider plant.
Repotting the babies
The cool thing about spider plants is that they grow baby plants that you can then plant on and either keep or give away. Think of them like an insurance policy for the plant if the main plant dies then it has babies to keep on going. I think that is awesome don’t you. Plus if you happen to kill the mother plant then you can just plant up the baby plants in its place.
We have found that after a few years the main plant gets tired looking so we will dig it out and replace it with three or four babies.
You do not need to remove all of the babies they can remain and just hang from the plant. I think that they look nice that way adding a lovely feature especially if you hang your spider plant. You can always ben the fine branches around and stick them into the soil, making you plant bushier.
Pets and Spider Plants
No while it is unlikely this plant will kill your pets it probably isn’t a good idea to let them eat this plant. Eating it will make your pet sick if it eats too much. Most houseplants can be toxic to animals so it is always wise to put them in a place they can’t be reached.
A lot of animals once they have reached maturity will leave your plants alone, but if they don’t then put them somewhere safe.
For cats the plants is a mild hallucinogenic a little like catnip. I have seen cats go crazy for this plant especially the root tubers. I haven’t seen any adverse effects personally, but, it may be wise to hang the spider plant instead of having it on a shelf or table where it would be accessible to your cat.
Pests and Problems
While spider plants tend to be problem free they are still susceptible to some pests. These can include scale, mites, mealy bugs, and aphids. For scale if can catch them early the easiest way to remove them is manually with a tissue, yup its not pretty but it works the best. For the rest I like to use a homemade natural pesticide like this one. Giving the leaves a good wash with water afterwards.
If all else fails remove the plant and soil, then using new soil replant one of the babies in its place.
Brown ends and leaves. This can be caused by a number of reasoned including not enough light as well as under or over watering.
It is hard to over water these plants as they can take a lot of water more than other indoor tropical plants. But they do not like to be water logged so give them good drainage. The best gauge is to stick your finger in the soil to test the moisture or buy a moisture meter like this one here.
If they aren’t getting enough light then you may need to move them to a brighter location if you have one. If you don’t then I would highly recommend a grow light I use one in my home and love it. I like the natural daylight bulbs like these ones.
The Take away
- Will survive in least then optimal lighting making it great for low light conditions. But will thrive with bright light and will produce lots of flowers if it does.
- They do like a good amount of water making, make sure they have good drainage so they don’t become water logged.
- Spider plants will clean the air.
- Creates baby plants that are like an insuance poilcy if you happen to kill the main plant.
- Repot every couple of years and feed once a month during the summer.
- Likes average indoor temperatures.
- Don’t let your pets eat them. While also not freaking out if they do.
- They are like catnip to cats.
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