How to Grow and Maintain a Spider Plant
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that can improve indoor air quality, a spider plant is a great option. In this blog post, we’ll cover why you should grow a spider plant, how to get started, and some tips for keeping your plant healthy.
Why You Should Grow a Spider Plant.
Spider plants are incredibly easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for beginners or anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can even survive periods of neglect. As long as they are given enough light and water, spider plants will thrive.
They Improve Indoor Air Quality.
Spider plants are known for their ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. This is especially beneficial if you live in an urban area or work in a office where the air quality is not ideal. Not only will your spider plant make your home or office look more stylish, it will also help improve your health!
They’re Low Maintenance.
In addition to being easy to care for, spider plants require very little maintenance. They don’t need to be fertilized often and can tolerate being pot-bound, so you won’t need to re-pot them very often either. If you do decide to fertilize your spider plant, simply use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
How to Grow a Spider Plant.
When you’re ready to start growing your spider plant, it’s important to choose a healthy plant. Look for a spider plant that has green, healthy leaves, and avoid any plants that have brown or yellow leaves, or any sign of pests. Once you’ve chosen a healthy plant, you can either start it from seed or purchase a young plant from a nursery.
Place in a Bright, Indirect Location.
Once you have your spider plant, it’s important to choose the right location for it. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, so try to find a spot near a window where the sun won’t directly hit the leaves. If you can’t find a spot like that indoors, you can also grow your spider plant outdoors in partial shade.
Water When the Soil is Dry.
Spider plants are pretty drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to water them very often. The best way to water your spider plant is to wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering thoroughly. Allow the excess water to drain away and then empty out the drip tray after about an hour. In general, you should only need to water your spider plant once every week or two.
Fertilize Monthly.
Although spider plants are relatively low-maintenance, they do benefit from being fertilized on a monthly basis during the growing season (spring through fall). You can use any type of liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants; just be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the leaves.
How to Maintain a Spider Plant.
Spider plants are fast growers and can quickly become leggy and overgrown. To keep your plant looking its best, prune it regularly. Cut back the longest stems to just a few inches above the soil line. You can also remove any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any offshoots (or “plantlets”) that are growing from the main stems.
Re-pot Every Few Years.
As your spider plant grows, it will eventually outgrow its pot. When this happens, you’ll need to re-pot it into a larger container. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot, and choose a potting mix that is light and airy (such as a peat moss-based mix). Repotting in the spring is a good time to give your plant a boost of nutrition with some slow-release fertilizer pellets mixed into the new potting mix.
Beware of Pests.
Spider plants are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be bothered by mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. If you see any pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that can improve your indoor air quality, a spider plant is a great choice. These plants are relatively low maintenance, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to keep them healthy and happy. Start with a healthy plant and place it in a bright, indirect location. Water when the soil is dry and fertilize monthly. Prune regularly and re-pot every few years as needed. Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly if you see any. With a little care, your spider plant will thrive for years to come.
