HOW TO CARE FOR SPIDER PLANTS
The vibrantly green houseplant sure to brighten up any room!
written by Gabrielle Smith
ABOUT THE SPIDER PLANT:
Chlorophytum comosum, or more commonly known as the Spider Plant, receives its nickname from its long slender leaves that spread out towards the sides of the plant, similar to the appearance of a spider's legs. The Spider Plant is a bright green color and often has white stripes in the center of the leaf. During the summer months, the Spider Plant produces tiny white flowers along with "pups," or the new leaf growths. This plant is adaptable to various lighting and watering conditions, making it the perfect plant for new plant parents. In addition to its resilience, the Spider Plant is also know for its air purifying abilities. As a natural air purifier, Spider Plants are perfect for any home or office space!
| Botanical Name: | Chlorophytum comosum |
|---|---|
| Common Names(s): | Spider Plant, Airplane Plant, Spider Ivy, Ribbon Plant |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen Perennial |
| Place of Origin: | Tropical and Subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia |
| Sun Exposure: | Filtered Sun |
| Seasonality: | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
HOW MUCH WATER DO SPIDER PLANTS NEED?
The Spider Plant does not have complicated water needs. When watering your plant, wait about 7 days between each watering or until the soil is completely dry before applying half a cup of water or until top half inch of soil is moist. The Spider Plant can handle occasional overwatering, but a consistent excess of water will cause your Spider Plant to develop root rot. Be wary of overwatering to avoiding harming and/or killing your plant.
HOW MUCH SUNLIGHT DO SPIDER PLANTS NEED?
Ideal Spider Plant Light Requirements:
The Spider Plant is native to subtropical and tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia, where it receives plenty of filtered sun. Filtered sun is sun exposure that is filtered through a overhanging trees, or more commonly in households, through a sheer curtain. It is most easily achieved when the sun is not able to directly hit the plant’s leaves or flowers. The perfect location to place your Spider Plant is in bright indirect light about 5 feet away from a southern or western facing window. This location will allow your Spider plant exposure to the sun’s rays with a maximum of 1 hour of direct sunlight, ensuring your plant is growing and thriving!
Can Spider Plants Grow Under Artificial Light?
Although real sunlight is preferred for your Spider Plant, it does not require natural sunlight; artificial and fluorescent lighting will work just as well to ensure your plant is growing and thriving. Artificial light such as grow lights are a great alternative to natural sunlight for your plant. Since Spider Plants do not need direct sunlight, positioning your grow light near but not directly on your plant will prevent the Spider Plant from burning but will allow optimal growing conditions.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMERATURE FOR SPIDER PLANT?
The ideal temperature for a Spider Plant plant is between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. An average household room temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit will also satisfy your plants needs. However, it is worth nothing the Spider Plant is not frost resistant!
Keep Your Spider Plant Away From The Cold!
Do not expose your Spider Plant to any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or you may risk serious damage or death of the plant. When you use the Flora Pod ™ Sensor, you will be alerted when the temperatures are too cold for your plant, making it that much easier to keep your plant healthy! Here are two great ways to keep your Spider Plant at an appropriate temperature:
1. You can increase the temperature for your plant by wrapping its pot in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap creates a type of insulation for your plant and will protect it from colder drafts.
2. Another way to increase the temperature for your plant is through heat lamps. Heat lamps are a great way to ensure your plant is at the ideal temperature and is not at risk of exposure to lower temperatures.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL HUMIDITY FOR SPIDER PLANTS?
A Spider Plant's humidity needs aren't too picky. An average household humidity level between 30-50% will do just fine! As it is native to tropical and subtropical climates, the Spider Plant can also withstand higher humidity levels.
How to Maintain Proper Humidity:
1. To ensure your plant’s humidity needs are met, keep your Spider Plant in a room with great air circulation near an open window or a nearby fan. Air circulation and a well draining pot will ensure your Spider Plant is growing and healthy!
2. Another way to ensure humidity needs are met is by using a dehumidifier in your house. A dehumidifier ensures that your plant is not receiving too much humidity from the air and is kept at an average humidity level between 30 and 50%.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON PESTS & DISEASES FOR SPIDER PLANTS:
1. Root Rot - Root rot is caused by overwatering your plants. The easiest way to protect your Spider Plant from this disease is to be mindful of how much water you are giving it. When overwatered, the leaves will become mushy and flaccid.
2. Bacterial Leaf Spots - Overwatering also causes bacteria and fungus to mature in your plant’s soil, potentially causing your Spider Plant to develop bacterial leaf spots. Bacterial leaf spots are small oval shapes on your plant that appear in a brownish-yellow color. The best way to treat bacterial leaf spots is through chemical or organic fungicide spray. By targeting the infected areas with the fungicide spray, the bacterial leaf spots should improve and eventually disappear.
3. Scale - In addition to diseases such as root rot and bacterial leaf spots, your Spider Plant is also susceptible to pests such as scale. These are parasitic insects often found in brown, black, or tan colors. These insects are detrimental to your plant's health as they suck the nutrients from the leaves. The best way to get rid of them is by discarding infected leaves, or treating the plant with a pesticide such as neem oil.
You don't have to be superhuman to take care of your plants!
Use the Flora App to ensure all of your plant's needs are being met. Flora will send you alerts and reminders to let you know when it's time for your plant to be watered as well as give you a detailed guide on the optimal conditions to help your plant to thrive!