Are you ready to add some greenery to your space? Look no further than spider plants! These low-maintenance plants don’t require much care and can thrive in various locations. In this article, we’ll share our top tips and step-by-step instructions for planting and repotting spider plants to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Key Takeaways
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Spider Plants
Choosing the Right Soil
Spider plants, specifically Chlorophytum comosum, aren’t too picky when it comes to soil. Aim for a pH value between 6 and 7. A soil mix that includes coconut fibers and high-quality compost, like our peat-free Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost, works well. This compost retains water effectively, preventing root rot while providing ample aeration for thirsty spider plants. You can also add a touch of clay powder or loamy garden soil to the mix, as spider plants appreciate slightly clayey soil with good water storage capacity.
Indoor Placement
Spider plants thrive in sunny to semi-shady locations, but be cautious of direct sunlight. Variegated varieties may revert to green if they don’t receive enough light. Maintain humidity levels at 70% or higher to prevent browning of leaf tips. These plants adapt well to both warmer and cooler environments, with an optimal temperature of around 20 °C. For abundant spiderettes, keep the temperature between 14 to 18 °C, while avoiding anything below 10 °C. If you have cats, place your Chlorophytum comosum out of their reach to prevent nibbling. Consider showcasing your spider plants in beautiful macramé hanging baskets, allowing their leaves and flowers to gracefully cascade down.
Outdoor Placement
During the summer, you can have spider plants outside in partial shade without any issues. However, due to their sensitivity to frost, it’s essential to bring them indoors once temperatures drop. To promote robust growth and prevent pest infestation, you can overwinter spider plants in a cooler location with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 °C.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
When it comes to planting spider plants, timing is key. For division-based planting, spring is the ideal season. However, you can plant spider plant cuttings, also known as spiderettes or pups, at any time of the year.
- Select an 8cm pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
- Fill the bottom of the pot with soil, ensuring the leaf bases align with the pot’s top.
- Gently place the plant into the pot, being careful not to damage any young roots it may already have.
- Fill the rest of the pot with soil, lightly pressing it down to remove any remaining air pockets.
- Give the plant a thorough watering to settle the soil.
Remember, it’s best to wait until the pups have established themselves before separating them from the mother plant to ensure their root development.
Repotting Made Simple
Repotting spider plants becomes necessary when the roots become prominent, causing the plant to push itself out of the pot. Spring is the optimal time for repotting, while winter should be avoided.
- Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, about two finger widths bigger.
- Leave the old soil intact between the roots and only add fresh soil to fill the space between the root ball and the new pot.
- Follow the same planting steps mentioned earlier.
It might be tempting to give your spider plant much more space in a larger pot, but remember that a single potted spider plant consists of many individual spider plants, creating a bushier and more attractive appearance. Up to 120 plants can fit in just 1 square meter!
Don’t Bother with Seeds
Growing spider plants from seeds isn’t recommended as most flowers don’t fully develop, resulting in a lack of spider plant seeds. Additionally, seed propagation only works with the green-leaved wild form, which isn’t commonly available for purchase.
Once you’ve planted your spider plants, proper care is crucial for their well-being. For more in-depth information on spider plant care, head over to our comprehensive article.
Ames Farm Center is your go-to destination for all your gardening needs. Happy planting!
