Spider Plants- Beautiful and Majestic Additions to Any Home or Garden

Spider plants are beautiful and low-maintenance plants that can be added to any part of your house. Keep them by the bathroom window or near your bookshelf. These plants have a small rosette- a bouquet like the appearance of majestic long and thin foliage that makes it look very attractive. You can get the foliage in solid green or choose the more popular variegated version. 

Let’s learn about planting and care of these plants. 

Planting a spider plant

For a spider plant, you need a soil-based potting mix. Make sure that it has adequate drainage too. Spider plants don’t like to be too wet or too dry- so make sure that the potting mix remains evenly watered throughout the year. The plants thrive in moderate to bright sunlight. However, they should never be kept in open, direct light. It would dry the plant out and even burn their leaves. As soon as you see brown spots and tips on your plant, consider it as a sign of overexposure to sunlight. Always ensure that they receive their light indirectly or are kept in part-shade. 

Spider plants grow very quickly, especially in spring in summer. At this time, you will also see little flowers on stems, which are nothing but new spider plants. You will also see some pups growing alongside the plant. Make sure that you replant these pots every year and accommodate them to a new pot, depending on their growth. Spider plants propagate and replant very easily, so they are great for newbie gardeners as well. If you want to keep your spider plants outdoors, you will be able to use them as annuals alongside fences or at the edges of a bed. However, make sure that they don’t get any direct sunlight. 

Caring for a spider plant

During the initial growth phase, you should water the plant thoroughly once and then avoid daily watering. Once the plants have reached maturity, you can water them moderately, depending on the hydration level of the soil. Don’t let the soil dry too much. Touch the soil before watering- if it appears wet enough, don’t water. The plants thrive at average room temperature and humidity, so you can keep them anywhere in the house you like. 

The plant doesn’t need fertilization. However, you may add fertilizer twice a month during spring and summer if you feel the need to do so. Make sure that your tap water isn’t laden with minerals as it could impede the growth of the plant. 

Spider plant diseases

Spider plants burn their tips very easily. It could be because of dry soil, low humidity or simply chemical buildup. Their tips can also turn brown because of overexposure to sunlight. The plant is also prone to mealybugs and scales, like most other houseplants. However, they shouldn’t be too much of a problem. 

Look around your local nursery and ask for different types of spider plants. Choose a healthy-looking plant and bring home a classic houseplant that doubles up as home décor.