The popular spider plant is known for being easy to care for. It has long, thin leaves that are green with white stripes and can grow up to two feet tall. It’s a fast-growing plant that is low maintenance.
Spider plants are native to South Africa and have been cultivated in Europe and North America since the 1800s. The scientific name for the spider plant is Chlorophytum Comosum. The plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family, which includes asparagus and lilies.
The spider plant gets its name from the long, spider-like stems that extend from the main plant.
Other common names include ribbon plant, airplane plant and St. Mary’s grass.
This well-liked plant is a perfect one for beginners. It’s easy to care for and grows fast, so you won’t wait long to see results. Hanging baskets remain a popular way to display spider plants, as the long stems can trail down from the pot.
There are a few things to keep in mind when caring for this plant. So, let’s look at spider plant care and the benefits of spider plants.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Common names | Spider Plant, Ribbon Plant |
| Botanical name | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Water | Moderate watering |
| Soil | Well-draining; keep soil moist |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Water
Spider plants have tubers, which are small, potato-like growths on the roots. These tubers help the plant store water so that it can withstand periods of drought.
They still need to be watered, though. Moderate watering will suffice. A lot of water is not required, as too much can be detrimental to the plant.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, as moist soil is preferred.
The tubers are also susceptible to rot, so make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Light
The spider plant prefers bright, indirect light. It will also tolerate lower light levels, but growth may be slower. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
The plant’s stripes are more pronounced in brighter light. If the plant is not getting enough light, its stripes will fade.
Temperature
The spider plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. This plant can survive in temperatures as low as 50 °F (10°C). However, it thrives in warmer temperatures between 70 °F and 90 °F (21 °C and 32 °C).
Humidity
The spider plant prefers humid conditions. If the air is too dry, the plant’s leaves may start to brown and curl. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves or set the pot on a pebble tray. A pebble tray is a shallow dish filled with gravel and water. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant.
Soil
Spider plants need a well-draining potting mix. A standard potting soil or cactus mix will work well. Be sure to add some extra perlite or sand to the potting mix to ensure good drainage.
Repotting
The spider plant does not need to be repotted often. The tubers are delicate and can easily be damaged when the roots are disturbed. If you do need to repot, wait until the plant is actively growing in spring. Use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot.
On average, repot every 2-3 years.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your spider plant about once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release pellets. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots.
Spider plants are not heavy feeders, so they don’t need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of compost or a balanced liquid fertilizer every few months is all that is needed. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can burn the plant’s roots.
Pests and Diseases
The spider plant is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases are often caused by too much water or poor drainage.
Flowers
The spider plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in spring or summer. These flowers are not particularly showy and are often hidden by the leaves. However, they do produce a sweet fragrance.
After the flowers fade, the plant will produce offsets or “babies.” These offsets can be used to propagate new plants.
Propagation
The spider plant is easily propagated from offsets or “babies.” These offsets can be removed from the parent plant and potted up on their own. To remove an offset, carefully twist it off at the base. Be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the roots.
Plant the offset in well-draining potting soil. Water lightly and keep the soil moist. The offset will root in about two weeks.
Benefits of spider plants
The spider plant is not only easy to care for, but it also has many benefits.
Low-maintenance: As we’ve seen, the spider plant is a low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t require a lot of water or attention. This makes it a great plant for busy people or those who are new to plants.
Fast-growing: The spider plant grows quickly. This is great news if you’re looking for instant gratification!
Not poisonous: The spider plant is not poisonous. This makes it a great plant for homes with small children or pets.
Low light: The spider plant can tolerate low light levels. This makes it a great plant for dark corners or rooms with little natural light.
Beautifies the home: The spider plant is a beautiful plant. It has long, green leaves with white stripes. The flowers are also pretty and fragrant.
Common types
There are many different types of spider plants, but the most common is the green variety. This plant has long, narrow leaves that are solid green in color. There are also variegated varieties that have leaves with white or yellow stripes.
Vittatum
This variety has leaves that are solid green in color with a white stripe running down the center.
Variegatum
This is the most common variegated variety and has leaves that are green with white stripes. The stripes in this type of spider plant are usually wider than those of the vittatum variety and located more towards the edges of the leaves.
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Lemon lime’
This variety has bright yellow-green leaves with dark green stripes. It is a relatively new variety and can be hard to find.
Summary
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that is sure to liven up any room, the spider plant is a great option. This fast-growing plant is perfect for people who are new to gardening or those who don’t have a lot of time to spend on upkeep.
It’s not poisonous, so it’s a good choice for homes with small children or pets. And finally, the spider plant beautifies the home with its long, green leaves and pretty flowers.