Spider Plant
An Eye-Catching House Plant, Perfect for Beginners!
Spider Plants earn their name from the small “spiderettes” that grow from the larger “mother” plant. This easy-to-care-for plant is the perfect choice for gardeners of all experience levels, especially those looking for an air-purifying option.
Many gardeners choose Spider Plants for their versatility. The small plant only grows to two or three feet in height and width, so it can fit almost anywhere in your space. Place it on tables or countertops or hang one from your ceiling. Wherever you choose, the Spider Plant is eye-catching with its variegated green and cream leaves. I have mine hanging as I’m hoping when it grows, the leaves and hopefully babies will hang nicely.
What’s more, you don’t have to worry about placing the plant out of your pets’ reach, as it’s non-toxic. You can even propagate the Spider Plant’s plantlets for friends and family!
Spider Plants are one of the easiest house plants to grow, so they’ll thrive wherever you envision them in your home. They make the ideal greenery accent for beginner gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option or experienced gardeners wanting to enhance their living space.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Your Spider Plant needs lots of indirect, bright light. The best place for your plant is near an east-facing window that’s free from drafts. Many people hang their plants, but you can also let them cascade off a tall surface like a column.
Fill a 4-inch pot, with draining holes, with organic potting soil. Plant your Spider Plant in the pot and cover only the roots with soil. Make sure your pot has proper drainage holes.
Tip: If your Spider Plant’s roots have cracked its pot, then it’s time to re-pot. It’s also a good idea to re-pot if you see roots showing above the soil.
2. Watering: You can use your finger to test the soil’s moisture level. If the soil feels dry, add water. It’s good practice to test the moisture level every week during the plant’s young life.
Occasionally, your Spider Plant’s leaves may become brown at the tip. If this happens, switch to distilled water. The fluoride in tap water can increase the salt intake, causing the tips of the leaves to turn brown. However, this is not dangerous for the plant; you can simply prune off the tip.
3. Fertilizing: You can add a general house plant fertilizer to your Spider Plant every three months, but it’s not necessary.
Tip: Spider Plant leaves collect dust, so keep your tree healthy by wiping down the leaves as needed with a dust cloth.