Plant Profile: Spider Plant

Slightly pale Chlorophytum Comosum
(Common Name: Spider Plant), after watering

Last week was busy! I only put out one of my planned posts and left the others to just sit.  This week is going to be just as busy but maybe if I get one post out, I'll get at least one more post out!

Onto our next Plant Profile!

For as long as I can remember my mom has had a garden and houseplants around the house.  She's had this one Spider Plant for forever, and I can probably count on two hands the number of little spider babies that I have killed.  About 6 years ago, I was given yet another baby and told, "try not to kill this one." This time I was successful.  The picture above is one of the babies that I've propagated from my success plant and is currently sitting in one of my kitchen windows, I take it out to water it and then just put it back and its as happy as can be!

Anytime anyone tells me that they'd "love to get into houseplants" or "I always kill them," I tell them to get a Spider Plant.  I have almost killed my plant at least once a year since I've gotten it and it always comes back.  These plants are hardy creatures and can handle it if you forget about them. They will let you know if they're not getting enough sun or water, usually before they have a chance to die.  Not only are they a great beginner plant but they also are one of the plants that help reduce indoor pollutants!

Soil

Spider Plants love a soil planting matter that drains well. They don't like to be too dry or too wet so a nice loamy soil that retains moisture but drains well is best for Spider Plants.  (I'm planning a future post on what the heck loamy means)

Light Needs

Spider Plants like to be in bright to moderate indirect sunlight, but can tolerate low light situations.  Bright, hot light sources will probably result in sunburn on the tips or spots on the leaves.  It definitely doesn't love a dark corner but it definitely doesn't need to have all of the light.  Spider plants also do well in artificial light so they're a great plant to consider if you're looking to spruce up your desk.

Watering Needs

Spider Plants need a low to average amount of water.  Water your plant every 10 days or, depending on how dry your house is, when the soil is almost dry.  When you do water your spider plant, make sure you allow the water to drain all the way through the pot.

Fertilizer

Try to avoid over-fertilization, but in the spring and summer you can fertilize up to twice a month and it'll be fine.  I usually go around the house around the middle of the month and fertilize the house plants in the spring/summer time.

Pests/Issues

These plants can be prone to tip burn - when the tip of the leaf turns brown.  This can be for a variety of reasons: too much sun - mentioned earlier, low humidity, or sometimes tap water has a buildup of salt or chemicals from public water.  Move the plant away from the window during the hottest part of the day, spray your plant every so often to increase the humidity, or consider switching to distilled water.

Spider plants, like other plants, can also get mealybugs and scale.  Inspect regularly and take steps to treat your plants for any pests. I have yet to encounter any issues and I hope it stays that way.  Fingers crossed, I won't need to do a post on how to treat any of these issues!

Propagation 

Spider plants are super easy to propagate and are great to give away as gifts to friends and family.  Spider plants will flower and produce spiderlettes from the main plant.  When the babies reach about two inches in diameter, gently twist and pull or cut it.  Place the cutting in water and allow it to grow roots, replacing the water every few days.  Once the cutting has grown roots, transfer it to soil and you've got yourself a new plant!

Pet Safety

The ASPCA considers the Spider Plant non-toxic to cats and dogs.  You can read more on their great site here.


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