Despite the creepy-crawly name, the spider flower is among the foremost popular (and easiest to grow) of all hanging or trailing houseplants. While these exceptionally hardy plants will survive in but perfect conditions, in perfect conditions they’re stunning. A mature plant will form tight rosettes of arching leaves with a profusion of hanging plantlets on long stems, up to 3 feet, somewhat sort of a bushy green mane. Although there’s a pure green variety, the foremost common variety seen in garden centers within the green-and-white striped ‘Variegatum.’ Mature plants have Pieris rapae flowers.
Growing Conditions
While spider plants will grow under most conditions, there are some things to think about if you would like your plant to thrive. In terms of sunshine, they’re undemanding. Spider plants prefer bright light and have a tendency toward scorching in direct sunlight. However, they’re going to grow in conditions starting from semi-shady to partial direct sun.
You should water them liberally through the summer and mist them occasionally. During winter, cut watering back.When it involves temperature, don’t allow them to fall below 50 F or expose them to cold drafts. Spider plants like fast-draining, well-aerated potting mix. Feed them weekly during the summer with liquid fertilizer or use pellets at the start of the season .
Propagation
Spider plants are one among the simplest houseplants to propagate: simply pot the tiny plantlets. confirm the young plantlets have developed roots. Alternatively, mature plants are often divided during repotting. during a pinch, you’ll turn one among the plantlets into an excellent housewarming gift.
Repotting
Although it’s a fast-growing plant, spider plants don’t need yearly repotting as most of their growing energy is directed toward producing plantlets. Repot in spring if the basis ball protrudes above the rim of the pot.
Grower’s Tips
Native to South Africa, spider plants are an important part of any hanging plant collection. Pot them into simple baskets, provide them with ample water and food, and within two years, you ought to be rewarded with a full display. Alternatively, they will be positioned atop columns for a gorgeous display. Note that plantlets won’t form on immature plants. the foremost common problem is under watering and feeding during the season. These are robust plants.
Common Pests
Spider plants are pretty hardy, but there are a couple of insects that like to turn them into dinner. Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and in fact, spider mites can all pose problems for your houseplants. Rinsing the plants with water is an efficient thanks to combat pests like aphids and spider mites. However, when it involves spider mites, rubbing your plant down with a miticide may be a good idea also. Other pests respond well to the utilization of insecticides. If you’re worried about using harsh chemicals around your yard, especially if you’ve got pets or young children, you’ll want to undertake an all-natural insecticide first. a couple of all-natural insecticides are often made with ingredients you almost certainly have already got in your pantry, like vinegar.
Propagation of Spider Plants
If you would like to grow new plants from old, spider flower (also referred to as airplane plant) makes it easy for you. The young plantlets that grow at the top of the shoots root easily in a damp potting mix. Arrange small pots of soil around the parent plant and push the bottom of a plantlet lightly into the soil in each pot. Keep the soil moist; the “baby” plant should root in two or three weeks, then it is often cut from the parent. still grow them within the smaller pots and transplant to larger pots as required.
Spider Plant Problems
Brown leaves on your spider flower could also be a sign that you simply could also be over-or underwatering. Don’t allow the soil to dry out an excessive amount for too long, but don’t allow the roots to become waterlogged, either. Also, winter heating can create a really dry atmosphere, and indoor plants suffer from the shortage of humidity, especially if located near a heat vent or radiator. Moving the plant faraway from such heat sources, running a humidifier, grouping plants together or keeping them during a humid area (such as over the sink or during a bathroom where people shower) can help.
Another common reason for browning of leaf ends is that the gradual build-up of minerals or salts from fertilizer. To leach out these salts periodically, water the plant to the purpose of runoff and repeat several times.
Heavily chlorinated water or water that’s been run through a softener are often additional reasons for browning tips. If you think this, try using collected rainwater or water from another source.
Aphids, scale and mealybugs can develop on many houseplants. A shower of cool or lukewarm water may get obviate aphids. For a heavier infestation, spraying with insecticidal soap should lookout of the matter . Scale (which seems like small brown spots on the leaves) and mealybugs (small, cottony white insects) are often removed with a cotton swab dipped in lotion .
A plant that doesn’t produce shoots and plantlets could also be too young, or it might be growing during a pot that’s overlarge . A spider flower may produce more shoots when it’s slightly rootbound. It also requires bright light, but not direct sun. A plant that doesn’t get enough light might not produce shoots and plantlets.
Other Benefits
Studies have shown that Chlorophytum comosum – spider plant’s botanical name — is among a gaggle of plants that improve indoor air quality by absorbing harmful elements within the air. While one plant might not make much difference during a room’s environment, plants do contribute to the overall well-being of a home and its occupants.
Spider plant is native to tropical Africa, so in most of the U.S. it’s grown as a houseplant, but you’ll place it outdoors, out of direct sun, during the summer months. Just make certain to bring it back inside before the temperature drops enough to wreck the plant. Frost will kill this tropical beauty.
Indoors or out, spider flower looks great during a hanging basket, or placed on a table where its long shoots with the plant “babies” on the ends make an attention grabbing display
How to look after a spider flower
As we mentioned earlier, spider plants are black thumb approved, meaning there’s no got to stress when caring for them. However, if you discover your plant browning or not looking as perky because it should, check our guide to reviving a plant. To avoid any plant harm, follow our spider flower care guide below.
Sunlight with a sun symbol
Sunlight: Although not picky with lighting, spider plants thrive best in bright light, as they’re known for being window plants. Since they’re not selective with their lighting choices, they’re going to do exactly fine in partial direct sun conditions also. take care that your spider flower doesn’t get an excessive amount of sun — this is often noticeable if the leaves begin to burn.
Water with a logo of a water drop
Water: once you receive your new spider flower baby, water occasionally instead of weekly. the simplest rule of thumb is to allow them to fully dry out between waterings. Check the soil together with your finger every so often and once the soil has completely dried out, it’s time to water again! Once your spider flower fully matures, you’ll end up watering the plant more often.
Temperature with a thermometer symbol
Temperature: Spider plants like sun, but they also prefer cool temperatures starting from55-–5ºF. they’re considered an inside plant since they like cooler temperatures but don’t worry if they’re placed in slightly warmer temperatures. Avoid temperatures of 50ºF and below.
Toxicity with a skull and cross bones symbol
Toxicity: The plant is posed as non-toxic, but it can potentially be harmful to cats and if eaten can cause an indigestion and vomiting.
Pests and problems with a logo of a bug
Pests: Spider plants are tough when it involves pests, but they’re vulnerable to some pest infestations. Aphids, mealybugs, Whitefield, and spider mites can eat your spider flower, but this will be avoided by misting your plants every once during a while. If the matter worsens, you’ll use natural insecticides made with vinegar to urge obviate them.
Problems: the foremost common problem for spider plants is that the tips of the leaves can shrivel and switch brown or black. Overwatering is typically the matter, not underwatering. make certain to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Spider plants are from the tropical rainforest, in order that they prefer humidity. Placing your plant during a more humid room, like a toilet , will encourage your plant to flourish and avoid brown or black tips.
Repotting and propagation with a logo of a potted plant
Repotting: Wonderful news — spider plants don’t get to be repotted often since much of their growth is thru their leaves and plantlets. a serious sign that the spider flower must be repotted is that if the basis ball rises above the rim of the pot. Spring is a perfect time to repot spider plants.
Propagation: If you’re unsure how savvy you’re at propagating a plant, spider plants are the simplest plants to start out with. All you would like to try to do is pot the plantlets, which are easy to identify. The plantlets look almost like miniature versions of the spider flower. Regularly look after your newly potted plantlet to successfully propagate a spider flower.