The spider plant comes with long, narrow leaves and is one of the most decorative houseplants. Maintaining bloom is easy, but problems like curled leaves can still occur.
The most common causes of spider plant leaf curl are improper watering and insufficient humidity. Besides, insect pests, fungal diseases like root rot can also cause this problem. Inadequate light levels, watering with tap water are other possible causes of curled spider plant leaves. This symptom indicates that something is wrong and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
No problem! This article examines the possible reasons and shows you simple tricks to solve them. At the end of this article, you’ll learn the possible reasons for your spider plant’s leaf curling and ways to fix it.
Contents
Causes of Curled Spider Plant Leaves
Self-criticism and treatment without accurate information can worsen your spider plant’s condition. No problem, this article saves your plant!
Submarine
Leaves that curl inward are the spider plant’s gesture to tell you they’re thirsty. Of course, like humans, they are also afraid of dehydration.
One more thing, there is a relationship between plant growth and water. Water is the nutrient medium brought from the soil to the roots.
This means that your plant not only lacks moisture, but also beneficial substances. (Source: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science)
How to fix
Fortunately, underwater it is easy to correct. Take a look and do these quick tricks to provide just the right amount of water your spider plant needs:
- Stick your finger in the ground (if you don’t have tools available) and test for moisture. The ground below should be moist and cool, even if the top is dry.
- For the first year, water the spider plant constantly at least once a week. This helps retain moisture.
excess water
Although keeping the soil moist is great, you can overlook it as soggy. The cliché “too much is bad” applies to plants too.
Overwatering is a resounding no because it drowns the roots. In addition, it leads to rot.
Thus, it causes wilting and curling of the leaves. Quite simply because the rotten roots can no longer meet basic needs.
Apart from this, you will also see leaf blistering, burning and discoloration.
This happens when the spider plant quickly absorbs more water than it needs.
How to fix
The following steps will prevent your poor spider plant from overwatering:
- First, be on the lookout for these signs of overwatering:
- Sensation of a lot of water when you insert your finger about an inch or more into the ground.
- Visible formation of mold and mildew on the floor.
- Bad smell emitted from the depths. This means that there is root rot.
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot to minimize damage. Remove dead, too soft and rotten roots with scissors. Replant it and water moderately.
- Make sure your spider plant is in a well-drained pot. Empty the bottom drawer regularly to avoid excessive humidity.
exposure to light
Spider plants are showy houseplants. They can grow very well even without enough sunlight.
And that makes it everyone’s favorite spot on window sills and interior rooms.
It is important to consider the right amount of light intensity for your spider plant. They also like bright but indirect sunlight and shady areas.
If grown in full sun, your spider plant’s leaves will curl and burn from the sun.
Although insufficient light will affect their food production process, which is photosynthesis.
This will cause slow, stunted growth, and dry, droopy leaves. (Source: University of Florida, IFAS)
How to fix
Say goodbye to your pain due to your Spider Plants’ lighting problems. And welcome these simple steps:
- Simply place your spider plant in the designated spot. An east-facing window is a good example. It’s always a south or a west if the plant gets shade on hot summer days.
- If the plant begins to wilt due to overexposure to the sun, quickly move it to a cooler location. You can also soak it well in water for at least 15 minutes.
- When there is no sun, artificial light is a reference partner. Plants can use artificial light as an alternative to natural light without any problem.
Water quality
Water stress endangers the health of your spider plant. The same goes for uncontrolled water quality.
The spider plant belongs to the Liliaceae family which is sensitive to high levels of certain minerals. Over a long period of time, an overwhelming amount gradually accumulates.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance in water. However, using excessively fluoridated water is harmful. This will cause the leaves to brown and curl.
How to fix
Try these steps to avoid chemical damage in your water:
- Immediately stop using tap water. Instead, buy a water filter. Not only invest once, but also keep the plants lush.
- If you have a little extra budget, buy distilled or purified water for your houseplants. These species have already filtered fluoride.
- If your plants are currently outdoors, do your research. They can experience unintentional dripping from tap water. Redirect the drain to other areas if you suspect such a case.
- Water temperature is also important. Because water that is too cold or too hot can affect plants.
You may also be interested in: Why Are My Poinsettia’s Leaves Curling? (And how to fix it)
payno application
Your spider plant may suffer from soil problems if the leaves lose their beautiful canopy. And growing beautiful plants needs good fertilizer.
Feed your plant with high-quality substances, carefully following the instructions on the label.
Also, nitrogen-rich fertilizers work well. Increases plant height, shoots, leaves and yield.
To avoid plant toxicity, choose those that do not contain fluorine and boron.
How to fix
The procedures below have your fertilizing issues covered. Follow these to support the health and abundant growth of your spider plant:
- Use a high quality fertilizer with a balanced content. This is to ensure that your spider plant receives the balanced nutrients it needs.
- Feed them in moderation. Fertilize at least once a month while they are actively growing.
- If the leaves suddenly turn brown, take a break. Then, halve the amount recommended by the manufacturer. You can also experiment a bit, but don’t over-fertilize.
pot size
Another reason your spider plant leaves curl and wilt is the size of the pot. And the overgrown roots are now visible from the drainage holes.
A rooted plant in a small pot is definitely a nuisance. It can do a lot of damage to the roots. This will result in inefficient upward transport of beneficial nutrients and water.
Meanwhile, increased storage causes root rot. Because the soil retains too much water, the spider plant cannot consume it all.
How to fix
Check out the solutions listed below and find out which one works best for you:
- Move your spider plant when the pot can no longer hold its roots. Replant it in a larger pot about two inches in diameter. Oversized containers can cause flooding.
- You can also cut the root ball of a very large spider plant into several parts with the leaves still inside. Then transplant it into new pots.
- You can also pick plants and scatter them.
- Allow the plant to root before completely separating it from the parent plant. You can do this by placing it on the surface of above-ground potting soil, with a piece of metal holding it down.
- You can also choose a plant that has already developed its roots. Then put it in a jar.
You may also be interested in: Snake Plant Leaf Separation (Causes & How to Fix It)
How to Prevent Spider Plant Leaves from Curling
The main reasons for the problem of curled leaves of spider plants have to do with the environment.
This is because the spider plant receives too much or too little water and light. Successfully meet these needs by providing the right quantity and location.
The quality and quantity of water and fertilizer are crucial. Always carefully examine the substances present. This is to ensure that you only give them the best.
Also, make sure your spider plant is in the correct container. The smaller pot will compromise the flow of nutrients from the roots upwards. While a larger one can cause root rot.
You may also be interested in: Why Is My Spider Plant Dying? (Causes and Solutions)
frequently asked Questions
1. Why is my spider plant pale and droopy?
One of the following reasons is likely to blame for your spider plant suddenly becoming pale and listless. These are insufficient or excessive light, insufficient fertilizer, excessive watering and the need for transplanting.
2. Why are my spider plant leaves turning yellow?
The main answer to this question is the lack of light. Insufficient light will weaken the plant, as can be seen when the leaves turn yellow. Excess minerals in the water, nutrient deficiency, and pests can also cause leaf discoloration.
3. What does an overwatered spider plant look like?
An overwatered spider plant will develop yellow, wilted leaves. In some cases, the foliage turns black or brown. If this has happened, it is due to root rot caused by excess water.
last words
I shared with you all my little secrets on why my spider plant has curled leaves and how I made it lush again. Now it’s your turn.
Which tip from today’s article are you going to try first? Or maybe I didn’t mention your own discovery stage?
Either way, let me know by commenting your ideas below.
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