Have you ever wondered what a plant will look like when you hear its name? Plant names are very important to us and often arouse our curiosity about them. While some plants are named for their appearance, some are named for the circumstances surrounding their discovery.
We were curious about the spider plant when we heard its name and thought we’d give you all the information we have about it.
If you are considering purchasing an air purifying plant for your home, the spider plant is an option worth considering. If, on the other hand, you have owned or want to propagate a spider plant, this comprehensive care and growing guide is for you.
Contents
spider plant background
| common name | spider plant |
| botanical name | Chlorophytum comosum. |
| light | Moderate light. |
| Temperature | 55 degrees to 65 degrees F. |
| the type of soil | well drained |
| soil pH | Neutral to slightly acidic. |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic. |
| Origin | African tropics, South Africa. |
Also known as Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant is an evergreen perennial herb, it is native to the African tropics and South Africa and is popularly grown for its long foliage.
The spider plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family and this plant is known to be one of the easiest plants to grow. Still curious about the name? The spider plant gets its name from its spidery leaf which hangs from the plant like spiders from a web. However, this in no way makes the plant creepy or scary.
The spider plant is usually grown indoors in hanging baskets for additional decoration. The plant comes in slender leaves that can spread up to about 1 to 1.5 feet tall. The spider plant comes in different varieties; however, they can be grown with the same grooming routine.
The plant is considered one of the easiest plants to grow. It is suitable for novice growers no matter where it is grown, indoors or outdoors. Apart from that, the spider plant was once marked by NASA as one of the plants known to purify the air and remove toxins.
Image: Envato ElementsAlthough the spider plant is fairly easy to grow, the care routine can still be wrong and this can stunt or kill its growth.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know to grow a spider plant, as well as the easiest propagation method, requirements, and a simple maintenance guide.
Flowering Requirements for Spider Plants
Consider these things to help your spider plant live its best life in your home.
a. light
Spider plants like to be outdoors in light shade, although they can tolerate full shade, they will not grow to their full potential. The spider plant does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight; this can burn and possibly kill the leaves. Indoors, the plant should receive bright, indirect sun. Preferably, it should be placed near a window, away from indirect light.
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Fortunately, the spider plant likes to grow in a variety of soil types. However, they grow best in loose, well-drained soil. They like to be in soil with a fairly neutral pH, but can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils.
3. Fertilizer
Spider plants like to be fed sparingly, too much fertilizer can brown the tips of the leaves and too little can stunt their growth. They can be fed up to twice a month, especially in spring and summer, which are the growing seasons. Water-soluble fertilizers are best; it should also be diluted to half before application.
Four. Temperature
Spider plant grows best in temperatures between 55 degrees F and 65 degrees F. They do not like to grow in temperatures below 50 degrees F.
Image: Envato Elements5. Water
Like many other plants, spider plant grows best in moist rather than soggy soil; this means that moderate watering should be done. The best way to ensure this is possible is to create a watering schedule that suits the plant’s needs. The plant can also be watered when the topsoil is dry.
Avoid overwatering your plant, as this can lead to root rot and possibly kill your spider plant. The spider plant is quite picky about the choice of water source; Use only rainwater or distilled water and never tap water. Fluoride and chlorine in tap water can harm your plant.
6. Humidity
The spider plant takes its moisture business very seriously. He likes to be placed in a slightly damp place; therefore, it should be placed away from air conditioning or other heating equipment when grown indoors. They can also be placed in a high humidity environment, such as the bathroom. Street vending trays, regular misting, and humidifiers are also measures to provide adequate humidity for your indoor spider plant.
Spread of spider plants.
Spider plant propagation is one of the many reasons we love it, it’s easy and stress-free. The plant can be propagated in two ways. Read each method below.
spider plant Propagation by cutting in water
- Identify a healthy, mature plant.
- Take a few stem cuttings from the parent plant.
- Gently place the cuttings in a pan of water, the water should be enough to barely cover the root of the plant.
- Be sure to change the water regularly, in about two weeks; the plant will develop its roots.
- You can transfer these plants to a solid potting mix.
Reproduction by cuttings in the ground.
- Provide a healthy, mature plant and take some cuttings.
- Prepare a pot with soil and plant the cuttings in the ground.
- Water the plant regularly to keep it moist; however, do not keep it soaked.
- After a longer period of time, the plant should start developing new leaves.
How to maintain your spider plant?
Consider these additional spider plant care tips for your plant.
- Spider plant benefits from occasional pruning, as the rate at which it grows can get long and out of control. The plant should be pruned at the base from time to time.
- Due to the spider plant’s growth system, you may need to report frequently, at least every two years. You should also make sure to purchase a container that is larger than the plant’s root ball; your pot should have at least one drainage hole. The best time to transplant is in the spring.
- The spider plant is healthy, but the plant can suffer from some common pests like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, etc. You can get rid of these pests by flushing the plant. You can also use insecticides if it is contaminated.
- Spider plants are quite sensitive to fluoride and chlorine; therefore, tap water should be avoided.
- Spider plants are prone to scald and this can be attributed to low humidity, dry soil, chlorine, etc. Your plant care routine should be followed to determine the cause of burns.
- The plant will suffer from root rot if it receives too much water.
- Spider plant is not toxic to humans or pets; can be placed within easy reach.
final thoughts
The spider plant isn’t so scary after all! The spider plant is an excellent plant to have in your garden and especially at home. They can be kept on your desk or hung in a hanging basket; this allows them to reduce indoor pollutants.
Regardless of the variety grown, you will find that the spider plant is very easy to grow.
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