Most houseplant enthusiasts know the beloved spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). It is also known as an Airplane Plant. A favorite among veterinarians, spider plants are safe for cat-friendly and dog-friendly households. Spider plants are originally from South Africa. All varieties share similar traits, including long arching leaves that are either solid green or variegated in different ways. The variegated types are distinct, with unique colors and stripe placement, making them easily identifiable. One such variety is the Zebra plant (Chlorophytum laxium). This one has narrow stripes of silvery cream and wider leaves than the comosum varieties. The plain green spider plant has no stripes or variegation.
Spider Babies
Most spider plants will produce ‘babies.’ These tiny replicas of the parent plant grow on long arching stems. It is not unusual for one plant to produce thousands of babies in its lifetime. A spider plant that is properly cared for and loved can live for 20 years or more, while plants growing in their native climate conditions of Africa can live up to 50 years. For the best results, allow ‘babies’ to reach approximately two inches in diameter before removing them from the mother plant. These babies are very easy to root and start more spider plants. Or you can just compost them or give them away. If you choose not to remove the spider babies, they will grow right along with the parent plant. Eventually, they will begin to produce babies of their own. However, if your spider plant is in a hanging basket, it will ultimately need to be re-potted into something more significant to continue growing.
Water, Light, and Fertilizer
The most common problem among spider plants is the tips turning brown or black. Humans naturally assume that this means the plant is not receiving enough water. Our human nature is wrong. This is a telltale sign of overwatering. Spider plants need to dry out completely before you water them. Then, you need to soak them thoroughly and let them dry out again.
The environment around your spider plant will determine how often you have to water your spider plant. If the soil is dry when you purchase your spider, water it thoroughly. If the soil is damp, wait until it dries out completely, then water. When you water, put it in a sink or outside in the shade and water until the water spills out of the bottom of the pot. This prevents salt buildup from the water or fertilizer. When the plant is finished draining, put it back in the place you usually have it growing. From the first time you water it, note how long it takes to dry out and remember to check it at regular intervals of this amount of time. Of course, you will have to adjust according to the weather and season. Your plant will go through a period of dormancy in the winter. During this time it won’t use as much water. So, it may take longer to dry out. Always check the soil before you water.
Spider plants are perfect for a low-light area. Or if you have a place that gets bright indirect light, it will adjust and be fine there as well. The brighter the light, the more pronounced the white stripes will be. However, keep that fact from tempting you into sitting it right in front of a window. Spider plants will quickly burn. They will survive it, but they will not be attractive while recovering. There is too much light if your leaves get brown spots and the tips and edges turn brown. Move it away from the light source to lessen the effects.
For now, go find yourself a spider plant and have fun with it and all its little ones. Get creative. Add some of the little ones in with your patio pots of flowers for the spring and summer. The variegated leaves will add interest, the arching habit will add texture and depth, and its vines of babies will offer some spillage in the pot. Spider plants are not just for hanging baskets. Challenge your imagination and create a unique statement piece that shows off your flare!
Happy House Planting!
If you want all the specific science behind the spider plant CLICK HERE.
