Spider Plant or Chlorophytum comosum is a species of evergreen perennial flowering plant. It is native to tropical and southern Africa, but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including western Australia. Chlorophytum comosum is easy to grow as a houseplant; variegated forms are the most popular.
Spider Plant can be a striking addition to gardens and landscaping. Learn about caring for Spider Plant along with tips for growing the flowering plant. Spider Plant is easy to grow as a houseplant; variegated forms are the most popular.
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Spider Plant Tips & Take Care
- It is simple to care for spider plants. These plants are tough and can withstand a lot of abuse.
- They make excellent choices for beginners or those with no green thumbs.
- They will thrive if they are provided with well-drained soil, and bright indirect light.
- They should be watered regularly, but not too much.
- This can cause rootrot. Spider plants will prefer to dry between waterings.
- Take into consideration that spider plants prefer cooler temperatures (around 55-65 F., 13-18 C.).
- Spider plants also can benefit from occasional pruning by cutting them back to their base.
- Because spider plants like semi-potbound environments, it is best to repot them when their fleshy roots become visible and watering becomes difficult.
- Spider plants are easily propagated by division or planting small spiderettes.
How tall does grow Spider Plant?
Spider Plant grows to about 60 cm (24 in) tall, though as a hanging plant it can descend many feet. It has fleshy, tuberous roots, each about 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long. The long narrow leaves reach a length of 20–45 cm (8–18 in) and are around 6–25 millimetres (0.2–1.0 in) wide.
Spider Plant Spiderettes
As the sun rises in spring, spider plants will begin to produce flowers. These flowers eventually turn into spider plant spiderettes. However, this may not always happen as spider plants can only produce spiderettes if they have enough energy. You can root spiderettes in either soil or water, but soil will yield better results and a stronger root structure.
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The best way to root spider plant spiderettes is to allow the plantlet to stay attached to the mother. Place a spiderette in a container of soil next to the mother plant. Once it has roots, keep it well watered.
You can also cut off the leaves and place them in a pot with soil. Water generously. The pot should be placed in a plastic bag with ventilation and stored in a bright place. After the spiderette has rooted well, take it out of the bag and let it grow normally.
Spider Plant Leaves Browning
There is no reason to worry if spider plant leaves start to brown. Leaf tips will browning is normal and should not be considered a sign of damage. Fluoride in water can cause salt buildup. To flush out salts from the soil, it is a good idea to give your plants a thorough watering every so often. Allow the water to drain and then repeat as necessary. You can also use distilled water, rainwater or other water on your plants as an alternative to the water from the outside spigot or kitchen.
How to plant Spider Grass
While it’s possible to overwinter Spider Grass indoors with the right combination of sun and light, it’s less effective and requires a lot of space as a year-round houseplant due to its height and razor-sharp leaves. Once the timing is right in your area, here’s a step-by-step guide to planting pampas from seed:
Choose a site. Spider Grass requires a lot of sunlight to grow, so select a spot that gets a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day. They will also grow in partial shade, though the plants may be less healthy. Spider Grass is an invasive, self-seeding plant: a single plant can produce a million seeds per year, which, when carried by the wind, can grow wherever they land. Ensure there is plenty of room between your new plants and your neighbors’ gardens. Spider Grass can also be a fire hazard if planted too close to a flame source, like an outdoor grill.
Prepare the soil. Spider Grass needs rich and moist but well-drained soil to grow. You can till and add a balanced fertilizer or mulch to your garden or add quartz sand to assist with drainage.
Plant the seeds. Once you’re ready to plant seedlings, dig a hole that’s about 15 inches deep. Massage the root ball to loosen the roots before planting, so they are in the best position to establish themselves in the soil. Place the plant in the hole, then fill it in with soil. If you’re planting multiples, ensure that there are at least six feet between each plant to give them ample room to grow.
Water the site. Water the planting site deeply to settle the soil and help the seeds establish roots. After the roots take hold, the plant will only require watering every few weeks during the first year.
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