Spider Plant

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Spider Plant gets its common name from its wispy, long, and cascading foliage. It’s official name is Chlorophytum comosum, and it belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It’s also commonly known as Ribbon Plant, Airplane Plant, or Spider Ivy. A native to tropical environments, Spider Plants like humidity and will perform best with a little added moisture here in Colorado. If your Spider Plant has brown edges or tips on its leaves, it could be a sign that the plant needs more water. Spider Plant is sensitive to fluoride in our water (it can cause a salt buildup in the soil), and brown tips could also be an indication that it’s getting too much of that fluoride. Leave water out for 48 hours to allow the fluoride to dissipate, or use distilled or rain water. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then give Spider Plant a nice long drink, allowing the water to run through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If your pot does not have drainage holes, take care when watering, and use a Moisture Meter to determine the moisture level at the bottom of the pot before watering.

Spider Plant is known for a couple of characteristics – one of which is its trailing stems that end with “pups,” or baby Spider Plants. These pups can be removed and planted to grow a virtually never-ending supply of Spider Plants! It’s also known for its air purifying qualities and can help remove harmful elements in the air in your home. Spider Plant is pet safe, so no need to worry if your four-legged friend has a nibble. Spider Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, and likes temperatures to be between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As with most houseplants, keep Spider Plant safe from drafts, vents, doorways, etc. in order to keep its environment as consistent as possible.

Plant Spider Plant in a hanging pot with well-draining soil, or place a non-hanging pot on a tall bookcase or stair to take advantage of its cascading leaves and trailing stems. These stems can sometimes produce small white flowers for an added decorative effect. Spider Plant does best when slightly rootbound, so don’t put it in a pot much bigger than its roots. Overall, Spider Plant is a very easy plant to care for and a great option for those just beginning to learn about caring for houseplants, or those with a busy schedule.

Happy Plant Parenting!