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It gets its common name from the small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders. This clump-forming, perennial, herbaceous plant, native to coastal areas of South Africa, has narrow, strap-shaped leaves arising from a central point.
Where do spider plants naturally grow?
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.
How do spider plants grow in the wild?
If you’ve ever owned a spider plant, you already know how fast they grow. In time, a plant often develops “babies” – plantlets that grow on the end of long stolons. Once these tiny spider plants touch the soil, they develop roots. Spider plant babies can be snipped off the stolons and will grow as independent plants.
Should I cut the babies off my spider plant?
Pruning spider plants keeps them at a more desirable and manageable size and rejuvenates their overall health and vigor. In addition, the more babies it produces, the more the plant needs fertilizer and water as this uses up much of its energy. Therefore, the spiderettes should be removed as well.
Why are spider plants called spider plants?
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are called this not because they attract and harbor spiders, but rather the little plantlets or offshoots at the ends of long wiry stems are “spidery”. You may see them called “airplane plants” for this reason, too.
How big will a spider plant get?
Plants grows 12-15″ tall. The thick, fleshy roots and rhizomes evolved to store water, allowing it to survive inconsistent watering. Spider plant produces small white flowers.
How long does a spider plant live?
Spider plants are perennial plants and have an indefinite lifespan, many of these plants end up outliving their owners. With good care, they can easily live for 50+ years and they often become family heirlooms thanks to their longevity.
Can you leave a spider plant outside?
Native to South Africa, spider plants need a warm, tropical climate to survive outside. They can be grown like a perennial in zones 9-11 and as an annual in cooler climates. Spider plants outside cannot tolerate any frost. Spider plants prefer filtered sunlight but can grow in part-shade to shade.
Where do spider plants grow best?
Your Spider Plant will tolerate lower light conditions, however, they prefer bright indirect light where they will flourish. The striping on the leaves will be more prominent with indirect lighting. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves.
Do spider plants have to hang?
Do Spider Plants need to hang? No, they don’t. If they have a lot of spiderettes attached, hanging gives them more room to do their thing. They look better this way because it really shows the sprays of babies off.
What do spider plant babies do?
Spider plant propagation simply involves planting the spiderette in a pot filled with any lightweight potting mix. Be sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom. You can leave the baby attached to the parent plant until the new plant takes root, then separate it from the parent by snipping the runner.
How often should you water a spider plant?
Normally, you should water your spider plants about once a week. Before watering, check the soil of the plants to see if it’s dry. If it’s still moist, you should wait another day and repeat this until the soil is dry. The plant might be thirsty, but it does like the soil to dry out every once in a while.
Why do spider plants get brown tips?
One reason your Spider Plant’s leaves are turning brown on the edges could be due to your tap water. Tap water contains salts, chlorine, minerals and fluoride – all of which can build up in the soil of your plant causing the tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown.
What are spider plants good for?
Spider plants are good for air purification, removing indoor airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxic fumes. Other benefits include absorption of ozone, humidification, indoor decoration, and being used as food. But, those are not the only benefits of spider plants.
Are spider plants poisonous to dogs?
Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, the spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs and will tolerate a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions.
How do you get seeds from a spider plant?
After the flowers have faded, you should see bumpy green seed pods appear in their place. Harvesting spider plant seeds is easy, and mostly involves waiting. Allow the seed pods to dry on the stalk. Once they’re dry, they should split open naturally and drop their seeds.
What time of year do spider plants have babies?
Summer and fall are two prime seasons of growth for spider plants and they are most likely to produce babies during this time period. The growth of the spider plant babies also depends on the type of care they are receiving.
Can I plant multiple spider plants together?
Although you can divide an overgrown plant into multiples, you don’t have to wait for the plant to double in size to propagate it. The flowers that form in response to increasing day length will develop into mini spider plants, called “spiderettes,” which are easy to grow into new plants.
How quickly does a spider plant grow?
Information About Spider Plants When given the proper care, this fast-growing plant can reach its full size of 12-24 inches within a few years. The long arching stems will eventually develop babies on the ends, which is a distinctive quality of this plant (and the reason it’s sometimes called an “airplane plant”).
Can a spider plant live in just water?
Many houseplants are easy to grow in water for a period of time, such as Pothos and spider plants. These cuttings root quickly in just a glass of water. Once rooting is established, the new plant needs nutrients for future development.
Can you bring a spider plant back to life?
If it appears droopy, perhaps with some browning leaf tips, and has been sitting in bright direct sun, try giving it a deep soak for several minutes and then relocate it to a cooler, shadier spot. If it is wilting somewhere in full shade or far away from a window, then move it to a spot that gets more light.
