People are always on the lookout for a plant that will look great in their home. One such candidate is spider plants, which have an interesting history and grow beautifully with little maintenance needed!
Keep reading to learn more about how these green beauties can brighten up your indoor space!
Types of Spider Plants
Spider plants are a great way to add some green into your home decor.
You can find many different varieties, but the most common would be:
1. Zebra Spider Plant
The zebra plant is a fast-growing variety of Spider Plants that has not only attractive leaves but also produces white flowers in the summer and spring.
As it grows, you will notice arching stems with small plants at their end called pistils!
2. Bonnie Spider Plant
The Bonnie spider plant has a more compact growth habit, which makes it perfect for desktops.
It also bends and curls its leaves to imitate life-like branches or vines that are hanging off of trees in nature!
3. Vittatum Spider Plant
The Vittatum Spider Plant is a great choice for anyone who wants their indoor plants to have an extra element of elegance.
This variety has broad white stripes on medium green leaves and can be hung from ceilings, walls or plant stands with ease!
4. Varriegatum Spider Plant
Known as reverse variegated, this spider plant is also a popular variety.
The dark green stripes with white edges make it look truly attractive and can be used for decoration at home!
Growing Spider Plants Indoors
It’s easy to grow spider plants as long as you know the right way of caring for them.
These tough, durable plants can withstand abuse and make a great choice for first-time gardeners because they are not fussy about soil conditions or watering.
1. Use well-drained Soil
Spider plants are one of the most popular houseplants because they require minimal care and attention. One way to help keep these plants healthy is by providing them with well-drained soil that drains quickly from your potting bench or garden center shelf.
Look for a general purpose potting mix formulated specifically for plant growth,
2. Plant in a Pot With Drainage Holes
Spider plants need a pot that has many drainage holes to allow for growth.
They also prefer being slightly root bound, so be sure the size of your container is about 2 inches bigger than what you would usually use.
3. Place under Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Spider plants are a type of plant that can tolerate just about any condition.
They need bright, indirect light to flourish so one important thing you should do for their care in your home is make sure they have an ideal temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity which will help them grow well!
4. Rotate the Placement Regularly
The spider plant can be placed in just about any area of your home, even if it is a room that only receives artificial lights.
However, the best way to keep this beautiful and unique plant alive long-term is by periodically rotating where you place them so both sides are exposed each day!
5. Fertilizing Spider Plants
The best fertilizer for your spider plants is an all-purpose, water soluble one.
You can also use fish emulsion but be careful not to overdo it as this could cause browning of leaf tips on the plant which are a sign that too much has been used.
6. Repotting a Large Spider Plant
The process for repotting a spider plant is extremely easy and straightforward. Simply remove the original pot, rinse off any dirt or residue from it with water, being careful not to damage them too much during this step.
Next, you want to trim away at some of their roots, which will make room in your new container. Then, your plant is ready to be transplanted. (make sure your new container has many drainage holes)
Common Problems of Spider Plant
Spider plants are low maintenance, but pests can still plague them.
These common problems with these arachnids include:
1.Aphids – tiny insects that suck up fluids from plant roots causing them to wilt and die. Underneath the leaves of your spider plant, you may find scales or aphids.
Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and apply it onto those areas for scratching off any unwanted guests that may be present on it; spraying neem oil will also do the trick when dealing with an infestation.
2. Tip Burn – One of the most common problems that you will come across when growing spider plants is tip burn.
This usually happens because there’s low humidity or your soil isn’t wet enough to keep roots happy, and it can also happen from using chlorinated tap water.
To avoid this issue altogether just cut away brown tips as soon they appear so only healthy green leaves remain.
3. Mealybug – Moth infestation is common in indoor plants.
Like with the aphids, mealy bugs can be treated by spraying them with neem oil or insecticidal soap and checking nearby plants to see if pests may have migrated there too.
Health Benefits of Spider Plants
1. Purifies Indoor Air
Spider plants not only help purify the air, but they’re also an excellent decorative addition to any space. Did you know that growing spider plants indoors can remove harmful chemicals from your home?
In fact, NASA considers them among one of three top houseplants for effectively cleaning up indoor environments!
2. Helps Patients To Recover more Easily
Spider plants are a great way to help speed up your favorite surgical patient’s recovery rate!
It was also found that those patients with spider plants in their room required less medication than the ones without them.
3. Increase humidity
It’s amazing to think that the spider plant helps improve humidity and reduce airborne diseases, but it really does.
The high transpiration rate means they absorb water through their roots, in order for moisture circulation throughout your entire house!