Proper pruning, controlled sun exposure and required nutrients can help spider plant to make bushier and lush. Read on this article to know such tips.
Spider plant has proved to purify indoor air and absorb chemicals like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and xylene.
It is extremely popular among beginners as it is tolerant of neglect. This moderately fast growing indoor plant has 12 to 18 inches long green or striped green leaves.
Botanically, spider plant is known as Chlorophytum comosum. Due to its elegant long leaves and air purifying abilities, it is beloved plant for indoor gardeners.
It requires no extra effort to make spider plant bushier. Below mentioned are 9 essential tips that help spider plant to thrive.
9 Tricks to Make a Spider Plant Bushier and Lush
Spider plant can be ignored, but that doesn’t mean you don’t provide essential things for their optimal growth.
1. Sunlight Requirement of Spider Plant (Indirect sunlight)
Keep your spider plant indoor away from direct sunlight. Direct exposure to sun can scorch its leaves and plant may experience stunted growth.
These plants prefer indirect light and can grow in shade. However, for bushier growth spider plant needs indirect light for about 6-8 hours per day.
2. Adequate Watering
Overwatering is one of the main causes of yellowing and stunted growth in houseplants.
Spider plant need moist soil, but soggy soil can results in overwatering and root rot.
Water the plant only when the top 2 inches of the potting soil is dry.
Water generously and make sure the pot has a hole at the bottom to allow excess water to drain.
Note: Use distilled or rain water, as tap water may contain fluoride and chlorine that results in brown leaf tips.
3. Potting Soil Must be Well-drained
To avoid excess water logging in the pot, use only well-drained potting soil.
Mix peat moss, perlite or sand with garden soil to improve water retention and draining abilities.
You should also include old compost to give initial boost for plant growth.
Spider plant prefer pH neutral soil, however, it can tolerate slight acidic or alkaline soil.
4. Fertilize the Plant at Regular Intervals
Unlike edible crops, houseplants like spider plant don’t need to be fertilized frequently.
Use water-soluble or all-purpose granule fertilizer during growing season in spring and summer for bushier and lush growth.
Over-fertilizing spider plant can result in brown leaf tips.
5. Proper Pruning to Ensure Optimal Growth
With time old leaves of every plant fail to produce enough food for plant growth. Removing old and discolored foliage allows the plant to shift its energy to growth of new leaves.
When you start trimming leaves, it can be tempting to prune more leaves. So, be selective and don’t trim green leaves that produce food for the plant.
6. Chose the Right Pot
Pot size impact plant growth and can stop it from thriving.
Start with a small pot, so the plant root gets enough nutrients and moisture easily.
Best pot ensures proper root growth and eventually encourages leaf expansion, thus resulting in bushier appearance.
7. Temperature and Humidity
Spider plant prefer warm and humid environment for bushier growth.
Ensure the temperature isn’t below 50F. Spider plants must be protected from cold drafts and air-conditionings vents.
Sudden and extreme shift in temperature results in brown spider plant leaves.
8. Separate Spider Plant Pups
At the end of long shoots, spider plant produces baby plants or spiderettes, which needs to be divided and planted in a new pot.
Carefully detach these offsets once they have grown several leaves and established their own roots. Transplant them into either the same pot or individual containers to cultivate a more abundant and lush display.
9. Provide Adequate Space
Avoid overcrowding your spider plant with other plants, as this can limit air circulation and stunt its growth.
Allow sufficient space between individual plants to allow for proper development and airflow.
Benefits of Growing Spider Plant
There are several reasons to why you should grow spider plants. Among them few important benefits are:
- Purifies the air: Spider plants are renowned for their ability to purify indoor air by removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. Their efficient air-cleansing properties contribute to a healthier and more breathable indoor environment.
- Easy to maintain: Spider plants are incredibly resilient and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals or those with limited gardening experience
- Non-toxic to Pets: Spider plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for pet owners who want to add greenery to their home without worrying about potential harm to their furry companions.
- Décor your inner space: The long, slender leaves of spider plants add texture and visual interest to indoor spaces, serving as natural décor accents that breathe life into any room.
- Feng Shui Benefits: In Feng Shui, spider plants are believed to promote positive energy flow and vitality within the home.
Conclusion
Listed tips and tricks ensure that spider plant stays healthy, bushier and increase aesthetic look of your space.
Of all indirect sunlight and proper watering are essential for ideal growth of spider plant. With little your spider plant will reward you with its graceful foliage and charming presence, enhancing any indoor space with its natural beauty.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting