Understand Chlorophytum – The Spider Plant
Chlorophytum, commonly known as Spider Plant, is one of the most popular houseplants. Spider Plant has long, grassy leaves and is very easy to care for chlorophytum. With its spider-like shoots and rapid growth, the Spider Plant adds a whimsical and retro vibe to indoor spaces.
There are several varieties of Spider Plants with different leaf colors and patterns. The most common varieties are ** Chlorophytum comosum‘Vittatum’, which has green leaves with white stripes, and ‘Variegatum’**, which has leaves edged in white.
Spider Plants have a strong root system and prefer well-drained, organic potting mix with a slightly acidic pH between 6 and 7. The soil should remain moderately moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or so of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Fertilize spider plants during the growing season. Dilute a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength and apply every few weeks.
Pruning spider plants helps them retain their shape and size. Remove dead or dying leaves and shoots as needed. Prune tips of shoots to stimulate bushier growth. Spider plants also produce spiderette plantlets that can simply be removed and propagated for new plants.
Choosing The Right Soil Mix for Chlorophytum
The ideal potting mix for chlorophytum should be well-draining and fertile. A good quality soil-less potting mix or soil formulated for houseplants works well for spider plants. The potting mix should contain peat moss or coir to help retain moisture, along with perlite or pumice to improve drainage and aeration. The potting mix pH should be slightly acidic, between 6 and 7.
A suggested potting mix recipe for chlorophytum includes:
- 2 parts peat moss or coir
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part compost or composted pine bark
The potting mix should remain moderately moist but not soggy. Test the potting mix with your finger before watering. Water when the top inch or so of potting mix is dry. Reduce watering in fall and winter when growth slows down.
Fertilize spider plants during the growing season. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium such as 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength and apply every few weeks. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and tips of the leaves.
Repot chlorophytum when the plant becomes top heavy or pot bound. Look for roots protruding from the drainage holes or a spider plant that dries out very quickly after watering. Move up one size and use a pot with drainage holes. After repotting, do not fertilize for a few weeks as the potting mix contains nutrients to get the plant established.
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Watering, Fertilizing and Pruning Chlorophytum
Water spider plants regularly and thoroughly, allowing the top inch or so of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Water less in fall and winter when growth slows down. The potting mix should remain moderately moist but never soggy. Aim to water spider plants every 7-14 days. Flush the pot with water to remove any built up salts.
Fertilize spider plants from spring through summer to support active growth. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn. Application about once a month. Always water the spider plant before fertilizing. Do not fertilize in fall and winter when light levels and growth decrease.
- Pruning spider plants helps them retain their shape and size. Remove dead or dying leaves by pinching them off at the base of the stem. Prune tips of shoots to promote fuller, more compact growth. Pruning also reduces the spiderettes plantlets, extending the period between repotting. Repot as needed, usually every 2 to 3 years. Look for roots protruding from the drainage holes and move up one size pot size. After repotting, do not fertilize for a few weeks as the fresh potting mix provides nutrients.
To encourage your spider plant to produce spiderettes, prune longer shoots once they hit about 12 inches in length by pruning them back to about 6-8 inches. This stimulates the plant to produce offsets. The spiderettes can be removed and propagated when they have their own little roots and several leaves, usually after a month or two.
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Table 1: Fertilizer Schedule for Chlorophytum
List of materials needed for pruning spider plants
Images showing pruning, watering and fertilizing techniques
Common Pests And Diseases That Affect Chlorophytum
Chlorophytum are generally pest and disease resistant. However, there are a few potential problems to watch out for:
Mealybugs – Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on leaves and stems. They suck sap from plants and secrete honeydew, which leads to sooty mold fungal growth. Remove mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids – Aphids appear as tiny pear-shaped bugs that cluster on new growth and buds. They feed on sap and transmit disease. Remove aphids by spraying them off with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control severe infestations.
Spider mites – Spider mites are microscopic pests that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. Leaves become stippled or speckled, and may yellow and drop off. Increase humidity and spray spider mites off with water. Insecticidal soap or predatory mites provide control.
Root mealybugs – Root mealybugs are whitish, cottony pests that feed on roots. Plants may show signs of root decline like wilting, leaf drop, or slowed growth. Repot the plant and scrub all soil from roots. Apply root treatment containing imidacloprid.
Bacterial leaf spot – Irregular yellow spots appear on leaves which later turn brown with a yellow halo. This disease spreads rapidly in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and allow soil to dry between waterings. Remove infected leaves. Apply copper-based fungicide if needed.
Other potential issues include leafhoppers, fungus gnats, root rot, and scale. Isolate the plant, remove pests/infected tissue, treat with appropriate pesticide/fungicide and improve conditions that lead to disease development.
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Table listing pests, symptoms, treatment and prevention
List of common fungicides and insecticides for chlorophytum
Images showing various pests and disease symptoms on spider plants
Propagating Chlorophytum: Step-By-Step Guide
Chlorophytum can be propagated easily through several methods:
Division – Once spider plants become overcrowded, divide them in spring or fall. Remove the plant from its pot and split it into smaller pieces, making sure each division has roots and leaves. Repot the divisions, water thoroughly and place in a warm spot with indirect light. New roots should form in a few weeks.
Spiderette plantlets – The little plantlets that form on spider plant flower stalks can be propagated when they have several leaves and roots, usually after a month or two. Gently twist to remove the plantlet from the stalk and place in a well-draining rooting medium such as perlite or coarse sand. Keep the medium moist and place in a warm spot with indirect light. New roots form in 1 to 2 months. Repot the rooted plantlets in potting soil.
Leaf pullings – Remove a healthy, mature leaf from the spider plant. Trim the leaf to about 6 inches in length, removing most of the base of the leaf. Allow the cut end of the leaf to air dry for 1 to 2 days. Place the cut end of the leaf in moist potting mix or a well-draining medium like perlite. Provide warmth and indirect light. New roots form in 1 to 2 months. Once rooted, plant the new spider plant in potting soil.
Stem cuttings – Take 3 to 6 inch stem cuttings from the tips of shoots, pinching off the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (optional) and place in a well-draining medium such as perlite. Provide high humidity, warmth and indirect light. Change out the rooting medium every few days to prevent rot. Rooting takes 1 to 2 months. Repot new spider plantlets in potting soil.
For all propagation methods, fertilize plants lightly once new growth starts. Only water when the top part of the potting medium starts to dry out. Monitor for common pests and diseases as the new spider plants establish. With the right light and humidity conditions, spider plants root readily and new offshoots will form.
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Table summarizing the propagation methods
List of materials needed for propagating spider plants
Images showing the different propagation techniques step by step
