How to Grow Spider Plants? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Spider plant is a plant of the genus Chlorophytum in the family Agavaceae, also known as Hens and Chickens, Guilan, Hulan, and Zhehelan; in Western Europe it is also called spider grass or airplane plant, and it originated in South Africa. It belongs to the Liliaceae family as a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. The roots are fleshy, and the leaves are slender, resembling orchid leaves. The stolons growing out from the leaf axils of the spider plant can be about a chi long, both stiff and soft; the leaves clustered at the tips of the stems droop outward from the edge of the pot and sway with the wind, resembling a crane spreading its wings and leaping. Therefore, the spider plant was known in ancient times as Zhehelan. The plant has the effect of purifying the air, and the whole plant can be used as medicine.

Daily Care of Spider Plants

1. Spider plants like a semi-shaded environment. If exposed to direct sunlight, combined with dry air, it is most likely to cause the leaf tips to scorch. Therefore, spider plants must be placed in a relatively cool and ventilated place, and special attention should be paid to frequently spraying water on the leaves to increase environmental humidity.

2. Although spider plants like moisture, if watered too much or if the potting soil drains poorly, root rot can indirectly cause the leaves to wither and scorch. Improper watering and fertilizing can also cause the leaves to dry up.

3. Spider plants like fertilizer. If there is insufficient fertilizer and water, the leaf color will fade and the leaf tips will scorch. However, fertilizer should not be applied in excess. 4. In winter, be sure to watch out for cold damage. When the ambient temperature is below 4 degrees, it will suffer cold damage.

Key Points for Cultivating Spider Plants

Overall, spider plants have strong adaptability, grow luxuriantly, and are relatively easy to cultivate.

1. Temperature. When grown indoors in winter, the temperature must not be lower than 5 degrees;

2. Light. Spider plants are extremely sensitive to light. In summer and autumn, shading is required, and direct sunlight is not allowed. In spring, 50% of the sunlight can be shaded, or the plant can be placed in a semi-shaded place for cultivation; in autumn, more light can be given as appropriate. Through observation, it can be found that when there is insufficient light, the leaf color is pale and sometimes even yellow-green; when the light is too strong, the leaves turn dry and yellow.

3. Watering. During the growing period, water appropriately more to keep the potting soil moist. In winter, watering should be controlled. Usually, pay attention to keeping the leaves clean and spray water on the leaves frequently.

4. Fertilizing. During the growing season, apply dilute fertilizer about once every half a month. For variegated varieties, nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled.

5. Placement. Spider plants can be hung up, which gives a distinctive look. The height should be level with people's eyes or slightly higher; if too high, watering is inconvenient. When fertilizing, take it down from the hanging basket, and after fertilizing, rinse the leaves with a fine spray.

Analysis of Why Spider Plant Leaves Become Soft

1. The potting soil is too dry. If the potting soil has dried out too much, it is not easy to water it thoroughly, and the water will just run off. If upon inspection it is indeed too dry, use the soaking method once to replenish water so that the water fully penetrates the potting soil.

2. Great attention should be paid to spraying water on the leaves. Wet potting soil cannot replace humid air conditions. In the current climate, spraying more than twice a day is not excessive.

3. At the current temperature, do not expose it to direct sunlight, and also protect it from strong winds.

4. If it is hanging, do not place it too close to the wall, and do not let other objects touch it.