What are the cultivation methods and precautions for spider plants?
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a plant of the genus Chlorophytum in the family Agavaceae, also known as weeping pot grass, Guilan, hook grass, and folding crane grass; in Western Europe it is also called spider grass or airplane grass, and it originated in South Africa. It is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the family Liliaceae. Its roots are fleshy, and its leaves are slender, resembling those of an orchid. The stolons that emerge from the leaf axils of the spider plant can grow about a chi long, both stiff and soft; the leaves clustered at the tips of the stems droop outward from the rim of the pot and flutter in the wind, resembling a crane spreading its wings and leaping. Hence the spider plant was known in ancient times as folding crane grass. The plant has the effect of purifying the air, and the whole plant can be used as medicine.
Daily care for spider plants
1. Spider plants prefer 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 spot, and special attention should be paid to frequently spraying water on the leaves to increase the ambient humidity.
2. Although spider plants like moisture, if they are watered too much or 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 must not be applied in excess. 4. In winter, be sure to guard against 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, shade should be provided, and direct sunlight is acceptable. In spring, 50% of the sunlight can be blocked, or the plant can be placed in a semi-shaded spot for cultivation; in autumn, more light can be given as appropriate. Through observation, it can be found that with insufficient light, the leaf color is pale and sometimes even yellow-green; with overly strong light, the leaves turn withered 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 a diluted fertilizer about once every half month. For variegated varieties, nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled.
5. Placement. Spider plants can be hung up, which gives a distinctive flavor. The height should be level with a person's eyes or slightly higher; if too high, watering is inconvenient. When fertilizing, they should be taken down from the hanging basket, and after fertilizing, the leaves should be finely sprayed and rinsed.
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 as you pour. If upon inspection it is indeed too dry, use the bottom-watering method once to replenish water so that the water thoroughly soaks the potting soil.
2. Great importance must be attached to spraying water on the leaves. Wet potting soil cannot replace a humid air environment. 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 hung up, do not place it too close to the wall, and do not let other objects touch it.