Spider Plants: Their Fascination, Care and Propagation

Such Ease Of Care…

The Spider plant, sometimes also called Spider ivy is one of the most popular of the houseplant category and are also considered to be one of the most easily grown in the home. Kept under fairly bright lighting close to a window and watered regularly, they will give you viewing pleasure for many months with very little upkeep. The larger type Spider plant, simply called Chlorophytum will grow to 24 inches or so and sprout “baby” spiders, usually very prolifically. These babies can then be used to propagate the Spider plant when roots appear. Just carefully cut each at the joint to the main plant stem and place them in well moistened potting soil in a 3-4 inch pot. Peat moss is usually best to use because of its water retention properties, but is not necessary and any potting soil will do. It is a good thing to remember that if you intend to fill a room with these plants, all you need is one and some patience. They will multiply ten-fold in just a few months…with a little work…of course.

How To Enjoy Them…

Picture in your mind a forest full of these beautiful light green and light yellow striped leaf plants filling your whole living room, or any other favorite room in your home or apartment. It is always a good idea to hang them from the ceiling when possible and is better for both presentation and convenience when watering and fertilizing. It is also good to remember that in order for the plants to grow evenly, a regular turning of the plant is a good thing, turning the brightly lit side inward away from a window or light source. This can be performed on a regular monthly basis for a well balanced looking plant. Once you have begun propagation from the “baby” spiders, you will soon have dozens hanging from your ceiling and the room will actually begin to turn a yellow-green hue on bright sunny mornings.

Not Totally Carefree, They Must Be Fed…

The Spider plant is very forgiving and will usually thrive on a minimal amount of plant food. It is usually a good practice to fertilize on a monthly basis and to follow the instructions on carton or bottle, if you prefer the liquid type. A 5-10-5 is usually a good chemistry balance for most plants and should do fine. If leaves begin to turn a yellowish color, it is usually a good idea to add an “iron chelate” to the soil to adjust the PH. As with anything which you would add to your plant soil, directions should be followed carefully. It is very important to check growth of rooting system after a long period of growth by carefully popping plant from its pot and observing the crowding of its roots and if they are seen to be running along the outer edge, the plant should be re-potted into a slightly larger pot for continued optimum growth. Regular observation of your plants will ensure long and enjoyable pleasure from your efforts.