Want to know how to grow spider plants indoors?

Read these tips and learn how to grow spider plants indoors. Chlorophytum comosum, or spider plant is also known as airplane plant, St. Bernard’s lily, spider ivy, and ribbon plant and is perennial and flowering. There are several varieties of spider plants, thought the variegated is the most common. All spider plant varieties produce long, slender leaves that arch up and over the container. Their shape reminds me of exploding fireworks: jubilant and exciting. Long slender stems, known as off-shoots grow from the plant and hang two-three feet below or near the container. Each of these off-shoots develops a baby spider plant (or many), which can be left on the plant or used to create an entirely new spider plant.

Choosing a Container

If you purchase your spider plant at a store, it will come potted. However; if you receive a baby spider plant propagated from a friend, you may need to select a container. Spider plants are generally pretty easy to please. Which means you have choices! Select a hanging basket (think about a gorgeous and trendy macramé style) or any traditional sort, according to the plant size. That is, choose a container that is about a size bigger than the root ball of your plant. Plan to keep updating it time to time, when it becomes root bound. Spider plants actually prefer to be a little “snug” and grow well in a slightly root-bound state so don’t go overboard and choose a container that’s too generous. 

Location, Location, Location!

When you grow spider plants indoors, you’ll want to choose a good spot in your home or office. Select a location that has bright indirect sunlight. Regular direct sunlight can burn your plant’s leaves. I suggest about a foot away from South or West facing windows. Spider plants can do well in lower-light environments, making it perfect choice for indoors.

Soil & Feeding

Again, spider plants are fairly easy to grow. They just aren’t picky. For indoor growing, choose soil that is light and drains well. Any all-purpose potting mix will work. I like to add a “pot shot” plant food nugget to all of my container plants. This is a newer product from Osmocote that is pre-measured, formulated for container plants and feeds for a full 6 months. 

Hydration

When you grow spider plants indoors, water your plant only when the topsoil becomes dry. Spider plants have tuberous roots that hang onto water, so they are forgiving if you happen to let them get a little too dry. Though not critical, avoid watering with fluoridated or chlorinated water as your plant prefers water without these additives. If you notice brown discoloured streaks down the centre of your plants’ leaves, you likely have over watered.

Baby Spider Plants

If you grow spider plants indoors, you will find yourself increasing your collection of houseplants. Spider plants are known to be prolific and grow long off-shoots with spider plant “babies”. Without spending any money, growing new spider plants from an existing plant is as easy as it gets. Literally anyone, even kids can  learn how to root spider plant babies. The simplest way is simply snipping off one of the “babies” and sticking it in some light soil. Another option (though not necessary, it is cool to see the root system develop) you can stick the baby in a small container of water for a week or two. Be sure to keep the leaves out of the water. Once you’ve had your fill of watching the roots grow, you can transplant it into soil. Before you know it, you’ll have a houseful of spider plants to enjoy or gift.