I recently got this spider plant from pike less than a month ago. I've watered it twice since that, both times with about a quart of water with a little bit of liquid fertilizer. When I do water it, most of the water immediately pours out of the bottom. The plant is about 6 feet away from a east facing window and is against the wall. I do not know anything about taking care of plants and I'm already wondering if I'm starting to kill this one already. ðŸ˜
What am I doing wrong here?
by AlanaBk
13 Comments
If the water is running right through, your soil has either become hydrophobic or the plant is severely root bound. If it is the hydrophobic soil, a good, long soaking will revive it. If it is root bound, you will need to up your pot size.
You only need to fertilize once a month. The soil and water have nutrients the plant needs as well. So wait a month from the last time you fertilized. When you fertilize water the plant first then add the fertilizer diluted with water to prevent root burn
I suggest pulling it out of the pot. These guys make big fat roots quickly and can outgrow the pot. If it still has a decent amount of soil versus roots then you should bottom water and I would give it better light.
Also, don’t forget micros! They only called micros because organisms you them a lot less than macros. They’re still essential to survival. They just take longer to deplete than out of soil.
Very insufficient light exposure. Variegated plants have increased light requirements and this should be in a sunny window.
Spider plants are pretty sensitive to the type of water you use as well. Either I use spring water or use a tap water conditioner in my kitchen sink water.
My spider plant babies died. I found out that the water matters. No tap water. Only bottled or purified water.
Highly recommend moving it closer to the window and hanging it lower! Light from outside is probably shining on the plant at certain times of day but your plant can’t see the sky at all, and it needs that sweet solar food to stay alive and eventually thrive. I like to make sure the base/soil of all my potted plants can see the sky, not just the trailing bits. Can also supplement with a grow light, but the bulb needs to be above the plant. Even the pothos (or whatever the other hanging plant is) would benefit from being a little lower, but with some rope or sturdy string that’s an easy fix! In terms of water just running out the sides, either the plant is root bound or the soil is hydrophobic. Can be hard to tell without unpotting, so I’d take the plant out to asses whats going on down there
You also need more light. A south or west facing window is better. A good grow light would work. Mealy bugs and spider mites like this plant.
https://preview.redd.it/a4a7psi2ow7e1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88acae53009a8a5c652b6b1597fef37c7e5c8441
I would clean the roots and replace the soil. You can also get some of this from Amazon. I use it for all my potted plants, easy to follow instructions and can be mixed with most organic fertilizers.
Spider plants like to be root bound to a point but looks like this one need a bigger pot.also mist a lil more.and depending where u live only fertilize during spring and summer..( depending location..me central wa so spring and summer is all I do
I’ve found my spider plants love to be bottom watered. After a good repot I would butt chug it letting it sit in water for about 15-30 mins you can judge by picking up the pot and see if it’s heavy or still light. Also it needs moved really close to the window so it can get good light & also might need a grow light to help Thru the winter. And she’s got ALOT of babies, maybe start you a free new plants that you can keep or give as gifts. Good luck
Definitely looks like a water issue versus lighting. The green is vibrant which suggests it’s getting adequate light, but the yellow is likely from too much fertilizer or maybe the water quality in your area