Bought this spider plant a couple of months ago. Overall it seems to be doing okay, but I’ve noticed some brown on the tips recently (the worst of which was there when I bought it but recently some new spots have shown up). The new growth seems healthier but the blades are narrow. Maybe needs more light? Currently I have its grow light set to the lowest intensity for 8 hours a day. Should I consider increasing the brightness or duration?
I’ve been using filtered tap water but just purchased distilled water to use from now on. I’ve been letting the top inch or so dry a fair bit before watering but now I’m thinking maybe it needs to be watered more often (or at least more often than my pothos). Also should I be using anything other than regular indoor potting mix? Perlite or orchid bark or something?
Any help appreciated!
by JiANTSQUiD
2 Comments
Brown tips are from the tapwater usually. It’s a common problem with spider plants. Your once a week watering schedule is probably just fine. I use a good quality potting soil and add extra perlite to it.
https://preview.redd.it/y4odivt3bgbf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b28be48a0bfcecc96ccf6063b0e59be22dbe4d0b
you might be overwatering actually. the brown tips on the leaves look more soft than crispy and they are yellowing behind it. I disagree that its from using tap water unless its really bad, spider plants are very bulletproof and can go a good bit of time between waterings. I personally use tap water for all my plants and they are fine (not universal advice; test your water). does your pot have drainage holes?
If you are watering once a week its probably way too much especially with decently high RH. When you say you let the top inch dry out a fair bit what do you mean? if the top is still a bit moist the rest of the soil is probably still very saturated. Waterlogging will kill your spider way faster than drying it out.