Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are versatile houseplants that can be found in a variety of settings.
Spider plants are lovely, but they don’t produce vibrant blossoms for you to enjoy; instead, they produce tiny white blooms that are quite lovely.
They are not, however, real succulents.
What Are Succulents?
Plants that hold water in their leaves are known as Succulents.
Some genera and species have thicker leaves than others, but the general rule is that they are thick and meaty in texture.
Succulents prefer low humidity and flourish in arid environments.
Proper watering is just as important for a plant’s growth and blossoming as it is for any other plant.
It is true that trees need water to exist, yet the stored water and nutrients in their leaves help them withstand long periods of drought.
Their roots will begin to rot and die if they are left in water for an extended period of time.
Warm temperatures are preferred by most succulents, and they are unable to survive freezing.
It is common for plants to die or have mushy leaves if they are exposed to freezing temperatures.
Although they are better suited to warmer temperatures, some sedums and sempervivums can endure temperatures below freezing.
Are Spider Plants Succulents?
The spider plant, though adapted for drier conditions, is not a true succulent. Although, its roots are adapted for water acquisition and can spread out.
There is still some difference between them.
Here is an article I wrote on trimming spider plants
Can You Use Succulent Soil For Spider Plants?
Spider plants can be grown in a well-drained succulent soil mix since it delivers even watering, preventing your plant from becoming excessively wet or dry.
A well-drained succulent soil mix, rather than one that drains too quickly, is essential because these plants want some moisture in the soil.
Your spider plant’s basic needs must be attended to as well as its soil type if you want it to flourish in your home.
- Watering Your Spider Plant
The amount of water you give your spider plant is almost certainly more significant than the soil you use.
You can use the appropriate soil for this plant but if you repeatedly overwater it, it won’t stay long.
When around the top one inch of soil feels dry, then it’s time to give your spider plant some water.
It prefers to have its soil regularly moist but never soggy. Watering the soil once a week is generally enough to keep it moist.
Keep the draining dish clean and clear of any water that accumulates around the plant’s roots.
Overwatering is perhaps the most common killer of spider plants in the house and they are subject to root rot if watered too regularly or let to sit in water.
Keep an eye on the soil during the spring and summer months, when it may need a little additional water, to avoid overwatering.
- Temperature and Sunlight
Squirrel plants prefer sunny to moderate indirect sunshine. Sunburn and brown spots or browning at the tips can occur when exposed to direct, hot sunshine, which they dislike.
Temperatures between 70 and 90°F are ideal for spider plants to thrive.
They can endure temperatures as low as 35°F without becoming injured but will grow slower when kept at temps below 65°F.
- Repot
Every now and again, you’ll have to repot these perennials.
Repotting and overall growth are made easier when the soil is adequately replaced. When it comes to the spider plant, there is a lot of room for growth.
In the right conditions, these plants can develop extremely quickly.
It can even create new plants called “pups,” which you can plant in a separate pot and watch them grow from seed.
Due of its vigorous roots and extraordinary growth, it may even burst its pot in some situations.
Re-potting or relocating your spider plant to a larger pot helps ensure that it continues to expand.
Furthermore, a plant with stronger roots has a better chance of surviving dry seasons.
Your spider plant should be moved to a larger container as soon as you notice its roots protruding above the earth.
But don’t worry, the repotting process isn’t that complicated.
Replant your plant in a larger pot with drainage holes after gently removing it from its current pot and rinsing and trimming the roots.
Trim the roots’ outer edges and bottoms with a pair of scissors. To give the plant more room in its new container, try to remove about an inch of the roots.
Also check out this article on how to repot spider plants
Can You Plant Spider Plants With Succulents?
You can plant spider plants and succulents together, as they are both adapted for drier climates.
They require little upkeep and only a few drops of water to thrive. Some of the leaves may need to be trimmed back to prevent them from taking over the pot.
It’s important to give enough room for your snake plant, which grows at a slower pace.
The spider plant will produce spider babies that may be plucked off and planted in new soil to produce new plants.
It can survive in full sun or full shade. Give them a try; they’ll do well. Avoid planting them in the ground, as they can soon take over.
However, watering the plants must be done in a particular way so that it does not interfere with the plant’s physiology.
Why Is It Called A Spider Plant?
A spider-like mother plant, the offsets or spiderettes that sprout from it seem like tiny spiders strung from silky strands.
- Appearance
Spider plants are perennials that form clusters and are evergreen.
They’re a great choice for hanging baskets, and they’re one of the most common interior foliage plants.
With their beautifully arching leaves that often dip to the ground as a member of the lily family, are a beautiful addition to any garden.
The leaves can grow as long as 16 inches in length. These spider-like legs can be seen in the shape of these long, arching leaves.
There are a number of varieties, such as “Vittatum,” that have variegated leaves with white or gold stripes. Spider plants can grow up to 3 feet in height and 5 feet in diameter.
- Spiderettes
Plantlets, offsets, and offsets are all terms used to describe the same thing: spider plants.
Despite the fact that many plants produce these, only Chlorophytum comosum offsets are known as spiderettes.
Offsets grow at the tips of long, thin flower stems, some of which are as long as the leaves themselves.
Although the stems are covered in small white blooms, what really stands out is how the stems end with baby plants.
At the end of an arching wire, they resemble miniatures of their mother. Using a pair of scissors, remove the tiny plantlets from the tips of the stems and set them in moist, rich potting soil.
- Culture
If the spider plant is to produce the young plants that give them their name, proper cultivation is essential.
Fortunately, the plant’s popularity stems from its low maintenance requirements and hardiness.
They are hardy in zones 8 through 11 of the USDA plant hardiness scale.
Squirrel plants need strong sunlight, but they can also survive in the shade.
During the growing season, they prefer a constant supply of water, but in the winter months, you should allow them to dry out before watering them again.
In the summer, feeding the plant with a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer every two weeks will speed up its growth even further.
What Are Spider Plants Good For?
They’re a breeze to cultivate. These narrow-leaved plants can be cared for by even the most inexperienced gardener.
You should plant them near a window facing North, East or West because they prefer bright indirect light.
With moderate shade in the summer, they can live in a south-facing window.
Plants like this one can thrive in low-light environments, making them ideal for offices, basements, and restrooms.
None of the spider plant’s properties is harmful to humans. The leaves, stalks, and flowers are all safe for children and pets to eat.
Almost all plants obtain carbon dioxide (CO2) from their leaves and roots. They transform CO2 and water into carbohydrates and oxygen using the sun’s energy.
They function as free-acting odor removers. As with other indoor plants, the spider plant is capable of removing a number of pollutants from the air.
Conclusion
Spider plants are not true succulent but that doesn’t mean they won’t grow if planted with one.
If you plant them in a pot they can share the space. If you want to keep the pot in a shady spot, plant them in shade.
