Best Potting Soil for Spider Plants to Boost Growth

by Alex Kountry
Updated on

Every plant has different needs when growing, so the soil requirements vary. For your Spider plants to thrive better than when planted on natural soil, you need the best potting soil for Spider plants. The good thing is that the potting soil is organic-rich, well-draining soil mix. So, you can expect healthy growth.

1. Miracle-Gro Potting Mix

Miracle-Gro Potting Mix 1 cu. ft.
  • Grows Plants Twice as Big (vs. unfed plants)
  • Feeds up to 6 months
  • More blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
  • For indoor and outdoor container plants
  • For use in containers.

Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For soil mix that comes with an affordable price tag, count on the Miracle-Gro Potting soil. The mix contains coco coir, sphagnum peat moss, and perlite to create a lightweight soil that will not compress over time, allowing your spider roots to develop. Moreover, the soil mix has fertilizers designed to get freshly transplanted seedlings off to a good start and keep the spider plants fed for up to 6 months.

Image Source: carthagefarmsupply.com

I noted that the fertilizer mixture on the soil mix usually promotes multiple leaves on my spider plants, which results in more bushy spider plants. Conversely, this is a dry potting mix. Still, since dry peat moss might be difficult to moisten at first, it contains a wetting ingredient that allows it to absorb moisture easily after the initial watering.

Pros

  • It comes with an affordable price tag.
  • It contains a wetting agent which helps with initial moistening.
  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • It drains quite well.

Cons

  • The additional fertilizer is synthetic.

2. Miracle-Gro Expand' N Gro .67 Cu. ft. Concentrated Planting Mix

Miracle-Gro Expand 'N Gro Concentrated Planting Mix, .67 cu. ft.
  • Great substitute for garden soil or potting mix
  • Can be used in ground or in containers (see label for instructions)
  • Grows up to 3X bigger plants than native soil and feeds up to 6 months
  • Holds up to 50 percent more water than basic potting soil
  • Expands up to 3X when water is added and creates up to 90 percent more air space in native soil

Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Miracle-Gro Planting Mix is a compressed product that expands up to three times its original size when wet. It usually provides moisture protection, making it ideal for growing spider plants in pots where the soil dries out fast.

Image Source: miraclegro.com

Furthermore, the planting mix absorbs and holds up to 50% more moisture than other planting mixes yet won't get soggy. It contains coco coir which usually drains effectively and provides optimal aeration, allowing your spider roots to develop.

Miracle-Gro Planting Mix has additional fertilizers to promote plant growth and enhance the number of leaves. More so, I find using the mix quite easy to spread. To promote aeration and moisture retention, I use it in pots or mix it with existing soil in garden beds.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use planting mix
  • Features additional nutrients to promote plant growth and enhance the number of leaves
  • Effective for up to 6 months
  • It retains maximum moisture yet won't get soggy.

Cons

  • The additional fertilizers are synthetic

3. Burpee Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix, 9 Quarts

Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container...
  • ALL-NATURAL MIX: Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is formulated with plant food & coconut coir to promote seed &...
  • PERFECT FOR CONTAINERS: Use this growing mix for planting in containers or raised beds. The potting soil feeds...
  • RETAINS MOISTURE: Sustainable coconut coir helps hold the perfect amount of water for potted plants, indoor or...
  • TIP FOR FLOWER POTS: Use flowers and foliage of varying heights to add dimension to your container. Place tall...
  • 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure...

Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Burpee Premium Potting Mix is made with plant food and coconut coir to boost seed and root growth and encourage healthy leaves. The potting soil feeds your strawberry plants immediately and then delivers a gradual release of plant food that feeds the plants for up to three months. Besides, you can use it on spider plants in pots or raised beds.

Image Source: amazon.com

Moreover, the potting soil contains sustainable coconut coir, which helps retain the ideal water for your potted spider plants indoors or outdoors. Also, the coconut coir helps vibrant spider leaves retain moisture between waterings.

I love that the potting soil is made of organic content since I prefer herbs, flowers, fruits, and veggies to grow organically. You don't have to worry about synthetic fertilizers!

Pros

  • Organic soil mix
  • Usually drains well
  • It helps the plant retain moisture between waterings.
  • Boosts leave production

Cons

  • It contains too much nitrogen

4. Espoma Organic Potting Soil, 16 qt.

Sale
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix - All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers...
  • FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a...
  • CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched...
  • MYCO-TONE: A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
  • WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container....
  • ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or...

Last update on 2024-08-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For a healthy spider plant, count on the Espoma Organic Potting Mix. The soil mix contains pulverized dolomitic limestone, which helps to keep the soil pH value steady. It also has an ideal combination of sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and forest humus.

Image Source: gardendesign.com

Furthermore, the soil mix is designed to drain efficiently so that the spider roots do not have to stand in water while retaining moisture and offering aeration for healthy growth. Espoma also includes Myco-tone, a patented combination of mycorrhizae (mushroom-based) nutrients that boost soil micronutrient levels and reduces plant stress during drought-like conditions.

I have been using the potting soil mix on my spider plants and other garden plants for a while now, and the results are quite pleasing.

Pros

  • Keeps the soil pH level steady
  • Organic soil mix
  • Usually drains well
  • Boost soil micronutrient levels

Cons

  • It is slightly expensive.

5. FoxFarms Strawberry Fields Potting Soil, 733266

Sale
FoxFarms 733266 Soil, Strawberry Fields Potting, 1.5 cu
  • Strawberry fields fruiting & flowering potting Soil is brought to you directly from the flower Children of the...
  • Fox farm 15 cu Ft
  • Fruiting & flowering potting Soil
  • No assembly required

Last update on 2023-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For the best potting soil for spider plants that promote leaf growth, we recommend the FoxFarms Strawberry Fields Potting Soil. The fruit-specific potting mix is a blend of coco coir, perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and aged forest products that keep the soil light and good draining while offering excellent aeration and moisture retention.

Image Source: treehugger.com

Furthermore, the potting soil contains natural ingredients such as bat guano, dolomite lime, ground oyster shells, and earthworm castings to enhance blossom production and fruit size. Another thing I noted is that it has a higher percentage of coco coir than competitor mixes. This makes it one of the best options for amending heavy garden or raised bed soil and a top option for container gardening that I have ever used.

Pros

  • Ideal for amending heavy garden or raised bed soil
  • A lightweight, well-draining soil
  • Offers excellent aeration and moisture retention
  • Boosts leave production

Cons

  • It is slightly expensive

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Potting Soil for Spider Plants

1. Drainage

When buying the best soil for spider plants, consider the drainage capability. A clay-heavy soil has no water drainage capacity, whereas sandy and silty soil doesn’t retain water.

The spider plant prefers well-draining soil with a balanced blend of other components. The soil must retain adequate water without getting soaked or soggy.

2. Nutrition

Spider plants are usually voracious feeders. For them to thrive well, they require dense, nutrient-rich soil. If you pull a Spider plant from the soil, you will see that it has long, thick roots. Along with acting as an anchor, these thick roots show that your plant needs more nutrients than plants with thin roots.

Spider plants require nutrient-rich growth conditions to thrive. Otherwise, they are likely to die if they do not obtain enough nutrients from the soil.

3. pH Value

Spider plants usually prefer slightly acidic soil. The ideal pH range for spider plant soil mix is 6.0 to 7.5. This pH level reduces the presence of fluoride, which is harmful to spider plants.

When the spider plant is exposed to fluoride for a long time, the tips of its leaves become brown. Conversely, if the soil is excessively acidic, you can conveniently add ground limestone to raise the pH; on the other hand, if it is overly alkaline, you can add peat moss to lower the pH.

4. Sterilization

It’s important to use a sterile soil mix to help prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Look for soil that has been pasteurized or sterilized to kill any harmful bacteria or fungi.

5. Organic Matter

When a soil mix is labeled organic, it means it passes USDA guidelines for chemical-free manufacture. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has also certified it as containing solely natural (no synthetic or chemical) ingredients.

Spider plants benefit from organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This helps to improve the soil structure and add nutrients to the soil.

6. Moisture Retention

Another factor to consider when looking for the best potting soil for spider plants is moisture retention. Consider the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Besides, keep in mind that the quantity of water in the soil is a good indicator of its health. Succulent soil does not have much moisture, but a standard potting mixture does.

Therefore, the ideal soil mix for your Spider plant falls in between. Avoid overwatering since it can lead to waterlogging and excess moisture. If your filtered garden soil is too dry to retain moisture, you can boost its moisture retention capacity by adding organic components such as coco peat, worm castings, and compost.

7. Aeration

Aeration inside the soil is quite crucial to the health of your plant. If you want your Spider plant to stay healthy, ensure the soil has enough airflow. Most people are primarily concerned with fertilizer and watering, forgetting the need to keep the soil well-aerated.

Remember that a tightly packed soil mix is an ideal breeding ground for diseases such as root rot, fungal growth, etc. On the other hand, well-aerated soil allows oxygen to circulate freely throughout the root system, promoting the development of healthy bacteria and microorganisms. Furthermore, it will enable proper moisture retention by allowing water to soak in. Therefore, ensure the soil mix you’re growing your Spider plant has enough aeration to promote healthy growth.

How to Make a Spider Plant Potting Mix Recipe

The potting mix may be dry or low in nutrients when you bring your Spider plants home. That’s why having the best Spider plant potting mix recipe is so important. You can use it to repot an existing spider plant or to plant a new one.

How to Make a Spider Plant Potting Mix Recipe

Image Source: gardenforindoor.com

Recipe 1

  • Three parts organic potting mix. Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is the gold standard for well-draining potting soil mix.

  • 1 part perlite. You can use coarse sand, pumice, or vermiculite if you need perlite.

  • A little amount of coconut coir or orchid bark

  • A little amount of compost, earthworm castings, and sphagnum peat moss

Recipe 2

  • Two parts succulent soil mix. There are several easily accessible cactus soil mixes. This component is required for aeration and feeding.

  • 1 part peat moss or coconut coir

  • 1 part premium compost

  • You can also sprinkle earthworm casting.

Steps on How to Repot Spider Plants?

Repotting spider plants is quite easy; follow the steps below:

Steps on How to Repot Spider Plants

Image Source: gardenerspath.com

1. Start by removing the spider plant from its original container

2. Remove any excess soil from the roots and inspect them carefully. If you see any signs of root damage, remove them before repotting.

3. Before repotting your spider plant to a larger pot, clean the plant thoroughly.

4. A pot one size larger than the current one is enough. Besides, ensure the pot you’re using has enough drainage holes.

5. Place the plant at a height where you can bury the roots in potting soil.

6. Water the plant after repotting to allow the potting soil to settle properly.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Potting Soil for Spider Plants

1. What are the signs that you’re using the wrong soil mix for spider plants?

If your spider plant is not growing properly or your leaves are yellowing or withering, it is because you are using the incorrect soil mix. Generally, spider plants require sandy loam soil with adequate drainage and enough organic matter.

2. What kind of container should spider plants be potted in?

Grow in a potting mix that is soil-based and well-draining. Spider plants prefer consistent moisture though it shouldn’t be too dry or too wet. Keep the Spider plants in bright to mild, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sunlight because it can burn their leaves, resulting in brown tips and patches.

3. Should I repot spider plants in shallow or deep pots?

Get a little larger pot than the one it’s currently in. The spider plant is happiest when its roots can take up the soil area. Besides, the plant wants to be able to grow.

Featured Image Source: serenityplants.com.au

 

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About the author

Alex Kountry

Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. He also loves to play tennis and read books

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