What You Need to Know
Summer in South Mississippi is perfect for growing spider plants on your patio! They can be successfully grown outdoors in the summer, even in August, by providing them with partial shade and well-drained soil. However, do make sure you bring them back indoors before the weather turns frosty and cold in the fall.
Spider plants are very easy to grow and make a healthy addition to your home by purifying the air, making them a great option for beginners. The spider plant is one of the most beloved houseplants for a good reason. It is a graceful plant that can make a statement anywhere in your home or outside of your home in the spring and summer time.
Using a spider plant as lush décor adds elegance to a mantle or tabletop, and it is certainly gorgeous as a hanging plant with its beautiful flowing leaves. You can use a spider plant as a focal point by placing it in a large pot on a counter or near your fireplace.
They are adaptable to almost any spot in your home and are hands-off with their care. They enjoy reasonable temperatures, between 55 and 65 degrees, and spider plants love bright, indirect light. Keep them in a spot that is sunny but not directly in the sun (too much sun will scorch the leaves), and they’ll thank you with lush green leaves.
When taking care of these plants, make sure the soil dries out in between watering. A little Epsom salt mixed in the soil every so often can be like a spa day for your plant, helping it grow healthier and more vibrant. Native to tropical and Southern Africa, spider plants have a reputation for being extra hardy!
With time, your mature spider plant will reward you with “spiderettes,” which you can propagate. These baby spider plants will appear on mature spider plants at the end of long, stiff stems. If you wish to propagate your spider plant, simply cut or break off the small baby plant, stick it in a small pot of moist soil and water gently. Another method is to stick the spiderette in a glass of water for 1–2 weeks then plant the rooted plant in a pot of soil.
Outdoors, the babies can stay attached to the parent plant. Once the shoots reach the soil, they can develop roots and spread. Spider plants can be used as a border around a tree or along a sidewalk. They can also be used as a groundcover.
The spider plant is supposedly pet-friendly, but it is important to remember that any plant, if eaten in large enough quantities, might cause distress. If your pet likes to play with and eat plants, it is always a good idea to supervise them and keep them away from potential problems with plants, (kids, too).
Did you know?
• In traditional African medicine, spider plant leaves are used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections.
• In India, spider plant leaves are used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings.
• Spider plants can remove harmful toxins from the air.
• Caring for spider plants can reduce stress and improve happiness levels.
• Studies have shown that spider plant extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There are many types of spider plants:
• Vittatum: the variegated spider plant has arching green leaves adorned with creamy white stripes in the center.
• Bonnie: This compact variety’s green leaves are curled with a white central stripe. Its flowers are white.
• Solid green: The solid green leaves have no variegation. This variety is less common than variegated species.
• Green Shamrock Spider Plant: Most spider plants are variegated, with more than one tone, which makes this solid green version unique and harder to find.
• Variegatum: Cream or white leaves have a green stripe and long green stem.
• Bichetii Spider Plant: Also known as Saint Bernard’s Lily or Bichetti grass, the Bichetti spider plant produces white, star-like flowers.
• Atlantic Spider Plant: Similar to a variegated spider plant, this variety has dark green margins with white bands along the center of its curly leaves.
• Hawaiian Spider Plant: Add a touch of paradise to your home with a beautiful Hawaiian spider plant. Also known as a Golden Glow spider plant, it has long and wide dark green leaves with yellow-lime green and cream striped centers.
Happy summer & happy gardening!
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently serving as President of the Biloxi Garden Club. Reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc.edu.
