Spider Plant Watering| The Proper Way You Should Know

Spider plants are easy to grow but newcomers can get lost in finding thee proper way of watering as watering is usually the most important thing in growing indoor plants.

Let’s get to the point-

How Often Do I Water A Spider Plant?

Spider plants are one of the most popular indoor plants.  They are native to South Africa, specifically the southern and eastern regions of the continent. They grow as groundcover in the shaded understory of forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. 

But spider plants are adapted to grow well in a pot with well-draining potting soil. If you can care for it properly. And Proper watering is the first step of it.

However, spider plant watering needs vary depending on some factors. Such as soil, spider plant age, and the placement of spider plants.  Basically, spider plants like moist soil, but soggy or wet soil makes them unhappy. 

Watering your spider plant isn’t about a strict schedule but about responding to its specific needs. You should aim to water once every 7-14 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings. 

But this  spider plant watering frequency changed depending on the different types of spider plants. Most spider plant varieties have similar watering needs, but some exceptions exist. 

Variegated varieties (like ‘Variegata’ or ‘Rainbow’) tend to be thirstier and may need slightly more frequent watering. Generally, they require watering every 3-4 days. On the other hand, solid-green varieties like ‘Bonnie’ tolerate drier conditions slightly better.

Therefore, you should water your plant only when the to 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow soil to dry out completely before every watering. 

How Much Water Does Spider Plant Need?

It’s true that spider plants are hardy and can thrive for a few days without water. But the right amount of water is also necessary for your spider plants. 

It’s sometimes difficult to say the exact amount of water for spider plants. Because it depends on some factors such as your plant size, plant variety, pot size, and type of soil. 

Spider Plant Varieties	Sanitation	Water Needs
Baby Plants	Placed in a sunny location during summer months	Might need 1/4 cup of water every 5-7 days
Larger mature plants	In a heavier soil mix, situated in indirect, bright light during winter	Might require 1/2 cup of water every 10-14 days.
Indoor Spidar Plant	in a 5-inch pot needs if it doesn’t get direct sunlight	About 0.8 cups of water every nine days

While exact amounts vary, you should water deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root system receives moisture. But you have to avoid shallow watering, as it only wets the top layer and can encourage root rot.

Sign That Tells Your Spider Plant Needs Water

Although plants cannot speak like humans, we can understand their needs by looking at their signs. Unlike other houseplants, you should not water your spider plants.

Because spider plant watering requirements are different from those of other plants. They are not thirsty plants. While underwatering stunts their growth, overwatering can be detrimental. If you water them improperly, they will show some signs. You need to know the sign in order to save it. Here are some signs that spider plants may show:

Sign Of Overwater

Spider plants are resilient, but if you over water, it will show the following signs: 

• Yellowing leaves: Yellow leaves are the most common sign of overwatering. Leaves can turn uniformly yellow or develop yellow patches. Brown edges or tips on spider plants can also occur.
• Wilting and Drooping: Wilting doesn’t always indicate overwatering, but it can be a symptom if accompanied by other signs. Drooping leaves can mean the plant is struggling to absorb water due to root damage from overwatering.
• Mushy texture: Leaves that feel soft and mushy are a clear sign of root rot. And roots become rotten when you excessively water your plant. 
• Stunted growth: If your spider plant seems stuck in its growth and isn’t producing new babies (spiderettes), it might be getting too much water.
• Root rot: You won’t see this directly, but if you suspect overwatering, check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white, while overwatered roots become brown, mushy, and smelly.
• Soggy soil: The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. If you stick your finger in and it feels like a sponge, it’s too wet.

Remember, early detection is key. If you notice any of these signs, you have to act quickly

Sign Of Underwater

Now, I’m sure after hearing those issues with overwatering you will be selective with watering. But, wait! There can be underwatering issues too. Which can be a risk too. Here is what underwatering can do:

• Browning leaves: This is the most common symptom of underwatering, starting at the tips and edges and progressing inwards. Look for dry, crispy brown areas on the leaves. 
• Falling leaves: In severe cases, underwatered leaves might fold and turn fully brown and detach from the plant.
• Stunted growth: Similar to overwatering, underwatered plants can also stop producing new babies and experience slowed growth.
• Reduced leaf production: New leaves may be smaller, fewer, or even not appear at all.
• Dry soil: This is an obvious clue, but stick your finger in the soil to confirm it’s truly dry, not just slightly moist on the surface.

If you notice any of these signs, then soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. Do this again in a few minutes to ensure deep hydration.

Things That Influence Water Needs Of Spider Plants

Many people, especially beginners, want to know about spider plants watering. Actually, several factors influence the water needs of your spider plant, and understanding them is key to keeping it healthy and happy. 

Let’s see the factors that can greatly impact the watering needs of your spider plant: 

• Light: Brighter, light means faster water evaporation. So it requires more frequent watering. If your plant is in direct sunlight, it might need water every 5-7 days, while one in lower, indirect sunlight can wait 10-14 days.
• Temperature: Warmer temperatures increase water use, so you’ll need to water more often during summer or in a warm room. Cooler temperatures require less frequent watering.
• Humidity: Higher humidity helps retain moisture, so your plants in humid environments need less water than those in dry air.
• Season: During spring and summer, when growth is active, water more frequently. In fall and winter, water less as growth slows down.
• Plant size: Larger plants naturally transpire more water, needing more frequent watering than smaller ones.
• Variety: While most spider plants have similar needs, some exceptions exist. Variegated varieties tend to be thirstier, while solid-green ones tolerate drier conditions slightly better.
• Pot size and material: Smaller pots dry out faster than larger ones, so they might need water more often. Terracotta pots dry faster than plastic or glazed pots, influencing watering frequency.
• Soil type: If you use well-draining soil. it allows water to pass through easily, requiring more frequent watering compared to heavier, moisture-retaining soil.

Spider Plant Watering Schedule

There are different types of spider plants. While most types of spider plants have the same watering needs, some of them have different requirements. Also, the watering schedule can be different according to your placement. 

If you can provide your plants their adequate environmental factors, then you can follow these schedules to keep them happy: 

Spider Plant Type	Watering Frequency (Days)	Consideration
Classic Spider Plant	7-14	Adjust based on light, temperature, humidity, etc.
Variegated Spider Plant	5-12	Slightly thirstier than the classic variety.
Curly Spider Plant	10-15	Tolerates drier conditions slightly better.
Reverse Variegated Spider Plant	7-14	Similar needs to classic variety.
Ocean Spider Plant	7-14	Similar needs to classic variety.

Note: These frequency of watering can be changed based on your environmental factors, give priority to water your plant when the soil feels dry. 

What If You Over Or Under Water Spider Plant?

I went out to my office work for a few weeks and this time, the responsibility of watering my spider plants fell on my younger daughter. 

What I thought in my heart happened. She didn’t know how to water a spider plant properly. When I returned home, I found my mother plants were looking droopy, and many leaves were yellowing. 

Actually, that’s what happens when you over or under water your spider plants. 

Striking a balance with water is key for happy spider plants. Overwatering can be disastrous and lead to mushy, brown leaves and root rot. This happens when you provide excess water and the soil stays soggy, suffocating the roots. Signs include wilting, despite wet soil, and brown leaf tips.

On the other hand, underwatering can leave your plant looking parched and sad. Leaves become dry and crispy, and curl inwards, ultimately turning brown and falling off. 

Luckily, spider plants are resilient. For overwatering, you should stop immediately, let the soil dry completely, and adjust your watering schedule. For underwatering, give it a thorough soak until water runs out the drainage holes, then water again when the top inch of soil feels dry. With a little observation and TLC (Tender Loving Care), you can keep your spider plant thriving. 

Do Spider Plants Like To Be Watered From The Bottom?

Yes, spider plants can benefit from bottom watering, especially when they are very dry and need deep watering. 

Bottom watering is a method that involves placing your plant in a container filled with water and letting it absorb the water through the drainage holes in the pot. This way, your plant can take up as much water as it needs and avoid overwatering. 

However, bottom watering should be done sparingly, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots. It is also important to drain the excess water after bottom watering and not let the plant sit in water for too long. 

How To Water Your Spider Plant?

How to water spider plants it’s a common question. Proper watering is one of the main keys to keeping their growth and overall health. That’s why I decided to share a spider plant watering guide with you so that you can avoid water issues. 

Before You Begin:

• Gather your supplies: A watering can, lukewarm water (ideally filtered or rainwater), well-draining pot with drainage holes.
• Check the soil moisture: Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few days.

Step-by-step: 

• Place the plant in a sink or bathtub: This will help catch excess water and prevent overflow.
• Water slowly and evenly: Pour water directly onto the soil until it starts to drain freely from the bottom holes. You should avoid splashing the leaves. Morning and evening are the best snake plant watering times. 
• Continue watering until water runs out: This ensures the entire root system receives moisture.
• Allow excess water to drain completely: Don’t let the plant sit in pooled water, as this can lead to root rot.
• Empty the drainage tray: Discard any excess water collected in the tray.
• Return the plant to its usual location: Avoid placing it in direct sunlight immediately after watering.

Spider Plant Watering Tips

If maintaining the watering schedule is hard for you then those tips to water a spider plant properly:

• Less is More: Spider plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the most common mistake with these plants, so err on the side of underwatering.
• Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few days.
• Thorough Watering: When you do water, water deeply until water runs out the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get moisture.
• Drainage is Key: Use a well-draining pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Never let your plant sit in water.
• Frequency: Water your spider plant once a week or so.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Conclusion

Water is an element that can have adverse effects on plants if you provide improperly. So it’s important to maintain the right spider plant watering schedule.

You should check the soil moisture before watering. The best rule of thumb to watering is once a week. If you can follow the watering methods and tips that I explored in the article then your plant will grow well. As a result, you can enjoy their beauty and benefits properly.