How to Repot Spider Plants

Spider plants are grown as a house plant in the United States. Sometimes it takes a long time before the mother plant produces babies. When this happens, it is an indication that your plant is root-bound. Unlike more house plants, the spider plant likes to be root-bound. However, there comes a time when it will need to be repotted. Doing it the right way will keep your plant growing and producing babies for years to come.

Spider plants have long, narrow leaves that come in different color variations. Some leaves are dark green, others are variegated, and some are speckled. Most people grow spider plants in hanging baskets. The plantlets hang over the side like spiders suspended in the air. The small, star-shaped flowers grow on a spike that can be 3 feet long.

Find the Right Container

During the winter months, the spider plant is dormant or resting. The best time to repot your spider plant is early in the spring. Find a suitable container like plastic, clay, or terra-cotta that is 2 inches larger than the original pot. Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom.

Cover the drainage holes with rocks, or pieces of shard. You can also use a coffee filter or a fine mesh screen. This keeps the soil in the pot each time you water.

Add some potting soil into the bottom of the container. Only fill the pot to a third full. The potting soil can be bought at the garden supply store, or it can be some that you made on your own. The recipe is simple. Mix equal amounts of sterilized compost, peat moss and perlite.

Removing The Spider Plant

Sometimes the hardest part is removing the plant from the container. If the pot is large, enlist a friend to help you with this. Turn the plant upside down and tap the rim of the pot on the edge of a table. The plant should slip right out. That’s where your helper comes in. He or she can catch the plant so it does not fall on the floor or ground.

Tease the Roots Away From the Root Ball

Look at the root ball. You should see roots along the outside. With your fingers, gently tease them away from the sides of the root ball. This allows the roots to grow out into the new soil instead of growing around the root ball. If the roots are not teased out, they could choke the plant to death.

Repotting the Spider Plant

Place the root ball into the center of the pot. Check the top of the root ball against the sides of the pot. The root ball should be a 1/ 2 inch below the pot’s rim. If it is not, add more potting soil or remove some of the soil from the bottom of the pot until it is right.

Fill in around the root ball with potting soil. Gently tap the pot on the table top several times to remove any air pockets in the potting soil. Add more soil if needed. Firm the soil with your hands.

Water the Spider Plant

Fill a large high sided container that is large enough to hold you potted spider plant. Place the pot into the water and allow the soil to absorb the water. Remove from the water when the soil is visibly moist. Check the soil level again to confirm that it is even with the root ball. The potting soil should be level with the root ball.

Remove the pot from the container of water and allow the excess water to drain away. Place your plant in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight,

Sources:

“The Houseplant Expert”; Dr. D.G. Hessayon; 1980

“Favorite Houseplants”; Don Dooley; 1976


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