Spider plants with their long arching leaves and easy care nature, are one of the most popular houseplants. Native to South Africa spider plants are very adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them great for beginner gardeners. However, even these undemanding plants need a little TLC now and then to stay healthy. Knowing when to repot your spider plant is an important part of keeping it happy in your home.
How Often Should You Repot a Spider Plant?
In general, spider plants should be repotted every 2-3 years. However the exact timing depends on several factors
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Small spider plants need to be replanted more often than big spider plants that are in big pots. Check the roots yearly on juvenile plants.
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Pot size – Plants in smaller pots will be rootbound faster than those in larger pots. Upsize the container as needed.
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Growth rate – Fast growing spider plants require repotting more often than slow growers.
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Root health – If roots are diseased, damaged, or compromised, repot right away in fresh soil.
Monitor your plant and watch for signs it needs more space for the roots. Repotting yearly or even twice a year is fine for vigorously growing spider plants. Go longer between repotting for slower growing specimens.
Signs Your Spider Plant Needs Repotting
How do you know when it’s time to repot your spider plant? Here are some clues:
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Roots emerging from the drainage holes – This is a sure sign your plant has run out of room for the roots to expand.
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Roots growing out of the soil surface – Visible surface roots indicate the plant has used up the available space in the pot.
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Slow growth – If your plant has stopped actively growing or produces smaller leaves, it could be rootbound.
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Tippling over – A top heavy, unstable plant can signal a root system that cannot support it properly.
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Stunted offshoot growth – Less vigorous spiderettes are produced when the mother plant lacks adequate room for root development.
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Drying out too quickly – A rootbound plant will dry out faster and need more frequent watering.
Take action and repot your spider plant once you notice any of these signs to restore vigor and growth.
How to Repot a Spider Plant
Repotting a spider plant is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for successful transplanting:
Choose a New Container
Select a pot that is 2-4 inches wider than the current container. Make sure it has drainage holes. Terra cotta and plastic pots both work well. For bushier growth, choose a shallower versus deeper vessel.
Remove from Current Pot
Water the plant well the day before repotting. Use a blunt tool to loosen soil and roots from the sides and bottom of the pot. Gently remove the plant. Shake and massage away old soil from roots. Trim any damaged roots.
Prepare New Pot
Put about one to two inches of potting mix in the bottom of the clean pot. Position the spider plant in the pot.
Backfill with Soil
Fill in around the root ball with fresh, high quality potting soil. Stop 1-2 inches below the rim. Lightly firm the soil around the roots removing air pockets.
Water Thoroughly
Water well until it drains freely from the bottom. Allow any excess to drain fully.
Provide Aftercare
Keep the plant out of direct sun for a week while it reestablishes. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during growth.
Repotted spider plants may sulk and drop some leaves at first. This is normal. Proper aftercare will have it thriving again in no time. Avoid repotting in winter when plants are dormant. Early spring through summer is ideal.
The Right Potting Mix
Use a well-draining, soilless potting mix for repotting spider plants. A peat-based blend amended with perlite or vermiculite works perfectly. You can also add compost or coco coir to help keep the water in. Avoid heavy, dense soils that stay too wet.
Make sure any potting media is sterile and pest free. Reusing old soil can transmit diseases and lead to problems like root rot. Discard leftover mix after repotting – don’t put it back in the bag.
Repotting Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for easy, successful spider plant repotting:
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Loosen bound roots very gently to avoid damage
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Prune any dead or diseased roots
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Transplant in the morning or evening to avoid hot sun
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Water with a diluted liquid fertilizer the first few times
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Allow some room for future root expansion
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Don’t bury leaves or crowns too deeply in soil
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Support top heavy plants with bamboo stakes until established
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Consider dividing very overgrown plants into two or more at repotting
When done right and at the right time, repotting spider plants into new soil lets them keep growing quickly. Watch for signs that your plant needs more room and repot it as needed to keep it healthy and living a long time.
Can you keep spider plants outside?
In summer, spider plants can be grown outside in partial shade without any problems. But as spider plants are not frost-hardy, you will need to move yours indoors when temperatures drop again. However, you can overwinter spider plants in a slightly cooler place at about 10 to 15 °C. In the winter, moving your spider plants to a cooler spot can help them grow stronger and sometimes keep pests away.
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Planting and repotting spider plants is simple. These plants require very little care and are quite undemanding as far as location is concerned.
Whilst there are several species of spider plant (Chlorophytum spec.), this article deals with the most common species, Chlorophytum comosum. There is not much you can do wrong when planting this spider plant variety. Read on for our top tips and simple instructions on planting and repotting spider plants correctly to ensure yours stays happy and healthy.
COMPLETE Spider Plant Care – Watering, Lighting, Repotting, Propagation & More -Houseplant Care 101
FAQ
Do spider plants need big pots?
Spider plants prefer to be somewhat pot-bound, so selecting a container only slightly larger than the root ball is ideal.
Do spider plants like to be root-bound?
Yes, spider plants generally like to be slightly root-bound. They don’t mind being snug in their pots and may even produce more “babies” or spiderettes when slightly root-bound.
Do spider plants need to be watered often?
In general, give your spider plant a good watering once a week. However, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you might need to do it more often. Do spider plants like to stay moist? They prefer damp soil, but only slightly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
When should I separate my spider plant?
Spider plants can be divided at any time of the year. If the roots have filled the pot or the rhizomes are pushing up out of the soil, it’s time to move the plant to a bigger pot or split it in half.
How to repot spider plants?
Selecting an adequate pot size is an important step when repotting Spider Plants. The plant should have enough room to grow, but the pot shouldn’t be too big either. If the pot is too large, it will take more time for the soil to dry out.
How do you repot a baby spider plant?
To move a spider plant baby to a new pot, cut its link to the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Then, you can pot it up into a small planter with the same soil mixture you use for adult spider plants. Keep the soil lightly moist (though never wet!) and the spiderette should root and continue growing in no time.
How do you remove a spider plant from a pot?
Do not just pull a spider plant by the stem because the stem may be damaged or separated from the roots. Pro Tip: Spider plants can be easily removed by carefully holding the pot upside down and tapping the bottom of the pot. When you do this, you must hold the spider plant’s base between your fingers as you let gravity pull it out of the pot.