With its cascading foliage and easygoing nature, the Spider Plant is a beloved houseplant. However, even this resilient low-maintenance plant thrives best with proper care. Understanding the ideal spider plant watering schedule is crucial for its health and longevity. Spider plants require a steady supply of water but there is a fine balance between too much and too little. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how often to water your spider plant to keep it happy and thriving. 

About Spider Plants

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), known as the Ribbon Plant or Airplane Plant, is a popular houseplant prized for its attractive foliage and easy-care needs. This resilient plant features long, arching leaves with distinctive white stripes. It’s a prolific producer of “spiderettes” — small plantlets that dangle from the ends of long stolons, adding to its charm. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.

Spider plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer numerous benefits. They are known for their air-purifying qualities, effectively removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and xylene. Moreover, spider plants are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for households with furry friends. 

How Often Should You Water a Spider Plant?

Do spider plants need a lot of water? Not really. These resilient pet-friendly plants are relatively drought-tolerant. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering, as it can lead to root rot. 

When to Water a Spider Plant

It’s best to water your spider plant only when it needs it. You don’t need to stick to a strict schedule, either. Instead, regularly check your spider plant to determine whether or not it needs a drink. How dry should the soil be before watering a spider plant? Ideally, the top 1-2 inches of soil should be dry. 

In addition, the ideal watering frequency depends on several factors. Watering your spider plant may be required more often in warmer climates with lower humidity. Similarly, higher temperatures and increased sunlight can accelerate soil drying. In other words, you might need to water more frequently during the warmer months. 

Conversely, your spider plant will require less frequent watering in the cooler months. Adjust your spider plant watering schedule to maintain moist but not soggy soil. Morning watering is generally recommended, as it allows the soil to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of root rot.   

How Much Water Does a Spider Plant Need?

A spider plant doesn’t need that much water. How much to water a spider plant depends on a few factors, such as the pot size, location, and time of year. 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. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before giving your plant a drink. Then, water your airplane plant slowly and deeply, ensuring all excess water drains from the bottom of the pot so it’s never soaking. 

How to Water a Spider Plant: Tips and Tricks

Do spider plants like to dry out? Not exactly. They prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. To determine when to water, check the moisture level of the soi. Insert your finger about one inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. You can also use a moisture meter for more precise readings. 

Do You Water a Spider Plant From the Top or Bottom?

You can water spider plants from the top or the bottom. The most common is to water from the top, while bottom watering can be beneficial for evenly saturating the soil and preventing overwatering. 

Can I Bottom Water a Spider Plant?

Bottom watering a spider plant involves using a drip tray. The plant soaks the water up through the holes in the bottom of the pot. However, this method is not recommended regularly, as it’s difficult to tell if you’re overwatering the plant. The only exception is if your spider plant is very dehydrated and the water runs through the pot too fast, with little soaking in. Bottom watering helps drench the soil so it can retain moisture again. However, you should use this method sparingly. 

Watering a Spider Plant From the Top

To water a spider plant from the top, pour ‘overnight’ water slowly over the soil until it starts running out of the bottom drainage holes. Avoid wetting the foliage, especially indoors. Allow all the excess water to drain away, and empty the drip tray. This ensures your plant is never soaking or sitting in water. 

What Kind of Water Do Spider Plants Need?

It’s best not to use tap water as it contains chemicals that can lead to brown leaf tips. To hydrate your Chlorophytum comosum, use distilled or rainwater. You can use tap water that has been left for at least 24 hours for any chemicals to evaporate. You could also use snow in the winter months, but melt and warm it to room temperature first. 

How Do You Tell the Difference Between Overwatered and Underwatered Spider Plants?

What does a thirsty spider plant look like? How can you spot an overwatered spider plant? You’ll find the answers and more in the next sections. 

How to Tell If a Spider Plant Is Overwatered

If you’re wondering what an overwatered spider plant looks like, there are some signs to look for. It’s a common problem and can lead to serious leaf issues for your plant. Signs of an overwatered spider plant include:

• Yellowing leaves
• Drooping leaves
• Brown leaf tips
• Soft and mushy stems
• Root rot
• Fungal growth
• Tiny gnats flying around the plant.  

How to Fix an Overwatered Spider Plant

There are several things you can do if you suspect you’ve got a droopy overwatered spider plant:

• Inspect and trim the roots: Snip off damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
• Repot with fresh soil: After trimming the roots, choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and a potting mix that promotes good drainage. A mixture of peat, vermiculite, and perlite works best when repotting a spider plant. 
• Adjust your watering habits: It might require a small change, but it will make a huge difference in keeping your spider plant healthy. 

What Does an Underwatered Spider Plant Look Like? 

Many plant enthusiasts wonder how to tell if a spider plant is underwatered. An underwatered spider plant will show distinct signs of distress, including:

• Wilting
• Soil dryness
• Leaf color changes
• Crispy leaf tips
• Stunted growth

How Do You Revive a Dry Spider Plant?

How do you perk up a dry spider plant? If your spider plant is looking a bit droopy, don’t worry. Gently water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. You can also try a deep soak by placing the pot in a container with water for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom. 

Spider Plant Watering: FAQs

Q: How often should I water my spider plant in winter?

A: During the winter, spider plants enter into a state of dormancy. Their growth slows down and their water needs drop. You should irrigate your spider plant around half as often as during the warmer months, sometimes even less. 

Q: Can a spider plant live in water?

A: Yes, you can root and propagate spider plants in water and not replant them subsequently in soil. They are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for hydroponic gardens, thriving permanently in water. However, growing your spider plant in water requires care and attention. 

Q: How long can a spider plant go without water?

A: A healthy spider plant can last two to three weeks without water in moderate conditions, provided it has established roots. 

Q: Is misting good for spider plants?

A: Misting your spider plant helps raise the humidity level around it for a short period. Spritz your spider plant occasionally in dry hot conditions. Too much misting can lead to pest and fungal growth issues. 

Q: When does a spider plant need less water?

A: A spider plant requires less water in the fall and winter. 

Q: Do spider plants like coffee grounds?

A: Coffee grounds are excellent for the healthy growth of your spider plants. Nitrogen-rich, coffee grounds contain other micronutrients needed by spider plants. 

Conclusion

With its cascading foliage and easygoing nature, the spider plant thrives best with proper care. Understanding the ideal spider plant watering schedule is critical to ensure its health and longevity. By following these simple tips and paying close attention to your spider plant water requirements, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this wonderful houseplant for years to come.

To complement your spider plant, consider popular green companions, such as the Peace Lily, Sansevieria Zeylanica Snake Plant, and the Golden Pothos Plant.