Spider plants are much-loved houseplants for their aesthetic appeal and air-purifying properties. Their low-maintenance nature makes them popular among beginner plant enthusiasts. An essential part of spider plant care is using the right soil when repotting them. Although these tropical beauties prefer to be slightly root-bound, you should change the soil occasionally with fresh potting mix and move your plant into a bigger pot when it shows signs of crowded roots.

Furthermore, your spider plant may experience stunted growth as the soil quality degrades over time and its root system has no room to expand. So, unless you repot your spider plant, its health will deteriorate.

Keep reading as we walk you through our five-step guide on repotting your spider plant and share tips on choosing the best potting soil. 

About Spider Plants

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are fast-growing houseplants that belong to the Asparagaceae family. They thrive in bright, indirect light with moderate watering, making them perfect for beginners. While spider plants are non-toxic to pets, ensure your cats or dogs don't consume large quantities of the plant to prevent digestive problems.

Different varieties of this gorgeous pet-friendly plant include the Curly Spider Plant, the Variegated Spider Plant, the Reverse Variegated Spider Plant, and more. Each boasts unique leaf patterns and shapes, adding beauty to your indoor garden.

When Should You Repot a Spider Plant?

You should repot a spider plant before its growing season, typically in early spring or summer. This helps prevent transplant shock. Also, consider the plant's condition to know if it needs repotting. Ideally, repotting is only necessary when the roots have become crowded or are showing through the drainage holes and the plant is visibly struggling.

How to Tell If a Spider Plant Needs Repotting

If you’re not sure whether your spider plant needs repotting, look out for these clear signs to help you decide: 

• Its roots are growing out of the drainage holes. 
• The roots have started growing above the soil surface. 
• You can't see any signs of new growth in your plant. 
• The soil has become compacted, causing water to drain rapidly through the pot’s drainage holes without being properly absorbed or retained.
• It has been a while (say, over 3-5 years) since you last repotted your spider plant. 
• Cracks are developing all over the container. 
• There are several new “pups” near the base of the plant. 
• The soil is too old and depleted of nutrients.

Best Spider Plant Soil

Using the right soil for spider plants is crucial to their health. When choosing a growing medium,  consider its nutrient content, drainage, and retention properties, among other factors, to ensure optimal growth. 

So, what kind of soil do spider plants need? 

Spider plants thrive in well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A good mix combines potting soil with perlite or peat moss to ensure proper aeration and drainage while keeping the pH slightly acidic to neutral for optimal root development.

Do Spider Plants Like Perlite? 

Yes, spider plants benefit from having perlite mixed into their soil. Perlite improves drainage and aeration, preventing the soil from compacting and allowing roots to breathe. This helps the plant absorb nutrients more effectively and reduces the risk of overwatering and root rot. Thus, adding perlite to the soil mix is the key to healthier roots and overall plant vitality.

Tip: Use coarse perlite over medium or fine-grade perlite, as it offers the highest porosity to ensure your plant’s roots breathe well. 

Do Spider Plants Like Sand?

Spider plants can tolerate a small amount of sand in their soil mix, as it helps with drainage and balanced water accumulation. However, too much sand can cause the soil to dry quickly, which may stress the plant. Mix sand with other materials like peat moss or perlite to balance moisture retention and aeration.

Repotting a Spider Plant: Tools and Supplies

You’ll need the following tools and supplies to repot a spider plant:

• Gardening gloves
• Clay or ceramic container (at least 2” wider)
• Sterilized scissors or pruning shears
• Chemical-free water at room temperature 
• Well-draining and light soil mix
• Plastic sheet or old newspaper

How to Repot a Spider Plant in 5 Simple Steps

Once you’ve gathered the above supplies, it's time for the most interesting part - repotting the spider plant. 

1. Remove the Plant From Its Existing Container

Firstly, lay down some old newspaper (or plastic sheet) on the floor to prevent mess. Then, hold the pot with one hand and use your other one to support the plant at its base. Rotate the two in the opposite direction to ease the plant out. You can use a knife along the sides of the pot to free your spider plant if needed. 

2. Loosen the Roots

Loosen the root ball of your overgrown spider plant with your fingers by gently separating the individual roots. Clear as much old soil as possible so you can inspect them better. This will also help to uncurl them if they’ve been squashed in their previous smaller pot.

3. Quickly Examine the Roots

Examine the roots to identify any damaged ones. These will be soft and dark brown in appearance, unlike the healthy ones that are always firm and white. Trim the unhealthy roots with pruning shears, as they can only harm your spider plant, especially if infected with disease or pests. 

4. Place the Spider Plant in Its New Pot

Fill up half of the new container with the fresh soil mix. Then, slowly lower your spider plant into the pot and add more soil around it, gently pressing it to prevent air pockets. Secure your Chlorophytum comosum plant so it stays upright. Leave about 1-2 inches of space below the rim to prevent water and soil from overflowing when you water the plant. 

5. Water Your Spider Plant

Finish off repotting your spider plant by watering it lightly. This helps the roots settle into the new soil and prevents transplant stress. Ensure that the moisture reaches all parts of the root system.

Spider Plant: Repotting Woes and Fixes

It's not uncommon for spider plants to show sensitivity to repotting. So, beware that yours may exhibit signs of transplant shock in the first few days. Give it time and proper care to help it recover quickly, within about a week. 

Why Is My Spider Plant Not Doing Well After Repotting?

Your spider plant may feel distressed after repotting for various reasons, such as improper watering (over or underwatering), rough handling of the roots during the repotting, and incorrect light exposure. 

In addition, using a pot that's too big for the plant or not providing enough drainage, which can lead to root rot, are common causes of issues after repotting. Last but not least, using the wrong soil mix could also be the reason for your plant's inability to adjust to its new home. 

Should I Water a Spider Plant After Repotting?

It's essential to water your spider plant after repotting. Proper hydration of the roots will help them settle and spread outwards for tangle-free growth. Don’t overwater the plant and use room-temperature ‘overnight’ water to prevent shock. 

Why Is My Spider Plant Turning Brown After Repotting? 

One common reason for your spider plant’s leaf browning after repotting is improper watering and direct sunlight. The best practice is to allow the soil to dry a little before watering it and to place the plant in indirect light to avoid leaf issues.

Spider Plant Soil & Repotting: FAQs

Q: Do spider plants like deep or shallow pots?

A: Spider plants prefer shallow (or wide) pots over deep or tall pots, as their root system’s growth pattern benefits from such pots. They provide more horizontal space for the roots to expand, besides improving oxygen availability, reducing waterlogging, and helping warm up the soil, which will dry faster.  

Q: Does a spider plant like to be root-bound? 

A: Yes, a spider plant likes to be slightly root-bound since this encourages it to produce more flowers and offsets. Nevertheless, if you notice the roots circling inside the pot or running out of space to grow, your plant needs repotting. Otherwise, it may suffer from stunted growth and various leaf-related issues. 

Q: How do you perk up a spider plant?

A: You can help your sad-looking spider plant perk up by ensuring it receives at least 5-6 hours of bright, indirect light in a moderately humid environment, watering it adequately, and repotting it on time. 

Q: Can you transplant spider plant babies?

A: Yes, you can transplant spider plant babies, also known as spiderettes, for easy propagation. To do so, cut a few offsets and plant the baby spider plants into a well-draining soil mix. With proper care, the roots should develop within a few weeks. 

Q: Can I use cactus soil for spider plants?

A: Yes, you can use cactus soil for spider plants. Just keep in mind that cactus soil drains quickly and retains less moisture compared to regular potting soil. This means you’ll need to water your spider plants more frequently, as the soil will dry out faster, especially during the summer. 

Q: Do spider plants like acidic soil?

A: Spider plants prefer a fairly neutral soil with a 6.0-7.0 pH. While they will still not complain with slightly acidic (pH < 6.0) or alkaline soil, they do best in soil, closer to neutral on the pH scale. Consider using coffee water as fertilizer occasionally to feed your beloved spider plant.

Conclusion

Repotting a spider plant can greatly enhance its growth and vitality, provided you do it correctly with the right soil mix and care. These easy-going plants thrive in well-draining soil and need proper hydration post-repotting to establish healthy roots. 

Want to pair your spider plant with some gorgeous companion plants? Consider Philodendrons, Snake Plants, or Pothos to create a visually appealing and healthy plant arrangement for your home or office.