Indoor plants have several benefits. They enhance the ambience of the house, improve indoor air quality, eliminate stress and boost our mood. Moreover, keeping certain plants at home can bring good luck, happiness and prosperity, according to the Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui principles. Spider plant, known as the Chlorophytum Comosum, is a common indoor plant of the evergreen flowering plant species, which belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This perennial plant is also called spider ivy and ribbon plant since it has leaves with a spider-like shape.
Spider plant: Quick facts
| Plant name | Spider plant |
| Scientific name | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Found in | Central and southern regions of Africa |
| Flower | Greenish-white flowers |
| Benefits | Adapts to different environmental conditions and is easy to maintain |
| Significance | Brings happiness and prosperity |
| Varieties | Green and multi-coloured varieties |
| Growth | Grows through potting the plantlets or spiderettes. The spiderettes grow as small white flowers. |
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Spider plant benefits
The spider plant is a popular houseplant, originally found in tropical and southern regions of Africa. Today, it also grows in other parts of the world, including western Australia. It is one of those indoor plants, which can adapt to different environmental conditions and are easy to maintain. The plants begin to produce flowers that further transform into tiny spiderettes, mainly in mature plants with sufficient stored energy.
Spider plants are excellent indoor plants that are also edible and regarded as non-poisonous to humans and pets.
Moreover, the plants are said to increase humidity levels. It absorbs water through its roots and circulates moisture through stems and leaves. When the water reaches the leaves, it evaporates into the air, increasing the humidity levels. This helps in lowering the risk of airborne diseases.
As per some studies, indoor plants like spider plants have therapeutic benefits as they help in reducing stress levels and improve mood levels.
Varieties of Spider plant
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Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Variegatum’
This variety of spider plants has long green stems, dark green leaves with stripes down the middle and cream or white leaf margins.
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Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Vittatum’
The leaves in this variety of spider plants have long white stems with wide central white stripes flanked by medium green margins.
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Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Bonnie’
This variety of spider plants has yellow flowers, slightly curled leaves with green margins and a central cream stripe. It is compact compared to the main species of plant.
Spider plant Vastu rules and placement direction
Spider plants can be kept at home. The plant looks attractive and people prefer to keep it in their living rooms and other areas. The plant helps purify the environment. As per Vastu, the spider plant should be grown in the house to bring happiness and prosperity. However, it is also essential to ensure proper maintenance of the plants.
Want to know which plant is good for home entrance ? Read our Vastu Shastra tips for keeping plants at home and in your garden
The right placement of the Spider plant will help increase the positive energy flow in the house while keeping negative energies at bay. Here are some Vastu tips to keep spider plants at home:
- As per Vastu, spider plants should be placed in the north, east, northeast or northwest of the house.
- Do not allow the spider plant to dry up or get damaged. If the plant is damaged, replace it with a new plant.
- Avoid placing the spider plant in the south and west directions.
- One can keep the plant in the living room, balconies, kitchen or study room. It can also be kept on the desk in an office space.
Where should you keep Spider plants at home?
Spider plants is considered one of the lucky indoor plants and can be placed at home or any office space. The ideal direction to keep the plant is the east or southeast directions as these directions are associated with wood element. The plants help eliminate negative energies occurring in unused corners of the house.
Spider plant maintenance and care
- When growing spider plants, ensure regular pruning, especially at the base.
- Spider plants prefer cooler temperatures of around 18 to 32 degrees Celsius.
- They grow well in semi-pot bound arrangements and require repotting when their huge, fleshy roots become prominent and watering gets cumbersome.
- Spider plants can be rooted in soil or water. Planting it in the soil will give better results, forming a stronger root system. It is essential to ensure the plant is attached to the mother plant. Only when the baby spiderette is well watered and begins to root, can it be cut from the mother plant.
- Plantlets can be cut and placed in the soil. It must be adequately watered and kept in a well-ventilated spot with ample sunlight.
- Spider plants may be damaged owing to excess fluoride or boron levels. Hence, care must be taken. Choose loamy and well-drained gardening soil for the plant.
- Avoid overwatering the plant as it can make the root rot and damage the plant.
- The plant needs pruning if the stem becomes straggly. Redirect energy to the main plant by removing the plantlet shoots.
See also: All about Areca Palm benefits
Spider plant: Tips for browning of spider plant leaves
Browning of the spider plant leaves is a natural process and does not affect the plant in any way. If you observe browning in the spider plant leaf, it is because of fluoride and chlorine in water, causing a build-up of excess salts in the soil. It is necessary to ensure that the water drains out regularly. You can also use distilled water or rainwater for the spider plants.
Spider plant potting and repotting
- Make sure you choose planters or containers of size not more than 1/3 larger than the root ball.
- The planters should have drainage holes.
- Choose loose potting mix for spider plants.
- Repotting of spider plants may be required every two to three years. This should be done if you notice the roots protruding out through the drainage holes and above the soil line.
- Remember to place the plant in a bigger container at the same level or depth. Add fresh potting mix around it.
Also read: Vastu benefits, direction, plant care and maintenance for Peace Lily
Tips for tackling pests and plant diseases
Mostly, spider plants remain healthy, but they need protection from common plant pests, such as spider mites, whiteflies and aphids. You will notice depreciated foliage in case of an infestation. One natural solution is to rinse the plant thoroughly with water. For severe infestations, go for natural pest repellents such as neem oil or insecticide.
Are Spider plants safe for pets?
Spider plants are considered safe for pets. However, it is better to still keep them away from the plant and not allow them to eat the leaves. It can be a potential problem because the plant contains chemical compounds that are believed to be related to opium, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or an upset stomach.
FAQs
How much sun does a spider plant need?
A spider plant is an indoor plant that needs indirect sunlight for up to four hours a day. The plant leaves start to get brown spots due to excess sun.
How long do spider plants live?
A spider plant can live up to 20 to 50 years if properly maintained. The Chlorophytum Comosum Vittatum or Chlorophytum Comosum Variegatum varieties of spider plants can last up to 20 years.