The hardest thing about being a plant parent is not growing a plant to maturity. Many people think that having a plant means watering it and adding fertilizer, but there is more. The soil and vase you put your plant in will greatly determine the overall health of your plant.
Spider plants are one of the common office and house plants. Most people prefer them because they are non-toxic and do not need much attention. The only thing you need to ensure you do for your spider plant is to plant it in the correct soil. If you are stuck on what soil will work best for your spider plant, read on to find out.
What is the best soil for a spider plant?
If you want to get the best out of your spider plant, it is recommended you plant it in loamy, well-drained soil. The ph. of this soil needs to be between 6.0 to 7.0 for best results. The good thing with spider plants is that all you have to do is figure out how to get the best soil.
Reasons why you need good soil for your spider plant
One of the things you will notice with spider plants is they do not need much to grow. They are the easiest plant to have around. The only thing you need to do is ensure you get them good soil. The reason for this is spider plants get most of their nutrients and stability from the soil. If you plant them in poorly drained soil, they might not grow to their full potential. If you want them growing well and fully, ensure you get the right soil for them.
Signs that your spider plant is not in the right soil
Since soil is vital for your spider plant, several things will show you the plant needs repotting. Be on the lookout for them since they are easy to miss at times.
- There is root rot at your plant’s base
- The foliage develops spots
- Leaves become brown, black, or yellow
- The leaves droop, curl or fall off the plant
If you notice any of these signs, it is pretty clear that there is something wrong with the soil you have your plants in. The best way is to repot it into quality soil before you lose your entire plant. The good thing with repotting is you get to rectify mistakes you might have missed.
How to make the best soil mixture for your plant
If you are looking for a way to ensure your potted plants stay looking good and even gets flowers, you have to get the right soil for your plant. The thing about this is there is not much you need to do. With a few simple tips and tricks, you will be able to make the perfect mixture for your spider plant.
- Get garden soil or potting soil either from your stock or a gardening shop. If you are unsure of the quality of your soil, then a gardening shop will ensure you get the right kind of soil.
- Aerate your soil. To do this, you can either use coconut coir, peat moss, or perlite. Often, the issue with the so you use is the aeration, so finding a way to do that will help. You can also add a bit of compost to add nutrients and aeration.
Factors to consider when mixing soil for your spider plant
If you have no idea how to aerate your soil or get it to the perfect pH, you need a few guidelines on how to do that. It helps to know what you are working towards and how to get there. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when creating the perfect soil mix.
- Know the nutrient content of the soil as that will help you figure out whether you need fertilizer
- Know how well the soil drains. Most garden soil is very heavy, which means you cannot use it.
- Find out the moister retention rate of the soil
The pointers above will determine whether you plant your spider plant in good soil or you will keep having issues with it. If you are unsure how to check on any of the factors above, ask for professional advice. You would rather be sure of your options than have dying plants no matter what you try.
Can I grow my spider plant in succulent soil?
Many people notice when it comes to their spider plant because it does not do well in very heavy soil. As such, it is tempting for you to want to put your plant in succulent soil.
Doing so would be a bad move for you and your plant. Spider plants need just enough water, but they cannot be too dry. Succulent soil is meant for plants that need to be kept dry, and planting your spider plant there means it will wither and dry. Ensure you find a way to strike a balance between those two. You can always talk to the professionals, ensuring you have the right soil.
Other ways to ensure your spider plant grows well
Aside from the soil, you need to keep a couple more things in mind that will ensure your spider plant grows well. Here are a couple of things you need to consider when it comes to your spider plant.
- Space out watering your spider plant. Too much water will make it drown, and the roots will start to rot.
- Place your spider plant in an area with moderate to indirect sunlight. That way, you do not have to keep moving it around
- Fertilize twice a month and not more as it will cause overfertilization.
Having a house plant is a great addition to your home. All you need to do is ensure you get the soil conditions right for your spider plant, and it will thrive. It is a great plant to have, especially if you do not have the time or patience for high-maintenance plants.
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