Coming in long and narrow leaves, Spider Plant is one of the highly ornamental indoor plants. Maintaining its flourishing is easy, but problems like curling leaves can still occur.
The most common causes of Spider Plant leaves curling are improper watering and insufficient humidity. In addition, insect infestation, fungal diseases like root rot can also cause this issue. Improper light levels, watering with tap water is other possible causes of spider plant leaves curling. This symptom indicates something is going wrong and it should be addressed as soon as possible.
No worries! This article is going to tackle the possible reasons and show you simple tricks on how to fix them. At the end of this article, you will learn the possible reasons behind your Spider Plant leaves curling and ways to fix them.
Contents
Causes of Spider Plant Leaves Curling
Self-conclusion and treatment without accurate information may worsen your Spider Plant’s condition. No problem, this article will save your plant!
Underwatering
Leaves folding inward is the gesture of Spider Plant telling you that they are thirsty. Of course, like humans, they fret from drying out too.
One more thing, there is an existing relationship between plant growth and water. Water is the means of nutrients supplied from the soil to the root.
Thus, underwatering not only lacks your plant from moisture but also beneficial substances. (Source: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science)
How To Fix
Fortunately, underwatering is easy to correct. See and do these prompt tricks to give the amount of water your Spider Plant just perfectly needs:
- Stick your finger in the soil (if you do not have any available tool) and test its moisture. The soil down below should be damp and cool, even if the topmost part is dry.
- In its first year, consistently water the Spider plant at least once a week. This helps in maintaining the moisture.
Overwatering
While it is excellent to keep the soil wet, you might overlook it as being soggy. The cliche “too much is bad” is also applicable to plants.
Overwatering is a definite nay because it drowns the roots. It further leads to rotting.
So it causes wilting and curling of the leaves. Simply because rotten roots can no longer supply essentials.
Aside from that, you’ll also observe blisters, burn, and discoloration of the leaves.
These happen if the Spider Plant is quickly absorbing more water than it requires.
How to Fix
The following steps will rescue your poor Spider Plant from overwatering:
- Initially, look out for these signs of overwatering:
- Feeling a lot of water when you poke your finger about an inch or more in the soil.
- Forming molds and visible fungus at the top of the soil.
- Foul scent emitted from deep within. This means there is root rot.
- Carefully lift the plant out of the pot to minimize the damage. Remove dead, overly soft and rotten roots using a shear. Replant it again and water moderately.
- Make sure that your Spider Plant is sitting in a pot with good drainage. Frequently empty the tray below to avoid excessive moisture.
Light Exposure
Spider plants are distinctive indoor plants. They can grow prettily even without enough sunlight.
And this fact makes them everyone’s favorite place in windowsills and indoor rooms.
Considering the right amount of light intensity for your Spider Plant is important. They love bright but indirect sunlight and shaded spots too.
Grown in full sun, your Spider Plant leaves will curl and be sunburned.
While insufficient light will affect their food production process namely photosynthesis.
This will then result in stunt and slow growth as well as dry and drooping leaves. (Source: University of Florida, IFAS)
How to Fix
Say goodbye to your agonies about light issues with your Spider Plants. And welcome these easy-to-do steps:
- Place your Spider Plant only in the appropriate place. An east-facing window is a great example. Even so, a south or west one as long as the plant acquires some shade during hot summer days.
- If the plant leaves droop due to immoderate sun exposure, quickly move it to a cooler spot. You can also give it good water soak for at least 15 minutes.
- If there is no sun, artificial light is a go-to buddy. Plants can use artificial light as an alternative to natural light without any issues.
Water Quality
Water stress compromises the health of your Spider Plant. The same goes for the uninspected quality of water.
Spider Plant is in the family of Lily which is sensitive to high levels of some minerals. An overwhelming amount is gradually built up over a long period.
Fluorine is a substance that is naturally present in water. However, using water that contains excessive fluoride is harmful. This will result in the browning and curling of the leaves.
How to Fix
To ditch harm brought by chemicals in water, try these steps:
- Immediately stop using tap water. Buy a water filter instead. Not only will you invest once, but also will keep the plants lush.
- If you have some extra budget, buy distilled or purified water for your houseplants. These kinds already filtered out the fluorine.
- If your plants are currently outdoor, investigate. They might experience unintended tap water runoffs. Divert the runoff to other areas if you suspect such a case.
- Also, the temperature of the water matters. As too cold or hot water can shock the plants.
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Fertilizer Application
Your Spider Plant is possibly suffering from soil problems if the leaves lose their pretty arch. And growing excellent plants need proper fertilization.
Feed your plant with high-grade substances, delicately following the given label directions.
Additionally, a fertilizer rich in nitrogen works well. It increases the plant height, shoots, leaves as well as yield.
To avoid plant toxicity, choose the ones without fluorine and boron content.
How to Fix
The procedures below got your fertilization problems covered. Follow these to support the health and bounty growth of your Spider Plant:
- Use a premium fertilizer with balanced content. This is to make sure that your Spider Plant is receiving balanced nutrients it needs.
- Feed them in moderation. During their active growth, fertilize them at least once a month.
- If the leaves suddenly turn brown, pause. Then, reduce half of the amount recommended by the manufacturer. You can also try a little experimentation but don’t over-fertilize.
Pot Size
Another reason why your Spider Plant leaves are curling and wilting is because of their pot size. And overgrown roots now are visibly coming out of the drainage holes.
A plant being root bound in a small pot is a definite nuisance. It can greatly damage the roots. It will lead to ineffective transportation of the beneficial nutrients and water up.
Meanwhile, larger storage brings root rot. It’s because the soil retains too much water that the Spider Plant cannot all consume.
How to Fix
Check the enumerated solutions below and find out which will best work for you:
- Transfer your Spider Plant if the pot can no longer hold its roots. Replant it in a pot that is about two inches larger in diameter. Too large containers may result in waterlogging.
- You can also cut the rootball of a very large Spider Plant into different sections with leaves still in it. Then, replant it in new pots.
- Alternatively, pluck off plantlets and propagate them.
- Allow the plantlet to root first before you completely detach it from the mother plant. You can do this by setting it on the surface of a soilless potting medium, with a metal piece holding it.
- You can also choose a plantlet that already developed its roots. Then, put that in a pot.
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How To Prevent Spider Plant Leaves Curling
The main reasons behind the Spider Plant curling leaves problem are environment-related.
It’s either the Spider Plant is receiving too much or less water and light. Successfully address these needs by providing the proper amount and good location.
The quality and quantity of water and fertilizer are crucial. Always carefully examine the contained substances. This is to assure you that you are giving them only the best.
Also, make sure that your Spider Plant is in the right container. The smaller pot will compromise the nutrients supply from roots and up. While a larger one can cause root rot.
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FAQs
1. Why is my Spider Plant pale and limp?
Probably, one of the next reasons is the culprit why your Spider Plant suddenly became pale and limp. These are insufficient or excessive light, inadequate fertilizer, overwatering, and the need for repotting.
2. Why are my Spider Plant leaves turning yellow?
The primary answer to that question is the lack of light. Inadequate light will weaken the plant as seen on its leaves turning yellow. Excess water minerals, nutrient deficiency, and pests can also lead to foliage discoloration.
3. What does an overwatered Spider Plant look like?
An overwatered Spider Plant will start to have yellow and wilting leaves. In some cases, the foliage turns black or brown. If this happened, this is because of root rot caused by a lavish amount of water.
Final Words
I have already shared with you all my little secrets on why my Spider Plant leaves curl and how I made it lush again. Now, it’s your turn.
Which tip from today’s post are you going to try first? Or maybe I didn’t mention your own discovered step?
Either way, let me know by commenting down below your insights.