The moment I set my eyes on the Curly Spider Plant, I knew it was one I had to get to beautify my home and garden. I love the curly green leaves with white strips that make it attractive and an eye-catcher. And to crown it all, it is a low-maintenance plant, so I do not have to invest much time and resources as it starts blooming.
Commonly known as the Chlorophytum comosum, they belong to the spider plant group but are distinguished from others because of their curly leaves. They usually grow flowers in suitable conditions, especially when planted outdoors.
I found them more attractive in wall baskets as indoor plants, and they are environmentally friendly as air purifying, which is another reason to get them as decorative plants. Everything about this plant is low-maintenance, from watering to caring for the plant as they grow.
How to Plant and Best Conditions for the Curly Spider Plant
Now let’s get to work you will have to do to get the curly spider plant up and thriving. No matter how easy it is to care for and groom plants, you still have to ensure that the environment is favorable for them to blossom. You can plant the curly spider plant from an offcut grown on a pot before the transplant or from the plant’s seed.
Preparing the Soil
The curly spider plant grows well in ordinary and well-drained soil. Avoid water-logged soil, which can dampen the root and cause rot. When I say regular soil, you do not necessarily have to treat it or add fertilizers, for they can survive on well-drained soil. All you have to do is ensure that the soil does not hold water and that your plant will thrive.
Alternatively, you can insert or perforate draining holes on the container or planting pot to create room for draining water.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Please provide appropriate light for your plant to bloom, especially when you have them indoors. Although they will grow with moderate to high lighting, the growth will be slow, and they may not grow to blossom in low light conditions. I always had my curly spider plant close to the window, not directly to sunlight, but where they can receive enough sunlight for at least 2-3 hours a day.
For the temperature requirement, avoid low temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It will grow and blossom at room temperature, so you do not need to invest in temperature controls with the curly spider plant. Your room temperature is OK, and ok to get this plant to thrive.
Watering the Curly Spider Plant
While the plant requires well-drained soil, you mustn’t keep the soil dry. Since we should not water the plant extensively, I recommend you use your fingers to test the moisture content of the soil. Wait until the topsoil is almost dry before you water the plant, for persistent dry conditions will hinder the plant’s growth.
Perforate your pot to allow water to sip out during watering, and avoid soaked soil. You should only water the plant when it is dry, for you do not have to water it regularly.
Fertilizers Requirement
This is one plant that gets affected when fertilizers are applied often. They store their nutrients in their tubers and sustain themselves with the required nutrients. Frequent application of fertilizers to the curly spider plant’s soil will stunt the plant’s growth.
Propagating the Curly Spider plant
The propagation of the curly spider plant can be done from any of the plantlets cut from the mother plant. There are two ways to propagate the plant using the plantlet, and the first involves placing a plantlet while still attached to the mother plant on a pot mixed with soil. And then cut off from the mother plant when it starts growing and rooting.
Cutting the plantlets from the mother plant requires techniques to ensure you attach the toot growing from the spiderette/plantlet. Each plantlet has a node-like attachment to the mother plant, which grows roots, and those roots should be planted in a pot filled with soil. To ensure the required draining condition, insert holes at the pots’ bottom.
While the second method involves cutting off a plantlet from the mother plant and placing them in a water jar, you will transfer them to a pot with the appropriate soil mix after they have started rooting.
Repotting the Curly Spider Plant
Repotting of the curly spider plant is necessary through their active period. The plant grows fast when in the appropriate conditions, and thus fleshy roots expand beyond their reach. Always use a bigger pot when repotting to make way for the more extensive root and the plant to grow.
One cannot clearly state the timeline for repotting the curly spider plant because they grow at a different rate based on the care and conditions provided. You should monitor the growth of your curly spider plant and ensure to change the pot before the root grows and crack your pot.
Uproot the plant carefully with roots intact when repotting from its current pot. Then rinse and trim the root thoroughly and transplant it to a new and larger pot. Always make room for water drainage in the new and larger pot. Too much water will affect the root of the plant.
Pest Control
Water-logged soil may cause root rot, attracting house pests like spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and scales. Aside from these pests, keep the soil adequately watered, and you will observe no pest issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the curly spider plants toxic?
No, they are not toxic, and they use as edible plants in some areas, such as South Africa.
My curly plant is losing its curls; what may be the reason?
One factor that affects the curls is the moisture content of the soil. Too much water may reduce the coil of the soil, but it does not mean it should be too dry. Try and balance the moisture contents and keep it a little dry.
Are the benefits of growing the curly spider plant?
They are suitable for indoor air purification as well as the beautification of the house. Since they are not toxic, they are one of the common indoor house plants.
What is the cause of yellowing in the curly plant?
The leading cause of the curly plant’s yellowing leaves is the soil’s imbalance in moisture content. Either the soil is too dry or too wet, and you must find a balance.