The spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) is one of the most popular houseplants. With its graceful, arching leaves and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder this plant has been a houseplant favorite for over 200 years! If you are wondering how to make your spider plant bushier, there are a few simple steps you can take to encourage fuller growth.
One of the signature features of the spider plant is its lovely, entire, bushy appearance. But sometimes spider plants can get slightly leggy and sparse looking, especially as they mature. Never fear! With some simple tricks and proper care, you can coax your spider plant to fill out into a gorgeous, dense specimen that will be the envy of all your plant-loving friends.
This article will cover 14 methods to make your spider plant look bushier and more attractive. With time and effort, you’ll have the lush, vibrant spider plant of your dreams!
1. Increase Light Exposure
One of the easiest ways to make your spider plant bushier is to give it more light. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. Some morning or late afternoon direct sun is ok, but avoid prolonged midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
If your spider plant is stretching toward the light source and getting leggy, move it to a brighter spot in your home. An east or west-facing window is ideal. You may even want to supplement with a grow light in the winter when sunlight is limited. The improved light exposure will encourage your spider plant to produce more compactly and fill out.
2. Prune Off Leggy Stems
Sometimes, spider plants can get long, spindly stems with leaves far apart. This leggy growth occurs when the plant is reaching for light. Pruning back these unattractive stems encourages the plant to sprout new growth lower down, leading to a fuller appearance.
Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to snip the stems back to an attractive point. Make cuts just above leaf nodes to encourage new offshoots to form. You can prune back as far as you like, even cutting stems back to the base. The spider plant will recover quickly!
3. Propagate New Plants
Another great way to make your spider plant bushier is to propagate new plants and create a lush, full pot. Spider plants are easy to propagate! Remove the “siderites” (mini plantlets) that grow from the mature stems and place them in water or potting mix.
Once the siderites root and establish themselves as new little plants, you can add them back into the original pot to achieve that bushy, overflowing look. Grouping 3-5 newly propagated spider plants together looks fantastic. And you get more plants for free!
4. Report Annually
Repotting your spider plant into fresh soil once a year encourages new growth. Choose a pot that is 2 inches larger than the current container. Make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom.
Remove the root ball and loosen any circled roots before placing it into the new pot. Fill with a well-drained potting mix like one made for African violets. Water thoroughly after repotting.
The refreshed soil gives the spider plant nutrients for lush growth. And moving to a slightly bigger pot allows room for the roots and plant to expand.
5. Fertilize Regularly
Using fertilizer is vital to keep your spider plant colorful and vigorous. During the active spring and summer growing season, feed your plant every 2-4 weeks. You can use liquid or granular fertilizers. Look for a balanced formula.
When growth slows, reduce application to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter. Always follow package directions for proper dilution and use. Fertilizing ensures your plant has the nutrients it needs for bushy growth.
6. Increase Humidity
Spider plants prefer average room humidity. But boosting Humidity can encourage faster, lusher growth. Consider using a humidifier or pebble tray near your plant. You can also mist the leaves occasionally with a spray bottle of water.
Grouping several spider plants creates a humid microclimate around the plants. Simply moving the pot to your bathroom provides a humidity boost. Just watch for signs of mold or fungus that can develop if moisture levels are too high.
7. Take Plant Divisions
Mature spider plants will occasionally form dense clumps. As these clumps get overcrowded, you may notice reduced vigor and unhealthy lower leaves. Dividing the plant into smaller sections can revitalize growth.
Carefully tease apart the root ball using your hands or gardening tools, dividing it into smaller clumps of 3-5 stems each. Report these divisions into new containers using fresh potting mix.
This technique reduces competition between stems and leaves, allowing each new plant room to grow bushy and robust. And you end up with multiple spider plants for your effort!
8. Choose Ideal Container Size
Picking the suitable planter for your spider plant helps manage its growth habit. Choosing a pot that’s too large can cause the stems and leaves to spread out, seeking light and nutrients. This leads to legginess.
Select a pot that’s just slightly bigger than the root system. Terra cotta pots are great for spider plants because they “breathe,” allowing air to flow to the roots. Make sure containers have drainage holes. A snug pot helps restrain spider plant growth so it fills out attractively.
9. Control Temperature
Spider plants grow well in average household temperatures between 60-80°F. Avoid extremes of hot or cold. Too much heat stress can cause leaf scorching and slight growth as the plant stretches away from the desirable location.
Chilly spots under 60°F may slow growth and cause lower leaves to yellow and drop. Try to provide your spider plant with consistent, moderate temps all year for optimal fullness. Move it away from cold/hot spots like drafty windows, heat vents, or poorly insulated walls.
10. Water Appropriately
Proper watering habits lead to healthy spider plants with dense, plump leaves on compact stems. Spider plants like their soil to dry out some between waterings.
Wait to water until the top few inches of soil are dry. Then, soak the entire root zone until water drains from the holes at the bottom. This encourages deep roots and bushy top growth. Avoid both under and over-watering for best results.
11. Wipe Leaves Regularly
Dust and debris that collect on your spider plant’s leaves block light absorption. This diminishes photosynthesis, slowing growth.
Get into the habit of gently wiping the leaves every few weeks using a soft, damp cloth. This removes dirt buildup and allows unobstructed light to reach the leaves so your plant can grow to its fullest, bushiest potential.
12. Avoid Leaf Damage
Insects, pets, rough handling, and cold drafts can all damage spider plant leaves. Holes, scorch marks, and breakage negatively affect the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce bushy growth.
Inspect leaves frequently and remove any that are badly damaged. Keep plants away from high-traffic areas, heaters, and cold windows where leaves might break. Manage pets to avoid chewing. Address any pest issues promptly before extensive injury occurs.
13. Prune Flower Stalks
When happy, spider plants occasionally produce tall flower stalks topped with petite white blooms. These flowers divert energy from leaf growth.
While the flower stalks look neat, you’ll get a bushier spider plant by snipping off the stalks near the base with clean shears. This encourages the plant to concentrate on building lush, attractive foliage instead of flowers.
14. Steak and Rotate Container
As stems lengthen and get heavy with leaves, they can droop and spread out unattractively. Using plant stakes or bamboo rods provides physical support, keeping stems upright for a tidier, bushier look.
Push the stakes into the potting mix near the base of the drooping stems. Gently tie the stems to the stakes with twine or twist ties, taking care not to crush the plant. Rotate the pot every week or so to encourage even upright growth.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Spider Plant Bushy Long-Term
Achieving a bushy spider plant involves initial coaxing and proper care over time. Here are five critical tips for maintaining lush growth long-term:
- Fertilize regularly to nourish the plant continuously. Use a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer.
- Report annually into fresh soil to fuel steady growth. This prevents root congestion.
- Prune back any new leggy or sparse growth to encourage fullness. Be diligent about trimming.
- Propagate new siderites often. Keep adding these back into the pot for free new fullness.
- Monitor conditions like light, Humidity, and temperature. Adjust as needed to mimic the spider plant’s native African environment.
FAQs
How much light does a spider plant need?
Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Some morning or evening direct sun is fine, but avoid intense midday sun. An east or west window is ideal in most homes.
Should I mist my spider plant?
Occasional misting can boost Humidity for faster growth. But it’s not required. Water properly and wipe leaves to clean. Monitor for mold if misting.
When should I report my spider plant?
Report spider plants every 12-18 months. Choose a container 2 inches larger than the current size. This prevents root congestion and nourishes growth.
What causes brown leaf tips?
Brown tips are often from dry air or irregular watering. Boost Humidity, avoid droughts/floods, and water properly to hydrate the leaves. Overfertilizing can also cause leaf burn.
Why is my spider plant drooping?
Drooping leaves usually indicate dehydration. Feel the soil and water if it is dry. Drooping can also be from too much sunlight, overwatering, or cold drafts. Adjust care accordingly.
Last Thoughts
With its graceful, arching foliage, the spider plant is a remarkably popular and versatile houseplant. While these plants are pretty forgiving, you can maximize growth and enjoy them at their fullest potential by coaxing them into a bushy habit.
You can cultivate a spectacular spider plant with lush, dense foliage by providing the proper care through optimal light, water, Humidity, fertilizer, and regular pruning and propagation. Put just a few of these easy tips into practice and see your spider plant flourish!
Discovering the best indoor plants for dark rooms can significantly enhance your living space, and among them, the spider plant stands out. The fuller and more vibrant your spider plant becomes, the more satisfaction you’ll gain caring for this beloved indoor plant. A bushy, healthy spider plant will surely be a prized part of your home’s décor for years, thriving even in low-light conditions and bringing life to every corner.
