Chlorophytum comosum care (aka spider plant) is easy and low maintenance. Keep it simple. Spider plants also called airplane plants and prefer the soil to be not too wet nor too dry. Soggy soil in pots without a drainage hole could cause their already water-heavy roots to rot.
Spider plants like to dry out a bit between waterings.
When to Water a Spider Plant
Location, humidity, lighting, plant age, and water amount are all important to a watering schedule.
If you’re unsure how often to water an airplane plant, start by watering once a week. Adjust watering based on the following factors.
Consider the Location
Spider plants rely on consistent soil moisture to thrive and grow little spider plant babies, offshoots, or plantlets.
Where is your spider plant located? If it’s in a room with higher humidity, like the bathroom, you won’t need to water your spider plant as often.
If your spider plant is in a location where humidity levels vary more, such as a sunroom, or near doors, it may need more frequent watering.
Plants growing in direct sun may require more water.
Humidity
In general, humidity can affect how your spider plant retains moisture. Outside seasonal changes can affect your indoor plants.
If your spider plant is at the office, depending on the building’s size, humidity may not be much of a factor to consider.
If humidity is low, your spider plant may suffer from brown tips and burning.
Light Conditions
Spider plants grow best in bright indirect light. So does its pot of soil.
If your spider plant is in a well-lit room, keep in mind the sunlight’s movement in that place throughout the day. If you have west or east-facing windows, the sunlight may cause its soil to dry out faster.
You may need to adjust spider plant watering schedules if you move them into, or out of, particularly sunny parts of your home.
Related: Can Spider Plants Live Outdoors in Direct Sunlight?
Consider the Potting Mix
Some potting mixes and soils better absorb and retain water than others. Work with what you have in the pot if your spider plant seems happy in its soil (i.e., no discoloration, tip burning, or compaction).
If you need to re-pot your spider plant, choose a mix designed to hold water for more extended periods.
Related: Best Potting Soil for Potting Mix
How Often Should You Water a Spider Plant?
Spider plants are forgiving when it comes to watering frequency. Regular watering (but not overwatering) is ideal.
If you are not consistent with watering, the hearty, thick roots will help the plant survive the drought.
An easy way to tell if your potting mix is effective is by testing the soil with your finger. If you stick your finger in the soil and it comes up dry, it’s time to water.
Do this every couple of days at first to gauge the time it takes for your spider plant’s soil to begin drying.
Cholorophytum plants are light feeders. But your plants will benefit by adding a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly when watering your spider plants.
How To Water a Spider Plant
Your spider plant’s soil should be moist, not soggy. Its roots hold a lot of water, so spider plants do best when you allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Water the plant slowly to allow the water time to absorb. Be generous with the water, but don’t leave a pool of moisture in the soil.
Watering From Above
Watering your spider plant from above with a long neck watering can is fine. Ensure the soil is dry and ready for a shower before you water.
What Kind of Water is Best?
Distilled water is best. Tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that are, not the best for house plants. A salt buildup can happen over time with tap water.
If your spider plant leaves are turning brown consider changing the water.
But if you’ve been using tap water and your spider plant is thriving, don’t worry about changing the source.
Related: How To Prune Spider Plants
Bottom Line
Spider plants are forgiving. It is better to underwater than to overwater.
For optimal spider plant well-being, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.