The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the simplest houseplants to grow and care for it. The plant thrives in a wide range of conditions and experiences fewer problems like brown leave tips.
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Many growers end up blaming themselves due to the heartbreak caused by the dying plant. Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that might affect the health of your houseplant. The situation happens despite following proper guidelines.
We have compiled this article to help you find out the causes and methods on how to save a dying spider plant. Take time to read through the article and learn proper techniques of rejuvenating the airplane plant.
Meanwhile, why is my spider plant dying? Some of the prevalent causes are water stress, under-fertilization, pest infestations, and insufficient light. Take the time to inspect the symptoms before implementing tricks of rejuvenating the airplane plant.
Main Causes for the Dying Spider Plant
Understanding the possible cause of the issue is quite essential. It will help come up with reputable measures to bring the spider plant to its natural splendor.
Some of the possible causes include:
Sunlight Exposure
A dying spider plant could be due to the impact of sunlight exposure. The situation may be due to too much light or lack of light exposure.
The houseplant flourishes under bright indirect light. So, exposing the plant to direct sunlight for long hours will scorch the leaves and even facilitate its death in the long run.
On the other hand, the plant can survive under low to dim light. But the plant will experience stunted growth. It is the main reason for the spider plant looking limp and pale.
Under Fertilization
Airplane plants are not heavy feeders. But these plants need specific nutrients and minerals to enhance healthy growth.
Under fertilizing the houseplant will supply insufficient nutrients that do not meet the requirement of the plant. The leaves will start turning brown, and eventually, the plant dies.
Also, using the wrong fertilizer on the plant will ruin its natural splendor. The ingredients from the fertilizer will make the plant to draw out much water, and this inhibits its blossom.
Overwatering the Plant
The houseplant can survive in challenging weather conditions. But going to the extreme of denying the plant water or overwatering will cause its death.
The plant grows in a well-drain soil that has moisture. So, drowning the plant in water will result in root rot. The disease will inhibit the flow of water and minerals to other parts of the plant.
The leaves of the plant will turn yellow and finally brown. These symptoms are a clear indicator that the plant is going to die. Thus, overwatering is another crucial cause of spider plant dying.
Planting the Houseplant Deep in the Pot
Spider plants that are grown deep in the container usually start to look pale and limp. It implies that the plant lack optimum light, humidity and temperature. These are vital factors the flourishes the plant.
On the other hand, allowing the indoor plant to overgrow the container is another possible cause of the problem. The plant will start to weaken and experience limpness. The scenario happens since the roots will begin emerging from the potholes.
Pest Infestations on the Plant
The good news is that the spider plant is resistant to insect infestations. But pest infestation can damage the plant and ruin its natural colors.
Some of the common pests found on the leaves and stems of spider plants are whiteflies, spider mites and aphids. These pests limit the plant to carry out transpiration and photosynthesis.
Whiteflies cause ashy and black molds on the leaves. Spider mites make the leaves to turn yellow and curly. Aphids suck plant sap and this triggers wilting in the long run.
Here is a Quick Guide on Spider Plant Care
How to Save a Dying Spider Plant
If you notice your spider plant dying, then there is no need to freak. There are so many ways on how to revive a dying spider plant.
Some of these ways include:
Underwatered Spider Plant
One of the best ways of reviving underwatered indoor plant is watering. But ensure the water used lack fluoride and boron minerals.
These minerals have the reputation of causing brown tips on the spider plant leaves. Use distilled water to prevent the plant from wilting.
Overwatered Spider Plant
Putting small holes on the pot is one of the ways on how to revive the overwatered spider plant. The indoor plant does not thrive in waterlogged soil.
Excess water in the container soil causes root rot. The disease restricts the flow of water and vital minerals to significant tissues of the plant.
Provide Bright Indirect Sunlight
Place the container close to the window to receive bright indirect light. The filtered light allows the plant to make its food without scorching the leaves.
Avoid keeping the plant pot in a dim to low light environment. The surrounding makes the indoor plant weak and even begin to pale and limp.
Apply Optimal Fertilizer
Have the habit of applying fertilizer on the plant every spring and summer. It is a crucial practice to consider, despite the plant being a low feeder.
The nutrients and minerals from the fertilizer support healthy growth. Remember to consider fertilizers from reputable brands meant for indoor plants.
Pest Control Measures
Spraying the plant with insecticides will help to eliminate any form of pests. Inspect the leaves of the plant every week and consider pest control measures if you notice signs of problems.
You can consider artificial and natural measures to prevent pests on the spider plants. These pesticides kill insects like spider mites, aphids and whiteflies.
Re-Pot the Plant
Spider plants do overgrow in the hanging baskets until the roots start coming out of the drainage holes. Re-potting will help to prevent congestion in the container due to roots overgrowing.
Going for a giant dish is a perfect option. The plant will fit on it and not experience overgrowing issues in the long run.
In Conclusion
Spider plants are robust indoor plants. The plants can survive in different weather climates without losing its splendor. But extreme conditions might make the houseplant to start dying.
The good news is that you can revive a dying spider plant. Most of the measures listed in the article have been tested and proven to be effective.
We recommend diagnosing the cause of the problem and implementing the right measure. The aim is to prevent further damage to the indoor plant.
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