Spider plant easy to grow, beautiful

Q. I would like to start with houseplants, but I think I have a brown thumb. What is something easy to start with?

Millie from Boardman

A. There are many “easy” houseplants as long as you don’t over water or under water them. Use your finger to check for moisture and only water when the plant needs it – but before it begins to wilt.

About 45 years ago I was given a Spider Plant (Chloroophytum comosum) from my daughter for Mother’s Day. Since then, I have enjoyed multiple generations of this plant and hope to continue to do so.

Of the lily family, the spider plant is found in the South Pacific and South Africa and can grow up to 12-inches tall and produce 3 foot stems with small white flowers that reach from the main plant. These stems are many times called the “babies,” “pups” or “spiderettes” and can become the new plant when cut from the main plant. Spider plants form a palmate pattern with leaves that are solid green or variegated with a white stripe extending lengthwise, either down the center of each leaf (Vittatum), or the off-white stripe (Variegatum) running the length of the edge of each leaf.

These plants were commonly found in Victorian homes, probably because they are easy to propagate and forgiving if not watered often. Because it is so adaptable in the home environment, it is a good plant for the beginner gardener. This plant enjoys moderate indirect light and moderate temperatures (55-80 F) and humidity. My spider plant thrives at my north-facing window, especially in the enclosed porch during the summer. This is also a plant that can require most potting soil mixes and looks lovely in a hanging basket.

New plants can be propagated by either placing a small soil-filled pot near the parent plant, planting the “baby” in the damp soil and maintaining the soil dampness.

The spider plant likes well-drained soil, neither too dry nor too wet, and a pot with a drainage hole. These plants grow fairly quickly and become pot bound, but the spiderettes appear only when the plant roots are semipot bound. Repotting needs to only be done every two to three years.

Spider plants often develop tip burn, which is caused by under watering, low humidity or from fluoridated tap water. To avoid this, use rain water, distilled water, or fill a bucket with tap water and let it sit for 24 hours to remove the fluoride. If brown tips are present, just clip them off, as it will not harm the plant. A gentle spray every few weeks perks up the plant.

It is the perfect plant – easy to grow, beautiful and enjoyable when shared with others.

Katie Shipka, an OSU Extension master gardener volunteer in Mahoning County, provided the answer to this week’s query. The clinic is now open for spring. Call 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Regular clinic hours are 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.