The Spider Plant is a total jackpot for any plant parent. It adds a fresh, green vibe to any room and is incredibly low-maintenance. However, if you want yours to really thrive, a little regular feeding goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know about fertilizing your Spider Plant.
How much fertilizer do I need?
There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer for how much fertilizer your Spider Plant needs. It really depends on a few factors. For example, larger plants are hungrier than smaller ones. The amount of potting soil in the container also plays a big role; if your plant has plenty of fresh, nutrient-rich soil, you won’t need to add much extra. Your best bet is to follow the dosage recommendations on the product label.
How often should I fertilize?
A good rule of thumb is to feed your Spider Plant once or twice a week between April and October. During the winter, you can scale back to once a month. Depending on where you keep it, your plant might not need any fertilizer at all during the colder months. While it is hardy, growth slows down significantly when temperatures drop below 52°F (11°C), meaning the plant barely needs extra nutrients.
Choosing the right fertilizer
Spider Plants aren’t picky eaters. A standard commercial fertilizer for houseplants gets the job done perfectly. You can choose between fertilizer spikes that you push into the soil or liquid fertilizer that you mix right into your watering can—it’s totally up to your personal preference. One thing to keep in mind: if you have a furry roommate, you might want to skip the harsh chemical fertilizers. Cats find Spider Plants absolutely fascinating and aren’t above taking a little nibble now and then.
Quick Checklist: Fertilizing Your Spider Plant
- The amount of fertilizer depends on the size of your plant.
- More soil in the pot usually means less need for extra fertilizer.
- Feed once or twice a week from April through October.
- Scale back to once a month in the winter.
- If it’s cold where your plant sits, you can skip fertilizer entirely in winter.
- Use whatever format you prefer (liquid or spikes).
- Avoid chemical fertilizers if you have pets.
